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Justin Timberlake Uses Instagram To Raise Hype For 'TKO'

Caroline Langella |
September 20, 2013 | 3:05 p.m. PDT

Staff Reporter

Today Justin Timberlake released a new single titled "TKO" from his album "The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2," which comes out on September 27th. "TKO" has all of the components of a classic Timberlake song. In 7 minutes, JT manages to woo us again with his signature soulful voice while his friend Timbaland adds a hip-hop beat to a love song with a boxing metaphor.

So, basically this is just a single that Justin is releasing to increase the hype for his new album. It is natural for everyone to get excited over a new Timberlake song and album (how could you not), but why does "TKO" and "The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2" have so much attention, especially when Timberlake just released an album back in March? Someone could easily just say that Justin Timberlake is awesome, which would be valid. But, a huge reason for all of the hype over Timberlake and especially "TKO" is his presence on Instagram.

JT's official track list (Instagram - justintimberlake)
JT's official track list (Instagram - justintimberlake)

Timberlake's Instagram, which has a solid fan base of 2.1 million followers, is filled with videos and photos that tease the releases of his new music. Just 5 weeks ago, he announced the track list of "The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2" through a series of 11 Instagram videos. In each video, Timberlake artistically wrote down a new track onto a piece of paper, leaving fans more obsessed with the new album than ever before.

(Instagram - justintimberlake)
(Instagram - justintimberlake)

 

 

 

Yesterday, he did it again for the release of "TKO." He began with another sheet of paper, which simply asked, "Should I release a new single today???" Of course you should, Justin. Over 150,000 likes on Instagram means yes! This was followed by a photo of him singing, three videos of him singing, and the single's album art. By the end of the day, fans were hooked, and Timberlake had already succeeded in making this new single something to remember. Finally, at the end of the day, he wrote "TKO is out now". Obviously, his fans faithfully bought TKO, because it is currently #6 on iTunes, and will probably go up from there.

 

 

So here is my question: Is "TKO" actually an incredible new song? Or is it just that Justin taunted us all day yesterday into wanting to hear it? Regardless, Timberlake is very talented, but it should be recognized that he also knows how to use social media to his advantage.

If you haven't heard "TKO" yet, here it is:

Reach Staff Reporter Caroline Langella here. Follow her on Twitter here.



 

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