*NSYNC's 'Gone' Urban With New Single
(11/9/01)

*NSYNC has crossed over to urban radio with "Gone," the second single released from the group's album, Celebrity. The song, which has been on The Hot Billboard 100 chart for nine weeks, is Number 13. It entered the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart two weeks ago, reaching Number 51 this week.

Gary Jackson, jamz editor for Hits magazine, said the song has created a strong buzz at urban radio stations across the country. "We've been getting a lot of comments on it," Jackson told LAUNCH. "I'm pleased that a super pop group is getting some recognition and urban airplay. It's like going back to old days when you could find Elton John's 'Benny And The Jets' on urban playlists."

Justin Timberlake said the song, which he wrote and produced, is a reflection of his influences, which include Al Green, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye. "It's gotten to a point that I just stopped being timid about writing and producing and just said, 'Look, this is what's coming out of me,'" Timberlake told the Steve Harvey Morning Show. "(I])came to the record company and said, 'Do you think it will work?' And then when I played 'Gone' for them, and even when it was in its demo form, they were like, 'Oh my God! This is such a new light for the group.' I'm glad it worked out like it did. It was written from the heart."

Celebrity, Number 26 on the Billboard 200 album chart, has sold more than 5 million copies since its July release.