Justin Timberlake Enlists Help Of Producer Rick Rubin

With twelve songs penned for his still untitled sophomore solo LP, Justin Timberlake is ready to take the next step. He has met with producer Rick Rubin, who is more noted for producing records for rock bands including the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Metallica, and has decided he wants him to produce a ballad for his upcoming CD, which will hit stores this summer. "Rick Rubin is a nice guy and cool and humble and obviously a genius, and I'm looking forward to hearing myself do something I've never done," Timberlake told MTV.

Timberlake has already worked with producers Timbaland and the Black Eyed Peas' Will.I.Am for his Justified follow-up, but wants to continue writing and recording throughout the spring. The new record will feature more guitar and piano this time around. Timberlake says that he needed time away to rejuvenate his creativity for this second album and away from himself as well. "I needed time to live. I was sucking myself dry of creativityÖI needed the time away from myself too."

During his hiatus since his last album, Timberlake took on some acting roles in "Alpha Dog" and "Black Snake Moan". Both films will be debuting sometime this year.

Expect a summer release for Timberlake's new album.