Pharrell Williams, born April 5, 1973, is a highly influential American musician, producer, and entrepreneur. He gained early fame as part of the production duo the Neptunes, which he co-founded with Chad Hugo in 1992. Together, they shaped the sound of modern pop and hip hop, with 15 of their productions reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100, including four number-one hits. The duo also formed the alternative band N.E.R.D. in 1999, where Pharrell served as the lead vocalist.
Pharrell's solo career took off with his 2003 single "Frontin'", which featured Jay-Z and reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100. His debut album, In My Mind (2006), peaked at number three on the Billboard 200, though it received mixed reviews. He achieved major success with his production work, most notably on Robin Thicke's 2013 hit "Blurred Lines," which topped the charts and earned a diamond certification. That same year, Pharrell appeared on Daft Punk's "Get Lucky," which also enjoyed chart-topping success and won Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
Pharrell’s 2013 single "Happy," from the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack, became one of his most iconic songs, reaching number one and cementing his place in pop culture. His second album, Girl (2014), received positive reviews and peaked at number two on the Billboard 200. Beyond music, Pharrell has become a key figure in fashion, founding the brand Billionaire Boys Club and serving as the creative director for Louis Vuitton’s men’s line since 2023.
Pharrell has earned numerous awards, including 13 Grammy Awards and two Academy Award nominations. He also co-founded the entertainment company I Am Other, which encompasses his music label, fashion ventures, and other creative projects. Known for his versatile talent and entrepreneurial spirit, Pharrell continues to influence both the music and fashion industries.