Justin Bieber‘s record-shattering ‘Boyfriend’ video drew a few comparisons to ‘N Sync‘s ‘Girlfriend’ clip, a critique that the Biebs himself shot down by claiming that he never even saw that vid. That didn’t stop him from throwing props to the boy band’s most famous member, Justin Timberlake, though.

“I haven’t seen it,” Bieber said about the video, which came out in 2002, when he was just eight years old. Sure, there are some thematic similarities, with the ‘N Sync dudes dancing with hot chicks while surrounded by muscle cars. Not exactly a new concept in pop music, but …

Bieber did say he does not mind being compared to JT with his new, leading man style and sound, which Timberlake was known for when he went solo. He was asked if he was influenced by the man with whom he shares a first name, and in his post-premiere chat with MTV, he said, “Definitely. He is amazing and made amazing music. I can’t say I would be upset when someone compares me to him, but my music is going a completely different route.”

We’ll decide that when we hear the rest of ‘Believe,’ but we do hear a sonic kinship between the Justins.

We’ve posted both ‘Boyfriend’ and ‘Girlfriend’ (awww!) below for you to compare and contrast. Then scroll to the 2:30 mark in the video below that to hear the Biebs talk about the video and JT.

Watch Justin Bieber ‘Boyfriend’

Watch ‘N Sync ‘Girlfriend’

Watch Justin Bieber Talk ‘N Sync + Justin Timberlake

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