Twenty years ago, their three-time Grammy-nominated sophomore record No Strings Attached smashed sales records, moving a phenomenal 2.4 million units in its first week.
And while the success was swiftly followed up with 2001’s Celebrity, shortly after that record’s tour, an emotional earthquake hit the boy band loving world when the group announced a hiatus in 2002.
While the break was never intended to evolve into a long-term split, ultimately, it parted Lance Bass, Justin Timberlake, Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick and JC Chasez professionally for good.
In the years since, many have blamed Timberlake’s pursual of a solo career for the disbandment, however several other factors played a part, according to many close to the band.