Since the success of pop songs “Blurred Lines” and “Happy”, it seems like the world has finally recognized Pharrell Williams, but all my hip hop heads would know that the producer, songwriter, vocalist and performer has been around for a long time. How long? Pharrell first appeared on the scene with a guest verse on Wreckx-n-Effect’s “Rump Shaker” back in 1992 thanks to producer Teddy Riley who approached Pharrell about doing the verse. To take it back a bit, Pharrell would team up with best friend Chad Hugo back in high school, attending Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach, VA, to become The Neptunes and would later become a household name during the mid-90’s. Fun fact; the two of them was in a group with Timberland called, Surrounded by Idiots before anyone of them had reach stardom.
March 2014 saw the release of Pharrell’s second solo studio album titled, “GIRL”, which featured the song from Despicable Me 2, “Happy”. The song would go on and blow up the radio and the internet. The song even sparked
fans to create their own video covers where they dance and song along to the song. As of May 2014, over 1,500 videos were created. This help the singer gain worldwide fame in the world of pop, despite Pharrell’s work and influence in the hip hop genre for years.
Pharrell owns his own non-profit organization called, “From One Hand To AnOTHER (FOHTA), whose mission is to, "change the world one kid at a time by giving them the tools and resources to meet their unique potential". The organization focuses on providing children tools for the future in the areas of mathematics, science, technology, arts and engineering. There is a FOHTA located out Virginia Beach, Pharrell’s hometown.
2014 and currently 2015 is and has been a big year for Pharrell not only for his own album and music but he has also produced three songs on the “SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water” soundtrack, which was released back in February of 2015. He also coproduced with Hans Zimmer and other producers on the “Amazing SpiderMan 2” Soundtrack.
Pharrell has received many awards in his time as a solo artist and as a member of The Neptunes. As a solo artist he won Video of the Year at the BET Awards in 2014 for Happy, and as well won best male R&B and Pop artist. His work has been nominated countless and numerous times for best song, producer of the year and best collaborations award nominations throughout his long career. He has collaborated with a lot of artists ranging from hardcore rap artists to pop and soul singers. The list includes; Jay-Z, Kanye West, Robin Thicke, The Clipse, Brittany Spears, Snoop Dogg, Solonage, Paul Oakenfold, Daft Punk and many more. Pharrell’s resume is surely impressive from the collective of artists he had worked with and to the success and awards rather won or lost, the records had spun.
According to Forbes in 2014, Pharrell comes in at #38 with a net value of $22 million. It was reported that the gallon hat he sported at the Grammy’s was auditioned at a charity event, going to Arby’s for $44,000.
According to the Christian Post, Pharrell states, “he believes in God and considers people who doubt His existence to be "incredibly arrogant and pompous."’ The original quote was taken from the UK-based “Stylist Magazine”.
Pharrell was faced with a lawsuit back in 2013 when fellow artist Will.I.Am., filed a lawsuit to prevent Pharrell from using the phrase “I Am” on his YouTube channel and website. It was reported in 2014 that the two had settled the lawsuit out of court but no reports to say what the settlement or agreement had come to.
The compilation of Pharrell’s work is superb. His versatility, in my opinion, which allows him access to many different genre of music which indeed qualifies him to be one of the greatest producers and vocalist of his time. It appears that “his time” may be far from over. I myself first fell in love with his music when I was in high school when The Clipse hit single “Grindin” dropped (this was also round the time when I first started “paying attention” to rap music). I also notice how friendly and down to earth (even though I have never met him) he seems to be. He doesn’t wild out in public, make boastful scenes like certain rappers today. Everyone enjoys working and being around him and he brings a lively atmosphere to any place he goes. The ageless and timeless 41 year old still has more to contribute to the world of music and society as he gives the world classic music and a helping uplifting hand to the future generation to come. I for one am looking forward to see what he does in the near future as an artist and as individual because we don’t get many successful people who generously gives back to their community.
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