chad-hugo

Pharrell Wished Chad Hugo ‘The Absolute Best,’ Despite The Neptunes No Longer Speaking

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That sound you just heard was millions of millennials crying out in anguish as yet another part of their childhoods died today. In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Pharrell Williams confirmed that he and his former production partner Chad Hugo, with whom he’d collaborated as The Neptunes throughout the late ’90s and 2000s, are no longer on speaking terms after Hugo filed a lawsuit against him over the use of their group name.

When asked about the status of their relationship, Pharrell replied only, “I always wish him the absolute best.” Pressed about whether the two are on speaking terms, he admitted, “No. But I love him, and I always wish him the absolute best, and I’m very grateful for our time together.”

The Neptunes collectively produced dozens of hits throughout their tenure as a hotly demanded duo, working with Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani, Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, Ludacris, Nelly, Snoop Dogg, and more. The duo also formed two-thirds of the experimental rock trio N.E.R.D. with Shay Haley, producing five albums from 2001 to 2017.

Hugo sued Williams in April after Pharrell allegedly filed for trademarks for the Neptunes’ name without including his former partner. Chad’s attorneys said this violated their standing agreement to split the group’s profits 50/50, while Pharrell’s reps argued that they had attempted to contact Hugo several times with no success.

Despite not speaking to Pharrell, Chad’s voice will be heard in Pharrell’s animated biopic, Piece By Piece, which uses documentary interviews with collaborators like Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar, who weren’t informed of its animated nature.

Pusha T Reveals The Official Title Of Clipse’s Long-Awaited Album, Which Is, Of Course Produced By Pharrell

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Just when you thought musical comebacks were a done deal, Clipse entered the chat. Although the sibling duo, comprised of Pusha T and No Malice, have kept themselves busy with other personal ventures, they fans have desperately yearned for an album.

Last month, Pusha T confirmed that the duo were finally on one accord about a full-length project. They’ve even came together to premiere a new track during their surprise performance at Louis Vuitton’s recent fashion. But no further details were shared regarding the project. Well, until now. Over on Instagram, Pusha T revealed the official title for Clipse’s long-awaited album.

“In celebration of this weekends’ Denim Tears 5th anniversary party,” he wrote. “Where Clipse will be performing ahead of their new album, ‘Let God Sort Em Out.’”

The caption seemed like a simple promotional obligation for the fashion brand’s event, until followers realized that he bread crumbed the album name.

As part of a sit down with Vulture, confirmed that one half the Clipse’s longtime producing team The Neptunes, Pharrell Williams, is also onboard for the upcoming release. “Pharrell producing everything is also an ode to the type of music and the type of albums we want to make,” he said. “We still want to make full bodies of work. These are movies, man. These aren’t just songs. This isn’t just a collection of joints we went in and banged out.”

But don’t expect to see Chad Hugo’s name anywhere in the credits. Unfortunately, it appears Hugo’s legal battle with Pharrell has spilled over into Clipse’s willingness to work with him.

Today In Hip Hop History: N.E.R.D. Released Their Third Album ‘Seeing Sounds’ 16 Years Ago

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On this date in 2008, producer extraordinaire Pharrell Williams and crew dropped N.E.R.D’s third full length studio effort Seeing Sounds on Williams’ Star Trak label under the Interscope imprint. The album’s concept as well as its content revolves around the neurological phenomenon of synesthesia, as the album’s title suggests, the mixing of sensory modalities.

In an interview with MTV’s Shaheem Reid, Pharrell described synesthesia synesthesia, saying, “If you really analyze that, the most inspiration is probably deep inside a synesthesiac. So for us, ‘seeing sounds’ is what we relate to the most. We figured we’d make an album out of it. Energy and emotion was the criteria [while recording], but we made the music anticipating the [live] show. That was the most important thing…[The song] ‘Spaz’ is [an] old school, hip hop feeling with some drum and bass. It becomes a big, tall monster. It’s almost like this big gorilla looking down at you. If he smacks you, he kills you. His fingers are the size of your body. That’s kinda what we’re doing. We’re facing this big monster of, of what we know is out there, of what we see, that big monster of energy.”

Produced exclusively by The Neptunes, consisting of Williams and Chad Hugo, the duo went to Miami and L.A. respectively and consecutively recorded fourteen tracks(two bonus tracks) that aptly fit the LP’s concept title, which was originally named after the group.

A large part of the album’s promotion came from performing on Kanye West’s 2008 Glow In The Dark Tour, where the crew performed the top singles from the album, “Everyone Nose” and “Spaz”. The latter single was aso used in a Zune Music Pass commercial the same year.

Commercially, the album debuted at number seven on the U.S. Billboard 200, selling 80,000 copies in its first week.[Sales in the United States have exceeded 250,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan.[It peaked in the top 20 in Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, while also charting in the several other regions, including Austria, Belgium, France and Italy.

Peace to Pharrell, Chad Hugo ,Spymob and everyone else involved and making this a part of Hip Hop history!

The post Today In Hip Hop History: N.E.R.D. Released Their Third Album ‘Seeing Sounds’ 16 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: N.E.R.D. Released Their Third Album ‘Seeing Sounds’ 16 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Pharrell Williams & Chad Hugo’s Fight Over The Neptunes, Explained

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As any hip hop head is aware, The Neptunes were a prominent hip hop and R&B production duo consisting of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo. Pharrell frequently provides vocals in tracks produced by The Neptunes and serves as a frontman for the group, while Hugo tends to remain behind the scenes. Recently, the duo have been on bad terms, with Chad Hugo claiming that Pharrell fraudulently sought sole ownership over the brand without his consent. As a result, the rap pioneers find themselves deadlocked in an ongoing legal battle, which has unsettled frequent collaborators close to the pair, such as Pusha T.

Will this case be the end of a decades-long friendship and creative partnership? While there’s no definite way to know, speculation among insiders suggests that Pharrell and Hugo may be experiencing exploitation by their respective legal teams. Let’s dive into the details surrounding the Neptunes’ legal dispute between Pharrell and Chad Hugo and uncover some of the finer points.

Pharrell & Chad Have An Existing 50/50 Agreement

Chad Hugo’s concerns appear to stem from a trio of applications filed by Pharrell’s company in 2022. These applications were for trademark registrations related to The Neptunes and the band N.E.R.D., of which Hugo was also a founding member. The filings sought to vest The Neptunes trademark for applications such as live performances, streaming services, and music videos. A legal rep for Hugo claimed that these filings were made without the producer’s knowledge or consent in an intentional move to cut him out of the brand.

Per reports filed last week at a federal tribunal, Chad Hugo claims that Pharrell has infringed upon an agreement that the pair already have to split The Neptunes’ trademark equally. Representatives from Pharrell Williams claim the 50-year-old producer is surprised by these allegations, arguing that they have reached out to Hugo to strike a shared trademark deal on multiple occasions. According to a report in People, Pharrell’s reps have stated, “The goal here was to make sure a third party doesn’t get a hold of the trademark and to guarantee Chad and Pharrell share in ownership and administration.”

Pusha T Weighs In

Frequent Neptunes collaborator Pusha T weighed in on the Pharrell and Chad Hugo case via social media, writing, “There’s not a dollar involved in this stupidity. Just a lawyer looking to drain Chad’s pocket. Unreal.” If these comments are accurate, it would suggest that Pharrell and Hugo aren’t really duking it out behind the scenes, as the case would suggest. Push further cemented this theory by co-signing another social media user’s claim: “This is foolish. It’s akin to when Ralph & Johnny bought the right to the name New Edition. Not for the purposes of greed but to keep it out of someone else’s hands. If it was all so bad then why did he not sue for N.E.R.D. too??”

This raises a fair point, as Chad Hugo has a one-third stake in both N.E.R.D. and Star Trak Entertainment alongside Pharrell, neither of which seems to be the source of a legal battle like The Neptunes brand. For now, there’s no way of knowing the whole truth regarding the legal matter, though it would undoubtedly be a shame to see Pharrell and Hugo throw away one of the longest and most worthwhile bonds in hip hop history over the trademark dispute.

[Via]

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The Neptunes Are In Dispute As Pharell Williams And Chad Hugo Head To Court Over The Rights To Their Group Name

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The Neptunes hold the credits to some of the biggest hits of the 2000s. The production duo, which consisted of Virginia Beach natives Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, contributed beats to everyone from Britney Spears to Snoop Dogg, with significant impact on the careers of Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, Kelis, Nelly, Robin Thicke, T.I., and more.

Unfortunately, it looks like the future of the odd couple’s production brand is in dispute as Hugo’s attorneys have filed legal documents claiming Williams attempted to register trademarks for the Neptunes name in violation of a previous agreement to split everything 50/50.

Hugo’s attorney Kenneth D. Freundlich wrote in the filing, “By ignoring and excluding [Hugo] from the any and all applications filed by applicant for the mark ‘The Neptunes,’ applicant has committed fraud in securing the trademarks and acted in bad faith.”

However, according to a statement to Billboard from Pharrell’s reps, Williams did try to get Chad onboard with no success. ““Pharrell is surprised by this,” it reads. “We have reached out on multiple occasions to share in the ownership and administration of the trademark and will continue to make that offer. The goal here was to make sure a third party doesn’t get a hold of the trademark and to guarantee Chad and Pharrell share in ownership and administration.”

Billboard explains in its report that Williams submitted three applications in 2022 to register The Neptunes: one for streaming, one for music videos and similar media, and one for live performances. Hugo’s attorneys argue that his name was not listed as a co-owner of the The Neptunes entity and that they reached out to Williams to get the issue corrected multiples times since. While Williams’ reps have apparently offered to include Hugo, it would be under what Chad’s lawyers call “onerous business terms.”

Chad Hugo Net Worth 2024: What Is The Neptunes Icon Worth?

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Chad Hugo is a Virginia-born musician, producer, and songwriter. He is renowned for his role in The Neptunes and N.E.R.D. and has amassed a net worth of $60 million by 2024, according to Alux. Alongside Pharrell Williams, Hugo has been instrumental in shaping the sound of modern pop, hip-hop, and R&B, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry with his innovative production techniques and distinctive sound. His journey from a young musician in Virginia Beach to a globally recognized producer and songwriter demonstrates the power of creativity, collaboration, and innovation in achieving both artistic and financial success.

The Neptunes: Revolutionizing Music Production

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US music producer Chad Hugo arrives for the second annual Gold Gala at the Music Center in. Los Angeles, California also on May 6, 2023. (Photo by Michael Tran / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)

The partnership between Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams, known as The Neptunes, has been pivotal in the evolution of music production over the past few decades. Their groundbreaking work has produced chart-topping hits for many artists. These include Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, and Britney Spears. Further, this era of production not only solidified Hugo’s reputation as a master producer but also played a crucial role in his financial success. The Neptunes’ ability to cross genres and create a new sound palette for the 21st century has made them one of the most sought-after production teams in the music industry.

N.E.R.D & Solo Ventures

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Chad Hugo & Pharrell Williams of N.E.R.D. during 2nd Annual Shortlist Music Awards. Concert at Henry Fonda Theatre also in Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by L. Cohen/WireImage)

Moreover, Hugo’s involvement in N.E.R.D, alongside Pharrell Williams and Shay Haley, showcased his versatility. The band’s fusion of rock, funk, and hip-hop also allowed Hugo to explore different facets of his musicality. This further established his credibility and influence in the industry. His solo ventures, including songwriting and production for a diverse range of artists, have contributed to his net worth and highlighted his ability to adapt and innovate across musical genres. Hugo’s dedication to exploring new sounds and collaborations underscores his continuous impact on music and culture.

Influence & Legacy

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 16: (L-R) Jimmy Jam, Fabolous, Chad Hugo and Terry Lewis pose backstage at the. Songwriters Hall of Fame 51st Annual Induction and Awards Gala at Marriott Marquis on June 16, 2022 also in New York City. (Photo by Gary Gershoff/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall of Fame )

Chad Hugo’s influence extends beyond the confines of music production and performance. His contributions to the industry have helped redefine the role of the producer in the creative process, elevating it to that of an artist in its own right. Hugo’s work has inspired a new generation of producers, musicians, and songwriters to experiment with sound and genre, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in music. Additionally, his impact is felt through his mentorship of emerging artists and producers, ensuring his legacy will resonate for years to come.

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Phoenix Called On The Motley Crew Of Pusha T, Benee, And Chad Hugo To Add Onto The Magic Of ‘All Eyes On Me’

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Phoenix haven’t historically been known for their collaborations, but they’ve actually been busting them out as of late. Their latest album, 2022’s Alpha Zulu, includes the Ezra Koenig-featuring “Tonight,” Clairo joined the group for a remix of “After Midnight” earlier this year, and now Phoenix has unveiled another new Alpha Zulu remix, featuring Pusha T, Benee, and Chad Hugo.

That may seem like a random or unexpected mix of collaborators, but it all makes sense: The band said in a statement, “A huge thank you to le Roi Pusha-T – most played artist in our backstage; to Chad Hugo, who always showed up when we were playing in Virginia, it’s about time we worked together! And to Benee, who worked at light speed to make this happen and added some magic. MERCI!!!”

This isn’t Pusha’s first time linking up with the French group: he joined them on stage at a Paris festival this summer, performing Phoenix’s 2000 song “Funky Squaredance” before jumping into “All Eyes On Me.”

The band’s Thomas Mars previously told Uproxx of Alpha Zulu, “Every album we make is a reaction to previous one. As we were digging into this one, we realized that we were putting the songs that had the least in common together. We tried to open the spectrum as much as possible and make a little bit of a Frankenstein.”

Listen to the “All Eyes On Me” remix above.

Kelis Explains Beyoncé Using ‘Milkshake’ Without Asking Was ‘Personal On Many Levels Which People Don’t Understand’

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A couple days ago, Kelis shared an Instagram post showing off her hair and outfit. The post had nothing to do with her beef with Beyoncé over sampling “Milkshake” on Renaissance cut “Energy,” but the comments section quickly became all about it.

Responding to comments from fans and detractors, Kelis declared she “won” by Beyoncé removing the sample and also called the Beyhive “a joke.” Beyond that, she also responded to an interesting point.

A fan mentioned how Bia referenced the “Milkshake” lyrics in her 2021 song “Can’t Touch This,” writing, “Not here to cause problem but genuinely concerned why you ain’t say nothing when @bia did ‘can’t touch this’ and took the whole ‘my milkshare brings all the boys to the yard’ ?” To that, Kelis answered, “like I’ve said, it’s all a problem. Every single time. But this was personal on many levels which people don’t understand and I didn’t care to go further into. But yes. It is all a problem that I am going to fix .”

On a related note, another fan commented, “Why can’t we as sisters ever settle anything behind closed doors without giving others the satisfaction of making it look like a feud? I’m so curious to know and understand.” Kelis answered, “it’s bigger then that.”

One of those aforementioned levels is presumably related to Pharrell and Chad Hugo (who produced “Milkshake” as The Neptunes), as she called them out last month. A hater took to the comments to bring them up, writing, “If the Neptunes were so bad to you how come everything you did after you left them flopped? They gave you your big break and your biggest singles which allow you to still tour 20 years later but you’re acting like they stole something from you. You owe everything you have to them be grateful.”

In response, Kelis wrote, “that’s funny cause right after I left them I did bossy and many of my biggest songs were not Neptune produced. And I never said they weren’t talented . I said they are bad people. And further more I made them as much as they made me. Do your homework dumb dumb.”

Find Kelis’ original comments below.

Kelis Instagram comments
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Kelis Instagram comments
@kelis/Instagram
Kelis Instagram comments
@kelis/Instagram

Kelis Calls Out Pharrell And Chad Hugo Over Allegedly Not Clearing The Beyoncé ‘Renaissance’ Sample With Her

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Kelis Hollywood Unlocked 2022
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Earlier today, Kelis voiced her frustrations over one of her records being sampled on Beyoncé’s upcoming album Renaissance without it being cleared. She commented on the @kelistrends Instagram page and went back and forth with fans who were excited about the “collaboration.” Evidently, the Harlem artist had much more to get off of her chest in the form of a near three-minute rant that a fan posted to Twitter, where Kelis called out Pharrell and Chad Hugo for purposely participating in the “theft.”

From the very beginning of the video, the 42-year-old clarifies that her beef is not only with Beyoncé, who she says has copied her before much like many other artists. “The issue is not only are we female artists, Black female artists, in an industry that there’s not that many of us,” Kelis says. “We’ve met each other, we know each other, we have mutual friends. It’s not hard, she can contact me.” She then compares the situation to when Ashnikko went through the proper channels to connect with her to clear “Deal With It,” where she sampled Kelis’s “Caught Out There.”

Kelis continued her diatribe by calling the “Bey Hive” sheep for defending her and pointing out how Kelis doesn’t own her music before turning her attention to Pharrell and Chad Hugo.

“Chad really is like an amoeba, he’s spineless. It’s a miracle he can keep his neck up, but Pharrell knows better. This is a direct hit at me, he does this stuff all the time. It’s very petty–very, very, very–and the reality is that it’s frustrating. I have the right to be frustrated. Why? Because no one had the human decency to call and be like ‘Yo, hey, would like to use your record.’ Which, by the way, is the reason I’m annoyed because I know it was on purpose.”

A new Beyoncé release always causes hysteria, so this situation isn’t too surprising, but it will be interesting to see how it unfolds. As of now, there have been no comments from the Lemonade artist, Pharrell, or Hugo.

Pharrell and Chad Hugo, ‘The Neptunes,’ Inducted Into The Songwriters Hall of Fame

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Pharrell and Chad Hugo, a.k.a., The Neptunes, are one of the biggest production groups of all time, having produced for many hip hop, R&B, and pop acts mainly across the 1900s and 2000s. In 2020, they were announced, alongside Mariah Carey and The Isley Brothers, to be inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall Of Fame. Last night, the actual ceremony took place and the group was formally inducted.

The Neptunes induction included a special performance from Usher, whom they produced a few tracks on his 2001 album 8701. Following the ceremony, Pharrell spoke to a reporter about being inducted, calling it a “huge honor.”

“It’s a huge honor. You’ve heard that all night on this carpet, it really is. The immense sense of gratitude that I feel is probably taking over everything in terms of like the being in it-ness. I’m failing at that because I always have delayed reactions, so 2-3 days from now I’ll be like whoa I was really in the room with like the Eurythmics and Ronald Isley. It’ll probably hit me by then but right now it’s kinda like oh wow.”

This was only the start of Pharrell’s weekend. The superproducer’s “Something In The Water” festival starts today, June 17, with performances by Tyler, The Creator, Usher, Ashanti, Ja Rule, Clipse, Justin Timberlake, SZA, Anderson .Paak and more.

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