Pharrell Williams | |
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Williams at a screening of Hidden Figures at the NMAAHC in December 2016.
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Background information | |
Birth name | Pharrell Lanscilo Williams |
Born |
Virginia Beach, Virginia, U.S. |
April 5, 1973
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Years active | 1992–present |
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Website | pharrellwilliams |
Pharrell Lanscilo Williams (/fəˈɹ̠ɛːl/; born April 5, 1973) is an American singer-songwriter, rapper, record producer, and film producer.
Williams and Chad Hugo make up the record production duo The Neptunes, producing soul, hip hop and R&B music. He is the lead vocalist and drummer of the rock-funk-hip hop band N*E*R*D, that he formed with Hugo and childhood friend, Shay Haley. He released his first single, "Frontin'", in 2003 and followed up with his debut solo album, In My Mind in 2006. His second album, Girl, was released on March 3, 2014. This album was preceded by the commercially successful single, "Happy". As part of the Neptunes, Williams has produced numerous hit singles for various recording artists.
Williams owns a media venture that encompasses entertainment, music, fashion, and art called i am OTHER, a multimedia creative collective and record label that serves as an umbrella for all of Pharrell Williams' endeavors, including Billionaire Boys Club.
Williams has earned ten Grammy Awards including two with the Neptunes. He is also a two-time Academy Award nominee, receiving a 2014 Best Original Song nomination from "Happy" (which was featured in Despicable Me 2) and a 2017 Best Picture nomination as one of the producers of Hidden Figures.