Pharrell is an iconic recording artist, producer, songwriter, philanthropist, fashion designer, entrepreneur, and performer. His impact on popular culture has been immense and diverse for decades now. Learn more about the life of Pharrell below.
Early Success
Pharrell Williams was born on April 5, 1973. Early in his life he showed a love and incredible talent for music. Williams first found worldwide acclaim as a producer with the group, The Neptunes. Chad Hugo was Pharrell’s partner in The Neptunes. The two longtime friends met in high school. They both shared a love for music and beat production. The pair were so talented and ambitious that they attracted the attention of the music industry at an early age. They contributed to music and artists that were on heavy rotation during the 1990s.
The Neptunes
The Neptunes quickly became in demand hip hop producers and writers. They had a sound that was invigorating. They mixed styles from soul, rock, and other popular genres. Chad and Pharrell were working with superstars like Mary J. Blige, Britney Spears and Snoop Dogg.
In 2001, Williams and Hugo formed the band N.E.R.D. N.E.R.D. would release four successful albums.
Happy
Williams would have his greatest success as an artist with the infectious hit song, “Happy.” The song was written for the animated family film, Despicable Me 2. Williams performed the song, and it established him as a solo act. Happy was nominated for an Academy Award for best original song, and Williams performed it at the Oscar ceremony in 2014.
Style
The uniqueness and innovation of Pharrell’s music was also visible in his fashion sense. Esquire named him the best dressed man on the planet in 2005. The artist would create his own clothing lines that encapsulated his distinctive fashion sense. He started Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream. Both lines have been tremendously successful.
Sneakers
Williams has also made a name for himself in the sneaker world. He collaborates with adidas on some of the most in demand shoes in the marketplace. The goal of the collab in the mind of Pharrell was to combine fashion, design and functionality to make the perfect sneakers. The first release from the adidas and Pharrell collaboration was Williams take on the Stan Smith sneaker in three different colorways. A classic superstar track jacket was also dropped to mark adidas and Pharrell’s first launch as a team.
50
Pharrell Williams is turning 50 on April 23. It’s hard to believe he is half a century old based on his youthful appearance. He hasn’t seemed to age since he entered the public spotlight years and years ago. The impact he has made on music and fashion is impossible to overlook. It’s exciting to think about what Williams will accomplish in his next 50 years on earth.
- Adam C. Better
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