Sometimes a sample clearance takes more than a business conversation. For Don Toliver, getting permission to flip Justin Timberlake’s “Rock Your Body” into his own record, “Body,” came with an unexpected assist from someone in the Timberlake household: his 11-year-old son, Silas.
During an appearance on Complex’s Re-Rank, Timberlake explained that approving the sample was an easy decision. He already liked what Toliver had created, but his son’s enthusiasm made the choice even simpler. Silas was a big fan of the Houston rapper, and when his father asked what he thought about the proposed sample, the response was clear: he had to do it.
That approval connected two generations of music in a way that felt natural. Toliver has previously spoken about growing up with Timberlake’s music playing in the car, thanks to his mother. He has even named Justified—the 2002 album featuring “Rock Your Body”—among his favorite projects. Turning a record that shaped his childhood into a modern hit was more than just a clever sample flip; it was a full-circle moment.
The relationship moved beyond the studio paperwork, too. In August, Timberlake surprised fans at Toliver’s Miami concert, joining him onstage for “Rock Your Body” before the crowd heard “Body.” What began as a sample connection became a memorable live moment.
Timberlake later revealed that the two artists stayed at the arena after the show and spent a couple of hours working on new musical ideas. No release has been announced, but the possibility of more collaboration has fans curious.
Toliver continues to build bridges between hip-hop, R&B, and pop, showing how influences from different eras can come together without losing their identity. And with Silas giving the original co-sign, “Body” has a family-approved story behind its sound.
Check out their single: “Body” — Don Toliver
