Pharrel Williams

Pharrel Williams

Pharrell Lanscilo Williams (; born April 5, 1973), often known mononymously as Pharrell, is an American record producer, singer, songwriter, rapper, and fashion designer. He first became known as one half of the hip hop and R&B production duo the Neptunes, which he formed in 1992 with Chad Hugo. They produced 15 singles which peaked within the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100, including four songs that peaked atop the chart. 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 considered one of the most influential music producers of the 21st century for his impact on popular music.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), which peaked at number five on the Hot 100. He released his debut studio album, In My Mind (2006), under Virgin and Interscope Records. It peaked at number three on the Billboard 200, although critical reception was mixed. Williams produced and guest performed alongside T.I. on Robin Thicke's 2013 single "Blurred Lines", which peaked atop the Hot 100 and received diamond certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). That year, he won two Grammy Awards—Record 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. His 2013 solo 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. It served as the first single for his second album, Girl (2014), which peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 and saw a generally positive critical reception.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"; 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. He has served as Men's creative director for Louis Vuitton since 2023.

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