Names get tangled up in the internet's web all the time. If you’re searching for "JT," you’re likely looking for one of two massive icons who couldn't be more different: the Prince of Pop or the City Cinderella.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a toss-up depending on which era of music you grew up with.
When Is JT Birthday: Let’s Talk Justin Timberlake
The original JT, Justin Randall Timberlake, was born on January 31, 1981.
He’s a Memphis, Tennessee native through and through. Born to Janet Lynn and Charles Randall Timberlake, Justin grew up with deep roots in the Baptist church where his father was a choir director. That’s probably where those riffs came from.
As we sit in 2026, Justin is 45 years old.
It’s wild to think he’s been in the public eye since he was a kid on Star Search and the Mickey Mouse Club. Most people forget he was once roommates with Ryan Gosling during those Disney days. By the time his birthday rolls around in the dead of winter, social media usually floods with throwback clips of the frosted tips from the 'NSYNC era or his legendary SNL sketches.
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One thing people often get wrong? His middle name. It's Randall, not anything more "showbiz" than that. He’s also a Capricorn-Aquarius cusp, though technically, January 31 puts him firmly in the Aquarius camp.
The Other JT: Jatavia Shakara Johnson
If your TikTok feed is full of "Okay" and City Girls' anthems, you aren't looking for Justin. You’re looking for JT from the City Girls.
Jatavia Shakara Johnson was born on December 3, 1992.
She’s a Sagittarius. It fits her perfectly—bold, outspoken, and totally unfiltered. JT was born and raised in Miami, Florida, specifically moving between Carol City and Liberty City. Her birthday celebrations are usually high-profile, often involving her long-time partner Lil Uzi Vert or a reunion with Yung Miami.
Just this past December, the duo made waves by reuniting for her birthday bash in Miami. It was a huge deal for fans because they’ve been focusing on solo projects lately. JT’s solo career really took flight with her City Cinderella mixtape, and her birthday has become a sort of unofficial holiday for her "Cinderellas" (her fanbase).
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Why the Confusion Happens
It’s the initials. Plain and simple.
In the early 2000s, "JT" only meant one person. Today, the rap world has reclaimed those letters. When you search for the birthday, Google sometimes gets a little dizzy trying to figure out if you want a 40-something pop legend or a 30-something rap queen.
- Justin Timberlake: January 31 (Aquarius)
- JT (Jatavia Johnson): December 3 (Sagittarius)
There are a few other JTs out there, too. You’ve got Jayson Tatum in the NBA (born March 3) and even James Taylor (born March 12), but they rarely go by just the initials in the same way the musicians do.
A Few Surprising Birthday Facts
Justin Timberlake once famously spent a birthday being "Punk'd" by Ashton Kutcher—well, the episode aired around then, and he admitted years later he was actually high during the prank. He thought the government was seizing his house. Not exactly the birthday gift you want.
On the flip side, JT (Jatavia) has had some rocky birthdays in the past due to her legal battles. When she was released from prison a few years back, her "First Day Out" energy turned every subsequent birthday into a massive celebration of freedom and her career's rebirth.
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How to Celebrate Like a Pro
If you're a superfan, you probably want to do more than just post a "Happy Birthday" tweet.
For Justin’s big day in January, the tradition is usually a marathon of FutureSex/LoveSounds. It’s still his best work. Don't @ me. Also, January 31 is the perfect time to re-watch his Social Network performance. He really should have been nominated for an Oscar for that.
For the December 3rd celebration for Jatavia, it’s all about the aesthetic. Throw on some "Okay," grab a MAC lip kit (she’s a brand ambassador now), and embrace the "City Cinderella" vibe.
What’s Next for the JTs in 2026?
Justin is currently navigating a bit of a legacy phase. After his Forget Tomorrow World Tour, fans are looking for him to return to his R&B roots.
Jatavia is just getting started as a solo powerhouse. With her Billboard rankings climbing, 2026 looks like the year she might drop a full-length solo studio album that defines her apart from the City Girls era.
If you're planning a birthday tribute, make sure you've got the right month. January for the suit and tie; December for the diamonds and fur.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your calendar and set a reminder for January 31 or December 3 depending on which artist you follow. If you're a fan of the rapper JT, her official website "thegirljtworld.com" usually drops limited merch around her birth month. For Timberlake fans, keep an eye on his Memphis-based charity work, as he often makes donations or announcements around his birthday to give back to his hometown.