The Neptunes (Pharrell and Chad Hugo) are a major part of the Clipse (Pusha T and No Malice) story: The production duo has been at the helm of all four Clipse albums, including their latest, 2009’s Til The Casket Drops. Now, Clipse is readying their first album in 15 years, and the whole thing is produced by Pharrell.
In a new Vulture interview, Pusha T said, “Pharrell producing everything is also an ode to the type of music and the type of albums we want to make. 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.”
He also noted that he and No Malice didn’t work with Pharrell’s Neptunes partner Chad Hugo on the project.
Elsewhere, Pusha said about the album, “I think the album shows the supreme maturation of a rap duo. I think this is where you get the difference between taste and filler. This music is curated. This is a high taste-level piece of work. You can only have that level of taste when you have the fundamentals down to a science. I think it’s been definitely missing. Then there’s the competitive aspect.”
No Malice added, “This is smart basketball. It’s fundamentals. And not only that, it’s authenticity. It’s what rap should look like if you’re real about your craft, real about your experience, real about your storytelling. It’s bringing the fans along to see the growth, not trying to fit in or fabricate. It just seems like in other genres of music, they have the luxury of growing. For some reason, we act like we’re not supposed to evolve. This is what the true evolution of the Clipse looks like. It’s just good to be able to show that and still have high-level raps.”
Tommy Richman has been making music for nearly a decade, but 2024 is his year. The singer broke out in a big way with the single “Million Dollar Baby.” Not only was a viral sensation on TikTok, but it crossed over and went number two on the Billboard Hot 100. Richman is now an R&B star. The pressure now, of course, is to prove that he’s not a one hit wonder. We’ve seen lots of “Million Dollar Baby” singers come and go. The next Richman single is going to be crucial, and it sounds like he’s got it under control.
Richman posted a teaser of his upcoming song, “Devil Is a Lie,” on TikTok on June 6. The brief clip sees him not only singing the song, but doing so on what appears to be a set for the music video. He sings in front of a car, and and posts up from a different angle where a camera can be seen moving past him. It’s led fans to believe that “Devil Is a Lie” is not only coming soon, but will have an official video attached as well. The song itself is ridiculously catchy. It captures the same bouncy, hooky energy of Richman’s first big smash, but with a throwback 2000’s feel. Many fans have rightfully pointed out that the singer seems to be channeling vintage Neptunes. The beat definitely sounds like something Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo would have cooked up for Nelly back in the day.
This makes perfect sense, given Tommy Richman’s affiliation with another R&B star, Brent Fayiaz. He had a standout appearance on the Faiyaz mixtapeLarger Than Life, which also revived the 2000s sound they both grew up idolizing. Richman even signed to Faiyaz’s creative agency, ISO Supremacy, furthering their like-mindedness. It’s also worth noting that Richman hails from Virginia, which is where artists like Faiyaz and the Neptunes originated. The singer spoke on the impact of VA’s musical history on his own working process during a 2023 interview with Miami New Times.
“There’s a lot of passion through the scene back home,” Richman explained. “And I feel like it’s because a lot of people don’t get a fair shake. It’s really hard to have your voice heard there. That’s probably why a lot of people from Virginia left, like Pharrell and Timbaland. It’s kind of key for an artist to leave their nest. That way, you can appreciate where you come from.” Richman wants honor the legacy of these artists, and “Devil Is a Lie” suggests he’s doing a great job.
Leave it to Pharrell to find the cure to the musical biopic overload Hollywood is currently suffering from. Today, the pioneering producer shared the first trailer for Piece By Piece, his biographical movie that is one part traditional biopic, one part documentary, and one part animated Lego adventure.
Wait, what?
Yep, you read that right. Look, there’s just no way the man who fronted The Neptunes and N.E.R.D., who made “Happy” and “Get Lucky,” and who can’t be stopped from wearing those big-ass hats would ever just hire some good-looking actor to recreate his come-up. Instead, Piece By Piece is a colorful, animated feature directed by Morgan Neville in which Pharrell is rendered as a minifigure whose imagination blurs the lines of reality — along with a cast that includes some of the biggest names in music, from Justin Timberlake and Snoop Dogg to Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar. I’m buying a ticket just to see Lego Jay-Z give his signature chuckle. (Lego, if you’re reading this… You know what to do. We NEED IT.)
The release of the trailer reverses a string of … well, awkward headlines for the musical genius. Up ’til now, he’s seen a string of legal actions filed against him by collaborators including his Neptunes partner Chad Hugo and singer Pink to block him from copyrighting certain brand names and capitalizing from his work with them.
On the bright side, his work at Louis Vuitton — particularly a recent collab with Tyler The Creator — has been well received and he’s got a fun single with Miley Cyrus called “Doctor (Work It Out).” You can watch the Piece by Piece trailer above.
Pharrell’s upcoming LEGO-created biopic Piece By Piece lands in theaters later this fall, and we just got our first trailer for the creative’s film. Moreover, the teaser showcases some mini-figure renditions of some of your favorite rappers, including Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, and many more. Of course, people are reacting quite curiously to these versions, particularly K.Dot’s rendition since it doesn’t overtly look like him that much. But there’s only so far you can go with trying to make a real person seem like themselves in LEGO form. Maybe we should be giving more due credit here instead of expecting Bionicle levels of detail.
Jokes aside, this is looking like a really interesting, ingenious, and fun-loving film centered around Pharrell’s life and career, one of a couple of movies he’s got reportedly slated on the release block. That other project doesn’t have a title yet, though, and it’s also about his childhood in Virginia Beach. We’re not so sure on why the accomplished musician is putting out what seems like multiple biopics around the similar time, but he’s definitely worthy of documentation. After all, Piece By Piece‘s celebrity roster alone should speak to his reach, influence, talent, and level of earned respect in the game.
Elsewhere, many folks also found this notable thanks to the context offered by 2024’s biggest event so far: the rap beef. Kendrick Lamar and frequent Pharrell hater Drake recently had a great showdown, and one that had folks looking at the Neptunes producer and the Compton lyricist’s relationship a little differently. This is because studio footage of the two now carries a more overt anti-Drizzy tone. That’s just speculation and confirmation bias at play, but it’s still an interesting reevaluation.
Your Favorite Rappers (Plus Justin Timberlake) As LEGO Mini-Figures In Pharrell’s Upcoming Movie
official Lego versions of Kendrick Lamar, Jay Z, Justin Timberlake, and Snoop Dogg for the Pharrell Williams biopic pic.twitter.com/p7AEg2ezZk
Meanwhile, Pharrell’s got some more heat in store for the year, including a teased collaboration with NAV. With Piece By Piece and other exciting new moves on the way, maybe another biopic-style film wouldn’t be that unnecessary at all. Hopefully none of these endeavors stifle his versatile work ethic, though, After all, when you’ve got so much to handle in the fashion and business realms too, music and movies can be an easy distraction.
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.”
Pharrell was scheduled to perform at a Formula 1 post-race show in Saudi Arabia. The star cut the show short due to fans throwing items on stage.
According to The Daily Mail, Pharrell asked fans to stop tossing light-up wristbands on stage, which was impacting the dancers.
“This is the liveliest city right now on the planet but we have also got to be the safest,” Pharrell said. “I know you guys are excited and I know you are wanting to throw your wrist gadgets and lights and all that, but you can’t as the girls are dancing. And me? I love women, how about you?
“We must protect our women so if you want to throw them lights you have to throw them the other way, not at the stage. Who understands what I’m saying?”
Pharrell attempted to get the fans to toss them all at once to end the stage toss, but eventually, the show ended.
Pharrell Williams, Alicia Keys, and Martin Garrix were among the performers at Formula 1 Grand Prix’s post-race show in Saudi Arabia on Saturday (March 9). However, when the Louis Vuitton designer took the stage for his performance, he took issue with fans throwing their wristbands at the stage. “This is the liveliest city right now on the planet but we have also got to be the safest,” he told the crowd. “I know you guys are excited and I know you are wanting to throw your wrist gadgets and lights and all that, but you can’t as the girls are dancing. And me? I love women, how about you?”
Folks may remember something similar to this happening to Kid Cudi at Rolling Loud Miami 2022. Nevertheless, Pharrell continued: “We must protect our women so if you want to throw them lights you have to throw them the other way, not at the stage. Who understands what I’m saying?” When the crowd kept going, he decided to cut the show 15 minutes early. “Let’s take those stup*d wristbands and throw them in the air right now when I count to three. And now we are done. Okay, I’m going to let you all finish,” the Neptunes legend said before storming offstage.
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – MARCH 09: Pharrell Williams walks in the Paddock prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on March 09, 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Peter Fox – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
It doesn’t look like there’s any easily accessible video of this incident online at press time, but check out the “Via” links below for pictures. Regardless, Pharrell and company also had other criticisms to deal with given Saudi Arabia’s controversial laws against women and the fact that this performance was so close to International Women’s Day. “Alicia Keys and Pharrell Williams should not be performing in Saudi Arabia,” human rights activist Peter Tatchell remarked to The Sun. “It’s a dictatorship that persecutes women, LGBTs and religious and ethnic [groups].”
“I am thrilled to be back on stage, this time in Jeddah, performing in a place I have never performed in before, and in a way I never have in this region,” Alicia Keys said of her participation. “I’m also so inspired to connect in a meaningful way with the amazing women there to discuss cultural, creative and boundary-pushing narratives we are collectively and individually leading. In light of International Women’s Day, it’s the perfect time to discuss important issues affecting us.” For more news and updates on Pharrell, stay posted on HNHH.
Pharrell Williams and Miley Cyrus join forces for their highly-anticipated single “Doctor (Work It Out).”
Fresh from her recent GRAMMY wins, Miley stars in the official music video directed by Jacob Bixenman. Originally premiered at Pharrell’s Louis Vuitton Men’s Fall/Winter show, the track marks Pharrell’s second release of the year, following “Good People” with Mumford & Sons.
Pharrell Williams, a multitalented musician, producer, and entrepreneur, has enormously impacted the music industry. Pharrell’s success is a testament to his hard work and diverse skill set, but what is his net worth in 2024? Let’s delve into the factors contributing to his impressive fortune.
Pharrell Williams Net Worth
Williams has an impressive net worth of $250 million as of 2024, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Pharrell’s Music Career
TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 22: Pharrell Williams performs onstage during 93.3 FLZs Jingle Ball 2014 at Amalie Arena on December 22, 2014 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for iHeartMedia)
Pharrell Williams first gained recognition as part of the production duo The Neptunes alongside Chad Hugo. Together, they produced numerous hits for artists such as Britney Spears, Jay-Z, and Gwen Stefani. Their unique sound, blending hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music, helped define the music of the early 2000s.
Pharrell’s solo career took off with his 2003 debut album, In My Mind. His career highlights and No. 1 hits show him topping the charts collaboratively or as a solo act. In 2013, you may remember when “Happy” took over the universe, thrusting the megaproducer into every area of people’s lives. The infectious track, featured on the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack, earned him numerous accolades, including an Academy Award nomination.
Business Ventures & Endorsements
PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 23: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) Pharrell Williams attends the Kenzo Fall/Winter 2022/2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 23, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
Pharrell’s net worth is not solely a result of his music career. He has successfully ventured into other industries, including fashion, design, and technology. In 2005, he co-founded the streetwear brands Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream, which have grown in popularity and attracted a loyal following.
Pharrell has also collaborated with numerous high-profile brands on limited-edition products. For instance, he has partnered with Adidas, creating a line of sneakers, and worked with Louis Vuitton on a collection of sunglasses and jewelry.
Furthermore, Pharrell has invested in several technology companies, including the music streaming service Tidal. His entrepreneurial spirit and keen business acumen have played a significant role in building his substantial net worth.
Real Estate Investments
TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 22: Pharrell Williams performs onstage during 93.3 FLZs Jingle Ball 2014 at Amalie Arena on December 22, 2014 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for iHeartMedia)
Another factor contributing to Pharrell’s net worth is his real estate portfolio. Over the years, he has purchased several luxurious properties in prime locations such as Miami and Beverly Hills. These investments have provided him with a comfortable lifestyle and have proven valuable assets.
Pharrell Williams: Philanthropy & Social Impact
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 14: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Pharrell Williams of N.E.R.D performs at Lovebox festival at Gunnersbury Park on July 14, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Burak Cingi/Redferns)
Pharrell’s wealth has allowed him to give back to the community in various ways. He has supported numerous charitable organizations, including his own, the From One Hand to Another (FOHTA) Foundation. FOHTA’s mission is to empower underprivileged youth by providing them with educational opportunities and resources.
Additionally, Pharrell Williams has been vocal about social and environmental issues. In 2014, he became the creative director of Bionic Yarn, a company that produces eco-friendly textiles from recycled materials. This collaboration reflects his commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
Conclusion/TLDR
Pharrell Williams’ net worth of $250 million in 2024 is a testament to his talent, hard work, and versatility. From his early days as a producer with The Neptunes to his successful solo career and numerous business ventures, Pharrell has consistently reinvented himself and stayed relevant in an ever-changing industry. As he continues to innovate and inspire, his net worth is sure to keep growing.
Kid Cudi wore a dress on Saturday Night Live, and a fan attempted to connect his appearance to a humiliation ritual conducted by The Illuminati. Well, Cudi had some time.
“Dear Issac u silly stupid lil person and all people under this post,” Cudi opened. “It’s the start of a new year and I got time for muthafuckas like u today. This most is mad fuckin lame of u and said.
“A black man cant express himself and be confident AND successful with out it being some conspiracy. My success was givin to me by God with the help of my many angels.”
You can read Cudi’s full comments below.
Dear Issac u silly stupid lil person and all people under this post. Its the start of a new year and I got time for muthafuckas like u today. This post is mad fuckin lame of u and sad. A black man cant express himself and be confident AND successful with out it being some… https://t.co/dOPPP8Zbqn
Late last year, Kid Cudi returned with a bang as he released “At The Party,” featuring the talents of Pharrell Williams and Travis Scott. The track is the next single from his highly anticipated ninth full-length studio album, INSANO, marking his first full-length release since 2022.
Kid Cudi has long been known for pushing the boundaries of music and art, and “At The Party” is poised to continue that legacy. With Pharrell Williams and Travis Scott on board, this collaboration promises to be a standout addition to the artist’s discography.
