When we talk about Black producers, Pharrell Williams is IT. For as long as I’ve been alive, Pharrell has consistently been involved on our faves songs. From pop, R&B to Hip-Hop, he’s pushed the envelope on what it means to be a successful and GOOD producer.
Growing up in Virginia (Virginia birth whole legends like Missy Elliott and Timbaland,) Pharrell was destined for greatness.
He met his future production partner Chad Hugo in middle school at a summer band camp, and the rest is history.
They formed a group called The Neptunes with friends with Shay Haley & Mike Etheridge. They were later discovered by Teddy Riley & boom we were introduced to Pharrell.
The 90s:
Albums Released:
The first song Pharrell worked on was Wreckx-N-Effect’s 1992 hit single “Rump Shaker.” It went to number two on the pop charts (It was blocked by Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.”
Pharrell also had a small solo in SWV’s Right Here (UK Remix!) he’s responsible for the infamous way we chant SWV on the stage!
He continued to work with artists like Blackstreet, Noreaga, Mase, Kelis, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, etc!
The 00s:
Albums Released: In Search Of.., The Neptune’s Present..Clones, Fly or Die, In My Mind, Seeing Sounds.
Pharrell kept the momentum going with Hugo as the dynamic production duo team dropping gems after gems.
Pharrell, Hugo & Haley formed their own group called N.E.R.D., and dropped their own quality music!
I know y’all remember Pharrell’s bop “Frontin” with Jay Z!
The 10s:
Albums Released: Nothing, Girl.
This decade was good to Pharrell. He was nominated for two Academy Awards for his 2014 song “Happy” & for the Hidden Figures film.
Still being an important figure in the world of music, Pharrell is still producing and being featured on tunes by today’s greatest artists.
Pharrell Williams remains one of the best musicians to grace the planet. He deserves an abundance of flowers for the quality of music he’s blessed us with. He’s truly incomparable! -MJ
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