Pharrell Williams

Page semi-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Pharrell Williams
Williams in 2019
Born
Pharrell Lanscilo Williams[1]

(1973-04-05) April 5, 1973 (age 50)
Other names
  • Pharrell
  • Skateboard P
  • Sk8brd
  • Auto Goon
  • Magnum, the Verb Lord
  • Station Wagon P
Occupations
  • Record producer
  • songwriter
  • rapper
  • singer
  • composer
  • fashion designer
  • entrepreneur
Years active1990–present
Works
Spouse
Helen Lasichanh
(m. 2013)
Children4
RelativesTimbaland (cousin)[2]
AwardsFull list
Musical career
Genres
Labels
Member of
Formerly ofChild Rebel Soldier
Websitepharrellwilliams.com

Pharrell Lanscilo Williams (/fəˈrɛl/; born April 5, 1973), sometimes known mononymously as Pharrell, is an American record producer, songwriter, rapper, and singer. Born and raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia, he first gained mainstream recognition as one half of the hip hop and R&B production duo the Neptunes, which he formed in 1992 with fellow musician Chad Hugo.[4] Collectively, they have produced 15 singles which peaked within the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100—including four songs that peaked atop the chart—as Williams gained initial recognition as a frequent backing vocalist for the duo's productions.[5][6] He also formed the alternative band N.E.R.D. with Hugo and drummer Shay Haley in 1999, for which Williams serves as lead vocalist. He has been widely considered as one of the most influential music producers of the 21st century, and is credited with impact on various genres of modern popular music.[7][8][9][10]

After co-founding the record label Star Trak Entertainment with Hugo as an imprint of Arista Records in 2001, Williams released his 2003 debut single, "Frontin'" (featuring Jay-Z). Despite commercial success and peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100, he deemed the song to be a one-off project upon release and opted out of an immediate recording career; however, he signed with Virgin and Interscope Records to continue doing so.[11] His debut studio album, In My Mind (2006) was met with commercial success and peaked at number three on the Billboard 200, although critical reception was mixed.[12] Williams produced and guest performed alongside T.I. on Robin Thicke's 2013 single "Blurred Lines", which peaked atop the Billboard Hot 100 and received diamond certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). That same year, he won two Grammy AwardsRecord of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance—for his appearance alongside Nile Rodgers on Daft Punk's single Get Lucky", which peaked at number two on the chart. Furthermore, his own 2013 song, "Happy"—released for the soundtrack to the animated film Despicable Me 2—became his second to peak atop the chart within that same year.[13] The latter preceded the release of his second album, Girl (2014), for which it served as lead single; the album peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 and saw positive critical reception.[14][15]

Williams has received numerous accolades and nominations. He has won 13 Grammy Awards, including three for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical (one as a member of the Neptunes). He is also a two-time Academy Award nominee: in 2014 for Best Original Song, for "Happy" (from Despicable Me 2); and in 2017 for Best Picture, as a producer of Hidden Figures. As sole proprietor, he founded the multi-disciplinary media company I Am Other in 2014, which acts as both a record label and creative umbrella for his other endeavors, including his fashion label and retailer, Billionaire Boys Club.[16]

Early life

Pharrell Lanscilo Williams[1] was born on April 5, 1973, in Virginia Beach, Virginia,[3][17] the eldest of the three sons of teacher Carolyn and handyman Pharoah Williams.[18][19] His ancestry goes back many generations in Virginia and North Carolina. One of his ancestors journeyed to West Africa in 1831, prompting other relatives to emigrate from the U.S. to Liberia in 1832.[20] Williams met Chad Hugo in a seventh-grade summer band camp, where Williams played drums and Hugo played tenor saxophone.[21] They attended Princess Anne High School where they were in the school band.[22] Williams graduated from high school in 1991 and he attended Northwestern University for two years before dropping out.[23]

Career

1992–2004: The Neptunes and N.E.R.D.

In the early 1990s, Williams formed a hip hop group named Surrounded by Idiots with Chad Hugo, Magoo, and cousin Timbaland; they disbanded before making any records.[24] He then formed a four-piece "R&B-type" group, the Neptunes, with Hugo and friends Shay Haley and Mike Etheridge.[25] They entered a high school talent show, where they were discovered by producer Teddy Riley, whose studio was next to the school.[25] After graduating, the group signed with Riley.[25]

Williams wrote Riley's verse on Wreckx-n-Effect's 1992 hit "Rump Shaker".[24] As the Neptunes, Williams and Hugo produced Noreaga's 1998 single "Superthug".[24] The Neptunes began working with rap duo Clipse (rappers Pusha T and Malice) in the late 1990s, and worked on Clipse's album Exclusive Audio Footage, which was not released.[26]

The Neptunes produced Mystikal's single "Shake Ya Ass" (2000), Jay-Z's single "I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me)" (2000), and Nelly's single "Hot in Herre" (2002).[24] They worked with singer Kelis, producing her first two studio albums, Kaleidoscope (1999) and Wanderland (2001).[27] In 2001, N.E.R.D., a band composed of Williams, Hugo, and Haley, released their debut album In Search of....[28] Williams and Hugo signed Clipse to Arista Records through Williams' Star Trak Entertainment imprint in 2001.[29] The Neptunes produced songs on singer Babyface's 2001 album, Face2Face, including its lead single "There She Goes".[24] The Neptunes produced the Britney Spears songs "I'm a Slave 4 U" and "Boys" for her third studio album, Britney (2001).[21][30]

In 2002, Clipse released their debut album, Lord Willin', with produced entirely by the Neptunes.[31] That year, the Neptunes produced numerous songs on Justin Timberlake's debut album Justified, including the singles "Señorita", "Like I Love You", and "Rock Your Body".[24] In 2003, the Neptunes released a compilation album, Clones.[32] According to an unnamed August 2003 survey cited by The Age, it was found the Neptunes produced almost 20% of songs played on British radio at the time; another survey in the US found they'd produced 43% of radio songs.[21] The Neptunes produced Snoop Dogg's single "Drop It Like It's Hot" (2004), which also featured vocals from Williams.[33]

2005–2009: In My Mind and collaborations

Williams in Berlin, March 2005

The Neptunes produced Gwen Stefani's single "Hollaback Girl", which entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 82 on the issue dated April 2, 2005,[34] and topped the chart within six weeks of its release.[35] In 2006, Williams released his debut solo album, In My Mind.[36] It debuted at number 3 on the US Billboard 200.[37] The Neptunes produced Clipse's second album, Hell Hath No Fury.[38] The Neptunes produced several songs on Stefani's second album, The Sweet Escape (2006), including the promotional single, "Yummy", which features Williams.[39] In December 2006, Williams was announced as a performer at Concert for Diana in Wembley Stadium, London on July 1, 2007.[40] In 2007, the Neptunes produced on Jay-Z's tenth studio album, American Gangster.[41]

Williams worked with Madonna for her eleventh studio album, Hard Candy (2008).[42] In June 2008, an article in NME revealed that Williams was interested in producing the next album of American rock band the Strokes.[43] Later that year, Williams worked on a remix album for Maroon 5, titled Call and Response: The Remix Album.[44] N.E.R.D. released their third studio album, Seeing Sounds, in 2008.[45]

Williams worked with Shakira on her songs "Did It Again", "Why Wait", "Good Stuff", and "Long Time" for her sixth studio album, She Wolf (2009).[46] The following month, Williams made a guest appearance on French singer Uffie's debut album, which was released in early 2010.[47] The Neptunes produced numerous songs on Clipse's third album, Til the Casket Drops (2009).[48]

2010–2014: Despicable Me, Despicable Me 2 and solo international success

Williams, Odd Future and Tyler, the Creator performing together in April 2011

In 2010, Williams worked on the music score for the animated film Despicable Me with composers Hans Zimmer and Heitor Pereira.[49] In 2010, N.E.R.D. released their fourth studio album, Nothing, through Star Trak.[50] In late 2011, Williams worked on three tracks for Mike Posner's second album, Sky High.[51] In 2012, Williams composed and produced the music for the 84th Academy Awards alongside Hans Zimmer.[52]

Williams performing at the 2014 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

In 2013, Williams collaborated with French electronic duo Daft Punk on the songs "Get Lucky" and "Lose Yourself to Dance", both included on Daft Punk's fourth studio album, Random Access Memories.[53] "Get Lucky" peaked at number one on the UK Singles Chart and number two on the US Billboard 200.[54][55]

In 2013, Williams collaborated with Azealia Banks with the song "ATM Jam".[56] The song was initially intended for Banks' debut studio album, Broke with Expensive Taste (2014), but was later removed from the album after Banks blamed Williams for the song's poor commercial performance.[57] Williams penned three new original songs, included alongside composer Heitor Pereira's score, for the film Despicable Me 2 (2013).[58] These were "Just a Cloud Away", "Happy", and "Scream" (featuring CeeLo Green).[59] His two original songs from the first film, "Despicable Me" and "Fun, Fun, Fun", were also reprised on the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack.[60] He also participated in the drummer sessions of the soundtrack of Man of Steel by Hans Zimmer.[61] In March 2013, Robin Thicke's single "Blurred Lines", written and produced by Williams, was released.[62][63] The song peaked at number one in multiple countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States.[64][65] In mid-2013, Williams was involved in two songs that sold a million copies in the UK: "Get Lucky" and "Blurred Lines".[66]

In August 2013, Busta Rhymes talked about an unreleased "documentary album" by Williams where he talks about "inner-city strife and hardship".[67] In November 2013, Williams released the first 24-hour music video for "Happy"; guest appearances included Magic Johnson, Steve Carell, Jimmy Kimmel, Odd Future, among others.[68][69] On November 1, 2013, Williams performed with a gospel choir at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, where nine black parishioners were shot and killed on June 17, 2015.[70]

It was announced in December 2013 that Williams had been nominated for seven Grammy Awards, including Producer of the Year.[71] In the same month, Williams signed a contract with Columbia Records, and announced an album set for release in 2014 that would feature "Happy".[14] For "Happy", Williams was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song.[72] In February 2014, Major Lazer announced they would be releasing a five-track EP titled Apocalypse Soon on the 25th of that month.[73] The EP, released via Mad Decent and Secretly Canadian, features Williams and Sean Paul, among others.[73] The first single off the EP, which features Williams, is titled "Aerosol Can".[74] Williams contributed a verse to Future's February 2014 single "Move That Dope", which also featured Pusha T and Casino over production from Mike Will Made It.[75]

On February 18, 2014, Williams announced via Twitter that his second album, Girl, would be released on March 3, 2014.[76] The album was supported by a European concert tour, Dear Girl Tour.[77] At the 86th Academy Awards on March 2, 2014, Williams's song "Happy" lost to "Let It Go" from Frozen. Afterwards, when GQ magazine asked Williams "how badly" did he want the Oscar, he responded: "When they read the results, my face was...frozen. But then I thought about it, and I just decided just to...let it go".[78] At the Oscar Awards that same year, he wore a controversial outfit consisting of a tuxedo with shorts.[79] In May 2014, Williams received an Innovator Award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards.[80]

(video) Williams introducing a N.E.R.D section of his live performance at Summer Sonic Festival in Japan, 2015

2014–present: The Voice, Something in the Water and other ventures

Williams at the Global Citizen Festival in Hamburg, July 2017

In March 2014, it was announced that Comme des Garçons would be releasing a unisex fragrance with Williams, named after his album Girl.[81] On March 31, 2014, Williams was announced as a new coach for the seventh season of The Voice, replacing CeeLo Green.[82] In June 2014, it was announced that Williams would make a guest appearance on the docu-series Sisterhood of Hip Hop.[83] Williams co-composed the score for The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014) with Hans Zimmer, Johnny Marr, Michael Einziger, and David A. Stewart.[84][85] Williams was the executive producer of Atlanta rapper T.I.'s ninth studio album, Paperwork, which was released on October 21, 2014, by Grand Hustle and Columbia Records.[86] In May 2014, Williams curated an art show named after his album, Girl, at the Galerie Perrotin in Paris, France. The show included artists Takashi Murakami, JR, Daniel Arsham, and Marina Abramović, among others.[87] Williams collaborated with Gwen Stefani with the song "Shine" for the animated film Paddington (2014).[88]

In January 2015, Williams was announced as the musical director for a 7-continent Live Earth concert on June 18, 2015, to raise awareness about and pressure governments to act on climate change.[89] On February 8, 2015, Williams made a cameo in an episode of The Simpsons entitled "Walking Big & Tall" where he comes to Springfield to write a new anthem for the town.[90] Williams recorded three songs for the soundtrack to the 2015 animated film The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water.[91] On May 18, 2015, Team Pharrell had 16-year-old Sawyer Fredericks win the eighth season of The Voice.[92]

At the 2015 Grammy Awards, Williams performed an orchestral rendition of "Happy" with Hans Zimmer and pianist Lang Lang that included a tribute to the Black Lives Matter movement,[93] inspired by Eric Garner's death and the Ferguson unrest.[94] In 2015, a unanimous jury determined that "Blurred Lines", which Williams co-wrote and produced, was an infringement of the 1977 Marvin Gaye song "Got to Give It Up".[95] The jury awarded the Gaye family $7.4 million in damages for the copyright infringement based on profits generated.[95] In October 2015, the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University named Williams as their artist-in-residence.[96] He gave the 2017 commencement address at the university and received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree on May 17, 2017.[97][98] In 2018, Williams worked with Ariana Grande for her fourth studio album, Sweetener (2018).[99] He produced several songs on the album, and is featured on the song "Blazed".[100][101]

In March 2019, Williams and the city of Virginia Beach announced the launch of a three-day music and cultural festival titled Something in the Water, to be held during College Beach Weekend, April 26–28, on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.[102][103] The festival lineup included Travis Scott, Migos, Janelle Monáe, SZA, Rosalía, Anderson .Paak, Jhené Aiko, Mac DeMarco, Maggie Rogers, Lil Uzi Vert, Missy Elliott, Pusha T, Dave Matthews Band, and DRAM.[104] The first day of the festival was cancelled due to severe storms.[105] The "Pharrell and Friends" set that closed the festival's second day, featured Williams and a lineup of guests, including Jay-Z, Diddy, Busta Rhymes, Usher, Snoop Dogg, Missy Elliott, Timbaland, Charlie Wilson, and Tyler, the Creator.[106] The festival's final day featured Trey Songz, Chris Brown, Lil Duval, and members of SWV and Blackstreet.[107] Williams produced five songs for Walt Disney Pictures' The Lion King (2019), marking his third collaboration with composer Hans Zimmer.[108] In October 2019, Williams stated that he now regrets being associated with the 2013 song "Blurred Lines", which received intense backlash for its apparent sexist themes.[109]

Artistry

Influences

In the past, Williams has stated that he does not have any direct musical influences,[110] but he has expressed his admiration for several musicians, including Michael Jackson, J Dilla, Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye, Rakim, and Q-Tip.[110][111] Williams explained that A Tribe Called Quest's debut album, People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm (1990), caused a "turning point" in his life, which "made him see that music was art".[111]

Four-count start

Throughout his career, Williams has been known for his "four-count loops" or "four-count starts" at the start of the beats that he produced, which is considered as a producer signature. The first instance of the "four-count beat" started with SWV's song "Right Here", which Williams was featured on the remix of.[112] Williams has revealed in an interview with Vulture in 2019 that the creation of the four-count loop was unintentional, and the loop was essentially what was left in the song while trying to start a song on the beat instead of using a metronome.[113]

Fashion and business ventures

In 2005, Williams partnered with Japanese fashion icon Nigo to create the streetwear brands Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream footwear.[114] In 2008, Williams co-designed a series of eyewear and jewelry for Louis Vuitton.[115][better source needed] In 2008, Williams founded a non-profit organization called "From One Hand To AnOTHER" (FOHTA).[116] In 2009, Williams unveiled a collaborative sculpture with Takashi Murakami at Art Basel, which spoke to the metaphor of value.[117][118][better source needed] In May 2011, it was announced that Williams would serve as creative director of KarmaloopTV alongside founder and CEO Greg Selkoe and former AMC president Katie McEnroe.[119]

In May 2012, Williams launched the social media venture I Am Other.[120] In August 2013, Williams created a line of sunglasses for fashion brand Moncler called "Moncler Lunettes".[121] In 2014, Williams entered a long-term partnership with Adidas.[122][123][better source needed] His Adidas NMD "Human Race" collection was released on July 23, 2016.[124] In February 2014, Williams announced a collaboration between G-Star Raw and his textile company Bionic Yarn called "RAW for the Oceans," a collection of denim made from recycled plastic that is found in the ocean. The project was presented at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.[125][126][better source needed]

In 2014, Williams appeared on a cover designed by French artist Grégoire Guillemin of New York-based men fashion magazine Adon, covering the collaboration.[127][better source needed] Williams released a collection for retail giant Uniqlo in April 2014 entitled "i am OTHER". It was created with Nigo, creative director of UT, the company's T-shirt division.[128] In 2014, Williams worked on art with Emmanuel Perrotin and a French manufacturer, Domeau & Pérès.[129][130] In June 2014, artist collective Rizzoli published a book by FriendsWithYou, We Are Friends With You, that featured contributions from Williams, Alejandro Jodorowsky, and Peter Doroshenko.[131] Williams was the executive producer of the 2015 crime comedy-drama film Dope.[132]

In 2017, Williams designed a €1,000 sneaker in collaboration with Chanel and Adidas.[133] Verizon partnered with Williams on April 26, 2019, to launch a tech-fused music curriculum in a nationwide Verizon Foundation Learning schools. The education organization under Verizon Foundation works toward providing free technology, internet access, technology-focused curriculum to under-resourced middle schools.[134] In November 2020, Williams launched Humanrace, a skin care brand.[135][136] In December 2021, Williams would launch the winter line "Premium basics" together with Adidas Originals.[137]

In June 2022, Doodles announced Williams as its Chief Brand Officer. Additionally, Doodles have set a release date for Williams to release a Doodles album that will be available to stream in addition to be sold exclusively as NFTs.[138]

On February 14, 2023, Louis Vuitton announced that Williams had been appointed their new men's creative director, a position left vacant by the death of Virgil Abloh in 2021.[139] Williams displayed his first collection during Paris Men's Fashion Week in June 2023.[140][141]

Personal life

Williams married his longtime partner, model and fashion designer Helen Lasichanh, on October 12, 2013.[142] The couple have four children together: son Rocket (b. 2008) and triplets (b. January 2017).[143][144] The Despicable Me song "Rocket's Theme" was written in honor of their son Rocket.[145]

In 2005, Williams was voted "Best Dressed Man in the World" by Esquire.[146] He is a fan of the science fiction series Star Trek,[147] as indicated by his consistent use of the Vulcan salute to signify his label name, Star Trak.[148] Williams is a skateboarder and has a half-pipe inside his home.[149] In 2011, Williams announced that he is building a $35 million after-school center in his home town, Virginia Beach.[150] In 2015, Williams bought a house in the Laurel Canyon neighborhood of Los Angeles.[151][better source needed] In 2019, Williams offered internships to 144 students at Promise Academy in Harlem, New York City.[152]

On March 26, 2021, Williams' cousin Donovan Lynch was shot and killed by an officer from the Virginia Beach Police Department after "brandishing a handgun" following three shootings in the area. Williams has called for a federal investigation into the incident.[153]

Discography

Solo albums

Collaboration albums

With N.E.R.D.
With the Neptunes

Filmography

Tours

Videography

Year Title Director Ref
2015 Freedom Paul Hunter [154]

Awards

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Artist: Pharrell Williams". Recording Acqdemy. November 23, 2020.
  2. ^ Mika (February 13, 2016). "Timbaland Reveals Pharrell is His Cousin at 'The Cruz Show'". The Neptunes. Retrieved February 13, 2016.
  3. ^ a b Kellman, Andy. "Pharrell Williams – Overview". Allmusic. Retrieved March 5, 2009.
  4. ^ "Pharrell Williams". Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  5. ^ "The Neptunes Named the Greatest Modern Hip Hop Producers by Billboard". HipHopDX.com. July 22, 2021.
  6. ^ Lee, Chris (June 1, 2008). "Los Angeles Times". Retrieved December 11, 2011.
  7. ^ "The Story of How Pharrell Became the Most Influential Man in Music". Capital XTRA.
  8. ^ "Pharrell Williams, Rick Rubin & More of the Most Awarded Producers of the 2000s". Billboard. July 23, 2021.
  9. ^ "Pharrell Williams the Pharrell Phenomenon". Exclaim.
  10. ^ "Like the song? These guys wrote it". The Age. May 15, 2004.
  11. ^ "Something In the Water: 17 Years Ago Today, Pharrell Williams Released His Debut Album, 'In My Mind'". Globalgrind.com. July 23, 2023.
  12. ^ "BBC". Retrieved December 11, 2011.
  13. ^ "Daft Punk, Pharrell Williams, Nile Rodgers Win Record Of The Year". GRAMMY.com. January 26, 2014. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
  14. ^ a b Michaels, Sean (December 18, 2013). "Pharrell Williams signs to Columbia". The Guardian. Retrieved December 22, 2013.
  15. ^ "G I R L by Pharrell Williams". iTunes. Retrieved February 24, 2014.
  16. ^ "Pharrell Williams, i am OTHER, and SoundCloud Talent Search". Hypebeast.com. April 24, 2020.
  17. ^ Bainbridge, Luke (November 5, 2005). "Just Williams". The Guardian. London. Retrieved December 13, 2008.
  18. ^ "Pharrell Williams". People. October 13, 2003. Retrieved November 28, 2008.
  19. ^ Stated on Finding Your Roots, February 16, 2021
  20. ^ "Why Pharrell Almost Didn't Exist". Megan Smolenyak's Blog. September 2014. Retrieved September 8, 2014.
  21. ^ a b c Campbell, Melissa (May 15, 2004). "Like the song? These guys wrote it". The Age. Melbourne. Retrieved May 22, 2007.
  22. ^ Shiver, Jube Jr. (February 8, 2004). "Virginia is for hip-hop lovers". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 5, 2009.
  23. ^ "Pharrell Williams - profile: Happiness is his truth". The Independent. May 30, 2014. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
  24. ^ a b c d e f Frere-Jones, Sasha (February 8, 2004). "Style; The Sound". The New York Times. Retrieved March 5, 2009.
  25. ^ a b c [1] Archived May 8, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  26. ^ Winistorfer, Andrew (April 19, 2018). "On 'Exclusive Audio Footage,' The Long-Lost Clipse Album". VinylMePlease. Retrieved September 20, 2020.
  27. ^ Saponara, Michael (January 30, 2020). "Kelis Claims The Neptunes Kept All the Profits From Her First Two Albums". Billboard. Billboard. Retrieved September 19, 2020.
  28. ^ Bierut, Patrick (August 6, 2020). "'In Search Of…': N*E*R*D's 21st-Century Hip-Hop Mission Statement". UDiscover Music. Retrieved September 20, 2020.
  29. ^ Torbati, June (December 8, 2006). "Rap duo 'Clipse' rocks the gangsta hip-hop scene". Yale Daily News. Archived from the original on February 12, 2007. Retrieved March 21, 2009.
  30. ^ "Neptunes' Pharrell Williams Rethinks R&B". MTV News. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  31. ^ Allah, Sha Be (August 20, 2020). "Today in Hip-Hop History: The Clipse Release Their Debut LP 'Lord Willin' 18 Years Ago". The Source. The Source. Retrieved September 20, 2020.
  32. ^ Pemberton, Rollie (August 25, 2003). "The Neptunes: Clones Album Review". Pitchfork. Pitchfork. Retrieved September 20, 2020.
  33. ^ Fu, Eddie (November 16, 2019). "Knowledge Drop: How Crips Pressured Pharrell To Produce Snoop Dogg's "Drop It Like It's Hot"". Genius. Genius. Retrieved September 19, 2020.
  34. ^ Whitmire, Margo (March 24, 2005). "50 Cent Nets A Fourth Top 10 Hit". Billboard. Retrieved February 3, 2016.
  35. ^ Whitmire, Margo (April 28, 2005). "Stefani Single Ousts 50 Cent From No. 1". Billboard. Retrieved February 3, 2016.
  36. ^ "Pharrell: In My Mind". NME. NME. August 7, 2006. Retrieved September 19, 2020.
  37. ^ "LeToya Powers Right To No. 1 On Billboard 200". Billboard. Billboard. August 2, 2006. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
  38. ^ Fennessey, Sean (November 27, 2006). "Clipse: Hell Hath No Fury Album Review". Pitchfork. Pitchfork. Retrieved September 18, 2020.
  39. ^ Pytlik, Mark (December 7, 2006). "Gwen Stefani: The Sweet Escape Album Review". Pitchfork. Pitchfok. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
  40. ^ "Concert for Diana announced". eFestivals. December 12, 2006. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
  41. ^ Allah, Sha Be (November 6, 2019). "Today In Hip-Hop History: Jay-Z Dropped His 'American Gangster' Soundtrack LP 12 Years Ago". The Source. The Source. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
  42. ^ "Pharrell Williams Talks Madonna Argument During 'Hard Candy' Studio Sessions". Huffington Post. May 2, 2014. Retrieved September 18, 2020.
  43. ^ "NME News Pharrell Williams: 'I want to produce The Strokes' new album' - NME.COM". NME.COM. June 13, 2008. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  44. ^ Cohen, Jonathan (October 31, 2008). "Pharrell, Oakenfold, Of Montreal Remix Maroon 5". Billboard. Retrieved November 2, 2008.
  45. ^ Cohen, Ian (June 13, 2008). "N.E.R.D.: Seeing Sounds Album Review". Pitchfork. Pitchfork. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
  46. ^ "Music – News – Shakira: 'Pharrell taught me a lot'". Digital Spy. October 10, 2009. Retrieved November 5, 2010.
  47. ^ "Busy P » UFFIE "Pop The Glock" VIDEO". Ed Banger Records. October 8, 2009. Archived from the original on October 8, 2009. Retrieved July 9, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  48. ^ Cohen, Ian (December 10, 2009). "Clipse: Til the Casket Drops Album Review". Pitchfork. Pitchfork. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
  49. ^ Fekadu, Mesfin (April 11, 2010). "USA Today: Rapper-producer Pharrell has new CD, big plans". Retrieved December 11, 2011.
  50. ^ Greene, Jayson (November 5, 2010). "N.E.R.D.: Nothing Album Review". Pitchfork. Pitchfork. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
  51. ^ DelaCuesta, JP (December 7, 2011). "Mike Posner: From His Mother's Basement To Here". AllHipHop. Retrieved February 21, 2012.
  52. ^ Brown, August (February 24, 2012). "The Oscars: Hans Zimmer and Pharrell Williams know the score for the telecast – they wrote it". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  53. ^ "Daft Punk's 'Random Access Memories' Collaborators: Pharrell Williams". Vice. Vice. April 15, 2013. Retrieved October 4, 2020.
  54. ^ Sexton, Paul (April 29, 2013). "Daft Punk's 'Get Lucky' Is Year's Best-Seller in U.K., Rises To No. 1". Billboard. Retrieved October 4, 2020.
  55. ^ "Get Lucky Chart History". Billboard. Billboard. Retrieved October 4, 2020.
  56. ^ Gore, Sydney (July 3, 2013). "Azealia Banks Premieres Pharrell Williams-Assisted, 'ATM Jam': Listen". Billboard. Retrieved July 5, 2013.
  57. ^ Kennedy, Gerrick (November 12, 2013). "Azealia Banks blames Pharrell for 'ATM Jam' performance". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 4, 2020.
  58. ^ Michaels, Sean (April 30, 2014). "Pharrell Williams' Happy was originally recorded by Cee Lo Green". The Guardian. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  59. ^ Monger, James Christopher. "Heitor Pereira / Pharrell Williams – Despicable Me 2 [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]". AllMusic. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  60. ^ "Pharrell Williams Gets 'Happy' on 'Despicable Me 2' Soundtrack". Rolling Stone. May 21, 2013. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
  61. ^ Lewis, Hilary (June 25, 2013). "Hans Zimmer Conducts 12 Drummers for the 'Man of Steel' Soundtrack (Video)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  62. ^ Alter, Charlotte (September 15, 2014). "Robin Thicke Admits He Didn't Really Write 'Blurred Lines,' Was High in the Studio". Time. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  63. ^ Lynskey, Dorian (November 13, 2013). "Blurred Lines: the most controversial song of the decade". The Guardian. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  64. ^ "Robin Thicke Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  65. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". The Official UK Charts Company. June 2, 2013. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  66. ^ "Blurred Lines gives Pharrell his second million seller in a month". OfficialCharts.com. Official Charts Company. July 17, 2013. Retrieved August 15, 2013.
  67. ^ Ortiz, Edwin (August 15, 2013). "Busta Rhymes Discusses "Scenario," A Tribe Called Quest & Chris Lighty – The Combat Jack Show Episode 3". Complex. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  68. ^ Toor, Amar (November 22, 2013). "Pharrell Williams debuts 24-hour, interactive music video for 'Happy'". The Verge. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  69. ^ Young, Alex (November 21, 2013). "Watch: Pharrell unveils "Happy", the world's first 24-hour music video". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  70. ^ Simmons, Alexis (November 2, 2015). "Church-goers speak on impact of Pharrell Williams' visit at Emanuel AME". Charleston, South Carolina: WCSC-TV. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  71. ^ "Grammy Nominations: Jay Z Leads But Timberlake, Other Stars Shut Out of Top Categories – Variety". Variety.
  72. ^ Blistein, Jon (February 4, 2014). "Pharrell to Perform at Oscars". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  73. ^ a b "Major Lazer Announces 'Apocalypse Soon' Ep Out February 24th 2014". Contactmusic.com. February 14, 2020. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  74. ^ "Major Lazer – Apocalypse Soon EP". Retrieved February 6, 2014.
  75. ^ "Future – Move That Dope Feat. Pharrell, Pusha T & Casino (Prod. By Mike WiLL Made It) | Stream & Listen [New Song]". Hotnewhiphop.com. February 6, 2014. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
  76. ^ Goddard, Kevin (February 19, 2014). "Pharrell Announces New Album "Girl"; Reveals Cover & Release Date". Hotnewhiphop.com. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
  77. ^ Fleischer, Adam. "Dear Girl Tour". MTV.
  78. ^ Baron, Zach (March 2014). "Pharrell Williams on Advanced Style Moves and That Oscar Snub: My Song Will "Be Here For 10 Years"". GQ. Retrieved March 31, 2014.
  79. ^ "Oscars 2014:Pharrell Williams wears tuxedo shorts on the red carpet". New York Daily News. March 2, 2014. Retrieved July 9, 2019.
  80. ^ "Rihanna Wins Big At iHeartRadio Awards: See The Winners List". MTV. May 1, 2014. Retrieved May 1, 2014.
  81. ^ "Pharrell Williams Comme Des Garcons Fragrance Collaboration GIRL (Vogue.co.uk)". Vogue UK. March 12, 2014. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  82. ^ Respers, Lisa (March 31, 2014). "Pharrell Williams joining 'The Voice'". CNN. Retrieved April 3, 2014.
  83. ^ Corry, Kristin (June 9, 2014). "'Sisterhood of Hip Hop' to Debut on Oxygen This Summer". Vibe. Vibe.com. Retrieved June 14, 2014.
  84. ^ "Pharrell Talks eBay Collab, Beyonce's Album, Scoring the 'Spider-Man' Sequel and More". Billboard. October 24, 2013. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  85. ^ Ford, Rebecca (October 31, 2013). "Marc Webb, Hans Zimmer Form Supergroup for 'Amazing Spider-Man 2'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  86. ^ "T.I. Talks Working With Executive Producer Pharrell Williams For His "Paperwork" Album". Power1049.com. Archived from the original on November 2, 2014. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  87. ^ "Art and Fashion Stars Toast a Pharrell-Curated Exhibition in Paris". The New York Times. May 27, 2014. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  88. ^ Reed, Ryan (December 31, 2014). "Hear Gwen Stefani and Pharrell's Soul-Searching 'Shine'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  89. ^ "Pharrell Announces 'Live Earth' Global Climate Concert – Business Insider". Business Insider. January 21, 2015. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  90. ^ Snierson, Dan (January 22, 2015). "Pharrell to guest on 'The Simpsons' – exclusive". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
  91. ^ "NERD mark return with three songs for SpongeBob film soundtrack". The Guardian. January 7, 2015. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  92. ^ Quan, Denise (May 20, 2015). "7 Things We Learned About Sawyer Fredericks Backstage at 'The Voice'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  93. ^ Geffen, Sasha (February 8, 2015). "Pharrell performs "Happy" with Hans Zimmer at the Grammys — watch". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  94. ^ Jones, Landon (December 4, 2014). "How 'Hands Up, Don't Shoot' Could Start a Real Revolution". Time. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  95. ^ a b "'Blurred Lines' jury finds for Marvin Gaye". USA Today. Retrieved March 12, 2015.
  96. ^ Daley, Megan (September 23, 2015). "Pharrell Williams: NYU Tisch School of the Arts artist in residence". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved July 9, 2016.
  97. ^ Communications, NYU Web. "Pharrell Williams, the Musician, Songwriter, and Producer, to Speak at NYU's Commencement". Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  98. ^ Commencement 2017: A Grad's Perspective website of NYU
  99. ^ Willman, Chris (August 17, 2018). "Album Review: Ariana Grande's 'Sweetener'". Variety. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  100. ^ Pearce, Sheldon (August 17, 2018). "Ariana Grande "Blazed" [ft. Pharrell]". Pitchfork. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  101. ^ Hussein, Wandera (August 17, 2018). "Here are the full album credits for Ariana Grande's Sweetener". The Fader. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  102. ^ "Something in the Water - Virginia Beach - April 26 - 28 2019". Something in the Water - Virginia Beach - April 26–28, 2019.
  103. ^ "PHARRELL REVEALS SOMETHING IN THE WATER". Front Gate Tickets. March 4, 2019. Archived from the original on April 23, 2019. Retrieved April 23, 2019.
  104. ^ Bloom, Madison; Strauss, Matthew (March 4, 2019). "Pharrell Reveals Something in the Water Festival 2019 Lineup: Travis Scott, Pusha-T, and More". Pitchfork. Pitchfork. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
  105. ^ Aniftos, Rania (April 26, 2019). "Pharrell Williams Cancels First Day of Something in the Water Music Festival Due to Severe Storms". Billboard. Billboard. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
  106. ^ Newman, Jason (April 28, 2019). "Pharrell Brought Out Every Rapper Ever for His Something in the Water Set". Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 12, 2019.
  107. ^ "Something in the Water Festival Recap: Pharrell Gives Virginia Something to Be Proud Of". Respect-mag.com. April 30, 2019. Retrieved August 28, 2020.
  108. ^ Chitwood, Adam (June 24, 2019). "'The Lion King' Soundtrack Details Revealed; Includes New Elton John Song". Collider. Retrieved June 24, 2019.
  109. ^ "Pharrell Williams claims 'Blurred Lines' taught him about 'chauvinist culture'". Tone Deaf. The Brag. October 15, 2019. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
  110. ^ a b Kondo, Toshitaka. "Pharrell Williams, Accidental Crooner". VH1. Archived from the original on December 9, 2006. Retrieved July 6, 2009.
  111. ^ a b Scaggs, Austin (November 17, 2005). "Q&A: Pharrell Williams". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on February 20, 2008. Retrieved July 6, 2009.
  112. ^ "All Of These Pharrell Hits Start The Same Way". spin.
  113. ^ "'I Don't Know What Myself Is' Pharrell explains why he's better when he's making music for other people, and his songs that defined the decade". Vulture. 2019.
  114. ^ "Pharrell buys back Billionaire Boys Club & Ice Cream brands from Iconix". FashionNetwork.com. January 21, 2016. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  115. ^ "Hip-hop's glittering touchstone". The Australian. February 27, 2009. Archived from the original on March 4, 2009. Retrieved March 11, 2009.
  116. ^ DECESARE, EILEEN; NARAYAN, MARY (2010). "When a For-Profit Acquires a Nonprofit Organization". Home Healthcare Nurse. 28 (3): 147–153. doi:10.1097/01.nhh.0000369766.47493.6d. ISSN 0884-741X. PMID 20308809. S2CID 10422883.
  117. ^ "Interview with Pharrell Williams at Art Basel 2009". YouTube. June 11, 2009. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  118. ^ on, Enrico. "VernissageTV Art TV - Takashi Murakami & Pharrell Williams: The Simple Things / Interview with Pharrell Williams / Art 40 Basel". Retrieved March 9, 2022.
  119. ^ "Pharrell Williams Named Creative Director at Karmaloop TV". The Hollywood Reporter. May 9, 2011. Retrieved March 28, 2012.
  120. ^ Horowitz, Steven (May 15, 2012). "Pharrell Williams Launches Social Media Venture "I Am Other"". HipHopDX. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  121. ^ "First Look: Pharrell x Moncler Lunettes Sunglasses Collection". Highsnobiety. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  122. ^ David Yi (March 27, 2014). "Pharrell to Collaborate With Adidas". WWD. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  123. ^ "adidas Originals and Pharrell Williams announce 'long term partnership' with first collection dropping Summer 2014". Acclaim Magazine. March 28, 2014. Retrieved March 9, 2022.
  124. ^ Rooney, Kyle (July 18, 2016). "Adidas NMD "Human Race" collection to be released on July 23, 2016". Hotnewhiphop.com. Retrieved July 18, 2016.
  125. ^ "Pharrell Williams, G-Star to launch eco-friendly denim line". NY Daily News. February 10, 2014. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  126. ^ "Pharrell Williams and G-Star RAW transform ocean plastic into denim". Dezeen. July 3, 2014. Retrieved March 9, 2022.
  127. ^ "Adon Magazine, August 2014 issue". adonmagazine.com. Retrieved August 1, 2014.
  128. ^ "Pharrell Williams Collection For Uniqlo T-shirt Collaboration (Vogue.co.uk)". Vogue UK. April 2014. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  129. ^ Compain, Hugo (May 22, 2014). "Pharrell Williams' G I R L exhibition at Galerie Perrotin". Vogue. Translated by Granger, Isabelle. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  130. ^ "Pharrell on Wheels". Style of Sport. March 25, 2014. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  131. ^ "We Are FriendsWithYou Written by FriendsWithYou, Contribution by Pharrell Williams and Alejandro Jodorowsky, Introduction by Peter Doroshenko – Rizzoli New York – Rizzoli New York". Rizzoliusa.com. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  132. ^ "Rick Famuyiwa Rides High with Critically Acclaimed 'Dope'". Atlanta Blackstar. May 19, 2015. Archived from the original on June 26, 2015. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  133. ^ Diderich, Joelle (November 22, 2017). "Chanel and Pharrell Williams Drop World's Most Exclusive Sneakers". WWD. Retrieved November 23, 2017.
  134. ^ "Pharrell Williams Partners With Verizon for Music Education Program: Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved April 27, 2019.
  135. ^ Kilbane, Brennan (November 25, 2020). "Pharrell Is Launching a Skin-Care Line Called Humanrace, and We Tried It First". Allure.
  136. ^ Valenti, Lauren (November 23, 2020). "Watch Pharrell Do His Morning Skin-Care Routine". Vogue.
  137. ^ Teen, Vanity (December 22, 2021). "Pharrell Williams And Adidas Originals Debut Vanity Teen 虚荣青年 Lifestyle & New Faces Magazine". www.vanityteen.com. Retrieved March 9, 2022.
  138. ^ Jeff Pratt (June 22, 2022). "Doodles Hires Pharrell Williams as Chief Brand Officer". DraftKings Nation. Retrieved June 23, 2022.
  139. ^ "Louis Vuitton appoints Pharrell as its new men's creative director".
  140. ^ "Louis Vuitton picks Pharrell Williams to lead men's designs". BBC News. February 15, 2023. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
  141. ^ Bramley, Ellie Violet (November 9, 2023). "'Insensitive': Pharrell Williams' $1m Louis Vuitton handbag attracts criticism". The Guardian. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
  142. ^ Webber, Stephanie (October 12, 2013). "Pharrell Williams Marries Helen Lasichanh, Usher and Busta Rhymes Perform: All the Details!". Us Weekly. Retrieved October 12, 2013.
  143. ^ "Pharrell Williams Biography: Music Producer, Musician, Singer (1973–)". Biography.com (FYI / A&E Networks). Retrieved January 31, 2017.
  144. ^ "Pharrell Williams and Helen Lasichanh Welcome Triplets". Eonline.com. January 31, 2017.
  145. ^ imageplaybuttons (April 5, 2012). "Pharrell Williams | Clue Mag". Cluemagazine.wordpress.com. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
  146. ^ "Pharrell Is The World's Best-Dressed Man (According To Esquire, Anyway)". MTV News. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  147. ^ "The nerd who inherited the earth". Archived from the original on March 11, 2007. Retrieved May 19, 2017.. Retrieved on May 22, 2007.
  148. ^ "Maxim". Blender.com. Archived from the original on December 16, 2008. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  149. ^ "13 Questions With Pharrell". AskMen. Archived from the original on December 25, 2007. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  150. ^ Forgenie, Cacy (July 7, 2011). "No Kidding! Pharrell Building $35 Million After School Center For Kids (PHOTO)". Global Grind. Retrieved November 8, 2020.
  151. ^ "Inside Pharrell's $7 Million Los Angeles Home". BallerStatus.com. May 30, 2015.
  152. ^ Maxouris, Christina (July 3, 2019). "Pharrell Williams just offered internships to 114 Harlem high school grads". CNN. Retrieved July 20, 2019.
  153. ^ "Pharrell Williams calls for investigation after cousin shot dead by police". BBC News. April 7, 2021. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  154. ^ "Pharrell Williams Singer releases stimulating 'Freedom' video". Pulse.com.gh. Joey Akan. July 23, 2015. Retrieved February 22, 2016.

External links