Pharrell Williams
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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Pharrell Williams (born April 5, 1973) is an American producer, singer, rapper, songwriter, entrepreneur, and skateboarder, best-known for his musical composition "Happy". He is one half of the production duo The Neptunes, where, along with Chad Hugo, he produces Pop, hip-hop and R&B music. He is also the lead singer and drummer of the funk-rock band, N*E*R*D. He released his debut single "Frontin'" in 2003 and followed up with his debut album In My Mind in 2006.
As part of The Neptunes, Pharrell has produced numerous hit singles for various music stars. He plays the drums, keyboard, and sings in a falsetto voice. Pharrell's work in The Neptunes has earned them three Grammy Awards amongst ten nominations. He is also the co-founder of the clothing brand Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream Footwear, though in most music videos, his clothing covers the logo.
Associated include The Neptunes, N.E.R.D, Child Rebel Soldier, The Clipse, Snoop Dogg, Lupe Fiasco, Madonna, Kanye West, Gwen Stefani and Jay-Z.
Musical style
Williams has stated that he does not have any direct influences, but has expressed his admiration for several musicians, including Michael Jackson, J Dilla, Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye, Rakim and Q-Tip. Williams explained that A Tribe Called Quest's 1990 album, People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, caused a "turning point" in his life, which "made him see that music was art".
