Jamie Foxx‘s upcoming album hit a sour note with record label bosses, so Justin Timberlake was asked to play a larger role to bring it up to speed.
The Oscar-winning actor and singer’s as-yet-untitled release has been delayed until July because suits at J Records/RCA were unhappy with the early material and invited Timberlake to get more involved.
An industry source told Page Six, “There were some issues with Jamie’s album. Bosses at the label were not happy with the initial tracks, so Justin was asked to help co-write and perform on more songs.
“Timberlake has collaborated on at least three tracks — including the first release, titled ‘Winner,’ which is now getting a good reaction on radio play.
“There was some worry that upping Justin’s input would upset Jamie’s famous ego, but so far it has gone well,” our source continued. “But he was a little upset the label chiefs were insisting on changing his material to ensure there were more hits.
“The album has been delayed twice. It was due for release in April, then pushed back to June and then delayed again.”
“Winner” has also been reworked to include a guest verse from rapper T.I. after he was released from prison.
This will be Foxx’s fourth album following “Peep This” in 1994, “Unpredictable” in 2005 and 2008’s “Intuition,” which featured guest artists, including T.I. and fellow rappers Lil Wayne and Kanye West.
A rep for J Records said, “Jamie started working on this album last November, and Justin was involved from the start. Jamie and Justin have completed three tracks. The album has been delayed to July 20, but everyone is happy with the material.”
A rep for Timberlake confirmed, “Justin’s production company, The Y’s, is working on tracks for Jamie’s upcoming album, and Justin is also featured on the current single.”