The Justin Timberlake "It's Gonna Be May" meme originates from a 2007 on-air moment when the singer appeared on BET's 106 & Park during its final broadcast, reacting to a question about Mariah Carey with the line "It's gonna be May" in a distinctive, playful cadence. The clip was widely circulated online and remixed into countless fan edits, reaction videos, and image macros, turning a brief TV exchange into a durable internet template. This explainer examines the clip's source context, its evolution as a meme, the formats it inspired, and its ongoing presence in digital culture, emphasizing documented examples and verifiable timelines.
Source Clip and Original Context
In 2007, as part of the final episode series on BET's 106 & Park, Justin Timberlake participated in a live remote segment. The on-air host asked him a question regarding Mariah Carey, to which Timberlake responded with the now-famous line "It's gonna be May" in a distinctive, rhythmic delivery. The clip was broadcast on television and subsequently captured by online users, who uploaded and shared it across early video platforms and forums. This moment is documented by multiple fan-curated timelines and retrospective articles covering the history of 106 & Park.
Key attributes of the original clip
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Event | BET 106 & Park final episode series remote | Network archives, contemporary coverage |
| Date | March 2007 | Press and fan timelines |
| Context | Response to a question about Mariah Carey | Fan transcripts and retrospective summaries |
| Quote | "It's gonna be May" | Widespread repetition in memes and articles |
| Platform | Television, early video sites (e.g., YouTube, Dailymotion) | Archived uploads and user comments |
Meme Evolution and Formats
Following the clip's circulation, internet users began overlaying Timberlake's line onto other video clips, screenshots, and animated content. The phrase "It's gonna be May" was paired with calendar images, countdown graphics, and scenes implying anticipation or suspense. Reaction image macros featuring Timberlake's facial expression from the clip also proliferated. These remixes spread across platforms such as Reddit, 4chan, Twitter, and later TikTok, where creators adapted the audio for new comedic and satirical contexts, demonstrating the meme's capacity for format migration.
Common meme formats associated with the phrase
- Audio clips from the 106 & Park segment used in reaction videos.
- Image macros pairing the line with calendars, clocks, or milestone announcements.
- Edits syncing the phrase to pop culture moments or fictional scenarios.
- Short-form video remixes on platforms like TikTok emphasizing rhythmic delivery.
Spread and Platform Trajectory
The meme's spread accelerated as users discovered the novelty of Timberlake's phrasing and the visual expressiveness of his reaction. Early forums and video platforms enabled rapid reposting, while later social networks sustained its relevance through quotable audio and remixable video files. Periods of heightened activity often coincide with retrospectives on 106 & Park or coverage of Timberlake's catalog, showing how legacy media clips can be rediscovered and recontextualized by new audiences.
Cultural Impact and References
Although primarily an internet in-joke, the meme has entered broader conversations about Timberlake's television history and the legacy of music-centric talk shows. It is frequently cited in articles about internet nostalgia and the afterlife of celebrity moments. The phrase itself has become a shorthand for anticipation or playful forecasting, detached from its original context yet still traceable to Timberlake's distinctive delivery on 106 & Park.
Notable Milestones and Timeline
Key moments in the meme's lifespan illustrate its persistence and periodic resurgences, driven by platform algorithm changes, retrospective content, and new remixes that reintroduce the audio to younger audiences.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| March 2007 | Original 106 & Park broadcast | Primary source origin |
| 2007–2008 | Initial online reposts and remixes | Rapid viral spread across early video platforms |
| 2010s | Resurgences on image boards and Twitter | Maintained relevance through meme formats |
| 2020s | Reuse on TikTok and retrospective YouTube compilations | Continued discovery by new audiences |
Summary
The Justin Timberlake "It's Gonna Be May" meme exemplifies how a single line from a televised moment can evolve into a lasting digital template. Rooted in a 2007 BET 106 & Park segment, the phrase has been remixed across platforms and formats, demonstrating the durability of well-timed celebrity content. This evergreen explanation outlines the meme's origins, formats, spread, and cultural footprint, providing a clear, source-based reference for understanding its ongoing presence in internet culture.
FAQ
Reader questions
Where did the "It's gonna be May" line come from?
It originated from Justin Timberlake's response to a question about Mariah Carey during BET's 106 & Park final episode series in March 2007.
Why is it associated with May?
The phrase uses "May" as a playful timeframe, evoking anticipation rather than referencing a specific date or event.
Has Justin Timberlake commented on the meme publicly?
Public commentary from Timberlake specifically about the meme is limited; his involvement is primarily through the original clip.
Is the meme still used today?
Yes, the audio and imagery continue to appear in new remixes, reaction content, and nostalgic compilations, particularly on platforms that support short-form video.