Justin Timberlake is working with a trio of producers on his second solo album, which is expected sometime this year via Jive Records.

In addition to uber-producer Rick Rubin, Timberlake has logged time with hip-hop veteran Timbaland as well as the Black Eyed Peas’ will.i.am, with whom he’s formed the musical partnership Jawbreakers.

“It stands for Justin and Will breaks,” will.i.am told Billboard.com of the pair’s moniker. “It’s Justin and I’s production team when we do things together. We did half of Justin’s record and some songs on Macy Gray’s new album.” The latter project will be released by the new will.i.am music group, a joint venture with A&M/Interscope.

As for Timberlake’s set, will.i.am was at a loss to describe its musical direction. “I can’t explain it, that’s how dope it is,” he said with a laugh. “He just surprised me again. I was surprised that I was even going to like Justin Timberlake. Then he turned me into a fan, and I’ve become a fan. That means you are so talented that you are changing people’s vocabulary. Hat’s off, skull off and scalp.”

The as-yet-untitled album will be the follow-up to Timberlake’s first non-‘N Sync release, 2002’s “Justified.” The set debuted at No. 2 on The Billboard 200 and has sold 3.5 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Reuters/Billboard