With a lyric video that already went above and beyond expectations, thanks to floating musical notes and a slow-moving pan across some well-toned arms well-fitted tuxedos, Justin Timberlake’s latest offering ups the ante yet again. If coaxing Jay-Z into lending a verse to “Suit & Tie” didn’t make it clear, Mr. JT is very serious about this comeback, and even further proof lies in the official music video’s director: David (Freaking) Fincher, an Oscar nominee and the man who is partly responsible for your latest Netflix binge.
“Suit & Tie” featuring Jay-Z is a throwback to old-school Las Vegas performances, with an homage to the Rat Pack (deciding who gets to be Sammy Davis Jr. and who’s Dean Martin is up to you) and scantily clad showgirls. Both our heroes are married men with wives who publicly bonded only a few days ago, so this is more of a “look but don’t touch” kind of scenario. We’ll just pretend we didn’t see those see-through knee-highs peeking out from your bed, Justin. Unless Jessica has a side we don’t know about? It is Valentine’s Day…
While JT has gone full-throttle on his big band sound and sleek makeover (bye-bye, curls) in 2013, Hov has been at it for much longer. Upon catching a glimpse of their hangout sessions–permanently set in Instagram’s “Inkwell” filter–lyrics like “I showed you how to do this” suddenly multiply in meaning. Jay may not be the subject of as much fan fiction or lipstick pillow stains, but he remains the epitome of cool. Lyrical directions like “get out your seat, Hov” don’t really apply to him, and he’ll puff away on his cigar from the comfort of his studio stool if he damn well pleases. Justin is positioned to be the heir apparent to wearing tuxedos for no reason, and we’re likely witnessing the changing of the guard–which begins only after the two enjoy cereal and basketball from the comfort of their couch.
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