Justin Timberlake has officially addressed one of the more unexpected chapters of his pop-star history: the beatboxing era.
The singer recently found himself back in the spotlight after influencer Hannah Young, who goes by “uhhuhhannah” on Instagram, posted a video revisiting JT’s longtime habit of beatboxing whenever someone put a microphone in front of him.
And yes, there was plenty of “boots and cats.”
Young, who describes herself as having an encyclopedic knowledge of pop culture, pointed out that Timberlake wasn’t exactly alone in enjoying the routine. According to her, fans repeatedly embraced the singer’s impromptu instrumental imitations rather than begging him to put the microphone down.
The post took off on social media — eventually reaching Timberlake himself.
JT jumped into the comments with what might be the most self-aware apology possible.
“I don’t know how to apologize enough for whatever those ambitions were. Too many boots. Too many cats. I hope you can forgive me,” Timberlake wrote.
Apparently, however, an apology doesn’t necessarily mean retirement.
Timberlake admitted he still doesn’t understand what compelled him to beatbox so frequently back then, but he also stopped short of promising the habit is permanently behind him.
That could become relevant sooner than expected.
Timberlake is reportedly preparing a new project for 2027, meaning there’s once again a microphone, a stage and plenty of opportunity for the beatboxing spirit to make an unexpected comeback.
The “boots” and “cats” may not be gone after all.
