PHARRELL WILLIAMS Archives - New Hip Hop News

Tyler, The Creator Shares Video Dancing To Omarion’s “Touch” In 8th Grade

December 1, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Before dancing on the top of the charts, Tyler, The Creator was winning talent shows with his moves, according to an 8th-grade performance video that surfaced on social media Sunday (Dec. 1). The 33-year-old entertainer shared the VHS video with the caption, “8th Grade.” In the clip, he recreates the dance choreography to Omarion’s 2004 music video “Touch.” As he identically performs the steps, it flashes across the screen: “The Winner… Tyler Okonma.”

Tyler, The Creator’s post would receive rave reviews from fans. An X user commented, “He was smoove with it since day one wow.” Another tweeted, “TOUCH! nahhh music back then was so pure and actually fucking cool, I was in 5th grade when this dropped. what a time! ne-yo, mario, omarion and hella more it was just a good era. whew this really opened up memory box these kids dont knowwww.” Other comments mentioned the rap star growing into his body, sharing this story with Nadwuar, and more.

Tyler, The Creator Channels Omarion In 8th Grade Performance

8th Grade pic.twitter.com/T3JzJymAav

— T (@tylerthecreator) December 1, 2024

Tyler and O hail from Los Angeles’ inner city. “Touch” was Omarion’s debut single as a solo artist after the break-up of B2K. The Neptunes produced the track and Tank’s wife, Zena Foster, was the music video’s leading lady. “Touch” led to Omarion’s debut album, O, released in February 2005. Tyler made his very different debut with the hit song “Yonkers” in 2011. The debut introduced the world to his iconic crew, OFWGKTA. Among the members were today’s superstars Earl Sweatshirt, Frank Ocean, and Steve Lacy.

Tyler is still dancing at 33. He was backing it up on Sexyy Red to their collaboration, “Sticky,” at last month’s Camp Flog Gnaw Festival. The hot song is among the 14 in Tyler’s latest album, Chromakopia, released in October. The album will be supported by a world tour featuring Paris, Texas, and Lil Yachty in 2025. Omarion will headline the upcoming Millennium Tour with Bow Wow, Trey Songz, and Plies.

[Via]

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Pharrell Williams Inspires at 4th Annual Black Ambition Demo Day

November 27, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Last week I had the privilege of attending Pharrell Williams’ 4th Annual Black Ambition Demo Day in New York City, an event that celebrated the innovation and resilience of Black and Latino entrepreneurs. Hosted by Pharrell himself, the event was a testament to the power of community and the drive to create opportunities where they’ve historically been denied.

Pharrell’s Powerful Words

Before the festivities began, Pharrell delivered a heartfelt and insightful speech that left the room inspired. He posed a challenge to everyone in attendance, saying:

*”Are you going to be mad that this didn’t turn out the way you thought it was going to turn out the way you wanted it to turn out?

Or are you going to build your own table where you decide who can come and sit at your table and you decide how big your chair is and you decide what kind of silverware you’re going to use that day?

What are you going to do? And the energy that is out there, yeah, it’s dark, but our ancestors went through worse. They went through worse.

We’re met with a lot of divisiveness, and you will hear comments, ‘Man, our ancestors went through worse.’ Listen, trust me when I tell you, be the sunlight that you want to see in others. Be the sunlight in the situation that you want to see. Be the sunlight that you want to see in the moments that light up where it just feels dark. Just be the sunlight. Trust me, the sunlight is the greatest disinfectant.”*

Pharrell’s words resonated deeply, encouraging entrepreneurs to persevere, innovate, and bring light into challenging situations.

What Is Black Ambition?

Black Ambition is Pharrell’s non-profit organization focused on supporting Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. The organization helps build groundbreaking businesses that will shape the future, offering critical resources, mentorship, and funding.

The annual Demo Day is the culmination of a 9-month journey that includes a national competition, mentorship programs, and pitch training. This year, more than $2.7 million will be awarded to finalists, including a $1,000,000 grand prize for the top venture.

Participants represent industries ranging from consumer products to AI, with the top 10 from the HBCU Pre-Accelerator Program joining national competition winners to form a cohort of dynamic entrepreneurs.

A Day of Empowerment and Connection

The event also featured a panel conversation with Pharrell, where media and audiences had the opportunity to ask questions. I posed a question about balancing legacy-building with the challenges of systemic inequities, and Pharrell’s thoughtful response emphasized resilience and intentionality.

The day concluded with a vibrant networking reception, where Black Ambition founders, VIPs, and media mingled, celebrating the incredible achievements of the entrepreneurs and the promise of their innovative ventures.

The Future Is Bright

Black Ambition Demo Day is more than a competition—it’s a movement. Pharrell’s vision of creating opportunities for underrepresented communities is being realized, one entrepreneur at a time. As he said, “Be the sunlight,” and this event was a shining example of just that.

For more information on Black Ambition, visit blackambitionprize.com.

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A New Movie Based On Pharrell’s Childhood Will Feature Halle Bailey, Janelle Monáe, Anderson. Paak, And Missy Elliott

November 21, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Pharrell Halle Bailey 2024 — Getty Image

Pharrell had one of the year’s most notable movies with Piece By Piece, a biopic animated in the style of Lego. He’s not finished telling his story through film yet: It was just revealed he’s teaming up with Michel Gondry on Golden, a movie set for 2025 that was inspired by his childhood.

The cast is led by Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Halle Bailey. Bailey isn’t the only noteworthy musician in the movie, as the film also features Janelle Monáe, Anderson. Paak, and Missy Elliott. The cast is rounded out by Da’vine Joy Randolph, Brian Tyree Henry, and Quinta Brunson.

Of the movie, Pharrell tells Empire:

“Piece By Piece is about my life, whereas Golden is about a neighborhood that I grew up in. This is very different. It’s a musical expedition, set in the summer of 1977 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with the spirit of the music [of that time]. You know how in Dirty Dancing and Grease, the music was almost a character? That’s what it’s like in this film. It’s a coming-of-age story about self-discovery and pursuing your dreams, but it’s so much more magical than that. It’s a celebration of Black life, Black culture, and most importantly, Black joy.”

The film was originally titled Atlantis, after the housing development where Pharrell grew up. Of the name change, Pharrell explains, “It just speaks to the narrative, the area, the energy and literally everything about [the film, which is] this analysis of what being ‘golden’ is. Children and grown-ups with inner children within them can connect to it and realize that there’s a golden aspect to them too, whether it’s realized or latent.”

Pharrell Wasn’t Too Happy About Being Aggressively Confronted Seemingly By PETA Protestors (Yet Again)

November 16, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Pharrell Williams 2024 GQ Men Of The Year (1024x437) — Getty Image

Pharrell has found himself in the middle of controversy yet again. but this time it has nothing to do with his hot takes on celebrities’ involvement in politics.

In the famed producer’s animated biopic, Piece By Piece, he showcased his ability to maintain his cool under pressure. Following after the GQ Men Of The Year Party in West Hollywood, California onlookers witnessed it firsthand. As the “Happy” musician attempted to leave the annual shindig, held on November 14, Pharrell was aggressively confronted outside of his car service.

During the exchange, captured by The Hollywood Fix (viewable here), the animal rights advocates can be heard screaming: “Shame on you, you animal murder. You are a loser. What type of person still uses fur?”

Initially, Pharrell lashes back at the protester mocking them repeating back, “Shame on you.” Then as the cameras grew closer, Pharrell let his frustrations go. He then says, “I don’t use fur. God bless you.”

Afterward, Pharrell attempts to cut their tension with a hug. However, the activists were not open to the embrace. Back in September, Pharrell’s Piece By Piece screening, the event was crashed by PETA supporters carrying a sign which read: “Pharrell: Stop Killing Animals For Fashion.”

PETA and Pharrell jagged relationship is tied to his post as Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Creative Director.

Pharrell Tries To Hug It Out With Animal Rights Protestors Heckling Him

November 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Pharrell faces a lot of challenges as the men’s creative director for Louis Vuitton, and one of the big ones is the backlash from animal rights protestors. He ran into a group of activists rallying against his use of fur and animal products for his clothing creations – or rather, LV’s – while outside the GQ Men of the Year party at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles on Thursday (November 14). The PERFECT FANTASY collaborator kept things cool, responding in a calm tone with some repetitions of “God bless you” and even offering one of the protestors a hug. They didn’t appreciate that and rejected it, but he eventually got back into his car. You can check out a clip of the moment by clicking the “Via” link down below.

For those unaware, this is not the first time that Pharrell directly confronted animal rights protestors in a peaceful and amicable manner. A similar situation occurred at a private screening of his Piece By Piece LEGO biopic, where a PETA protestor interrupted the celebration. Regardless, it’s easy to see why he didn’t pay this much mind this time around, as he was too busy celebrating GQ‘s honor of “Designer of the Year.”

Pharrell At The 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony

Pharrell Protestors Animal Rights Response Hip Hop News — Jul 26, 2024; Paris, FRANCE; Pharrell Williams poses for a photo in front of the Eiffel Tower before the Opening Ceremony for the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports via Imagn Images

Elsewhere, Pharrell recently ruffled some feathers given a recent interview with GQ, in which he briefly talks about Drake’s beef with him and how he bought P’s jewelry at an auction. “I think beyond all of the on-goings, at the heart of all of it, he’s a fan of music,” he told the outlet. “He’s a fan of the history of what it is, and I happen to be a part of that, and those artifacts are a part of it.” “It didn’t,” the Neptunes producer answered when asked whether or not Drizzy’s comments about having his legacy in his house, melting his chains down, and featuring them in a music video bothered him.

That GQ conversation also saw Pharrell speak on André 3000 and his hiatus from rap, Taylor Swift beef rumors, celebrity endorsements of political candidates, and a whole lot more. It was a very engaging conversation, but hopefully he also takes some time to address the protests against his creative endeavors in advocacy for animal rights.

[via]

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Drake May Have Melted Down Pharrell’s Old Chains But The Producer Wasn’t Bothered By It

November 14, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Drake boasted about buying and melting down Pharrell Williams‘ old chains in a few recent songs, but Pharrell isn’t bothered by the gestures, calling them the actions of a “fan of music.” In a conversation with GQ, Pharrell was asked how he felt about Drake’s verses from songs like Travis Scott’s “Meltdown” and the Kendrick Lamar diss “Family Matters.”

Pharrell responded with a typically even-keeled answer, saying, “No, because I think beyond all of the on-goings, at the heart of all of it, he’s a fan of music. He’s a fan of the history of what it is, and I happen to be a part of that, and those artifacts are a part of it.” He said he was “cool” with Drake buying his chains and didn’t have any thoughts on what the Canadian star melting them down might mean about Drake’s feelings about him.

“I guess some things are not for me to understand,” he admitted. “When you let things go, a huge part of it is actually letting go. Not just of the physical item, but letting go of your connection to what it’s supposed to mean, or the memory. You’re literally letting them go. That was the purpose. It’s like when people sell something and they go, ‘I just want to make sure you take care of it because this is my baby.’ And I’m like, ‘No, no, no.’ This is not my baby. That’s why I’m letting it go.”

While some fans determined Drake’s actions and bars to be disrespectful toward Pharrell (“I melt down the chains that I bought from yo’ boss / Give a f*ck about all of that heritage sh*t” from “Meltdown” and “You wanna take up for Pharrell, then come get his legacy out of my house” from “Family Matters”), it seemed that Williams was merely collateral damage in Drake’s ongoing feuds with Pusha T and Kendrick Lamar — the only ones he is widely believed to have lost. Maybe his first step at making amends could be to mend fences with the Virginia hitmaker.

Pharrell Williams Has The Perfect Response For Drake’s “Meltdown” Diss

November 13, 2024 by newhiphopnews

When you are the GQ Designer of the Year, you deserve to act cool and confident. That’s exactly the type of energy that Pharrell Williams is exuding right now in his feature for the recognition. Overall, you really can’t argue for anyone else given how big of a year he’s having. His impact as Louis Vuitton men’s creative director has been astounding so far and he’s sure to continue growing the department. While congratulations are in order for the Virginia multi-talent, the Piece by Piece creative is sparking some reactions thanks to a quote from the feature. During the Q&A, Pharrell was asked about his Joopiter auction platform and the lavish custom jewelry he sold.

If you remember, Drake got his hands on some of the pieces, leading the interviewer to ask how he felt about that. Pharrell showed class as usual, replying, “No, because I think beyond all of the on-goings, at the heart of all of it, he’s a fan of music. He’s a fan of the history of what it is, and I happen to be a part of that, and those artifacts are a part of it.” Overall, he had no problem with The Boy being the buyer and that response had the GQ writer following up with a heavy-hitting question.

Pharrell Is Unfazed By Drake

“And then when he was rapping about melting the jewelry down and saying, “Come get his legacy out my house” and all that stuff, how did that strike you?” “It didn’t,” Pharrell replied. “That didn’t strike you?” the reporter asked. “No.” If there were a definition of a mic drop, this would be it.

Of course, this is all a reference back to Drake’s fiery bars for Pusha T (and Pharrell to an extent) on Travis Scott’s “MELTDOWN” from UTOPIA. “Man, f*** all that spinnin’ the narrative s*** / I melt down the chains that I bought from yo’ boss / Give a f*** about all of that heritage s*** / Since V not around, the members done hung up the Louis, they not even wearing that s***.” Overall, it seems like Pharrell and Drizzy’s relationship may never be repaired, but it seems like that really isn’t weighing too much on the former one bit.

[Via] [Via]

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Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition to Award $2.7 Million to Empower Next-Gen Entrepreneurs at 4th Annual Demo Day

November 7, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Pharrell Williams’ non-profit, Black Ambition, is gearing up to host its highly anticipated 4th Annual Demo Day on Friday, November 15, where the winners of the 2024 Black Ambition Prize Competition will be announced. The event will showcase the top Black and Hispanic-founded startups, awarding over $2.7 million in funding to companies that exemplify innovation and potential in Consumer Products, Healthcare, Media, Technology, and AI. Key sponsors, including Visa, Comcast, Louis Vuitton, and Adidas, support this exciting initiative, which aims to break down barriers and advance diversity in entrepreneurship.

This Demo Day marks the culmination of a rigorous nine-month journey for these emerging businesses, with eight finalists vying for a grand prize of $1 million. These promising founders have undergone a 3-month mentorship program, public voting, and pitch training to prepare them for the big stage. Beyond the national competition, Black Ambition’s HBCU Pre-Accelerator also prepared top innovators from Historically Black Colleges and Universities for a chance to join the final cohort and secure awards of up to $250,000.

“With mentorship to over 1,000 founders and generating over $265 million in revenue, we’re excited to continue showcasing the next generation of innovative companies,” said Felecia Hatcher, CEO of Black Ambition. “As other corporations scale back support for businesses of color, Black Ambition is doubling down on its commitment to accelerated growth for Black and Hispanic business owners.”

The day’s program will feature a live pitch competition judged by prominent CEOs and industry leaders, with the grand prize awarded to one outstanding venture. Following the pitch, Pharrell Williams and Hatcher will lead a discussion on the future of Black Ambition and the ongoing mission to support underrepresented entrepreneurs. The celebration will continue with a cocktail hour and VIP networking reception, inviting attendees to connect with the Black Ambition founders and network partners.

“Each year, the pool of talented innovators, thought leaders, and business owners grows,” Williams said, “further affirming Black Ambition’s mission to unlock the potential of underrepresented entrepreneurs.”

Since its inception in 2020, Black Ambition has awarded $10 million in capital to 101 entrepreneurs, extending beyond financial support to include holistic business development resources. From executive coaching and mental health workshops to bi-weekly office hours with industry experts from brands like Heineken, Adidas, and Microsoft, Black Ambition ensures that founders are well-equipped to tackle entrepreneurial challenges.

The impact of the Black Ambition Prize is profound. “Winning the 2023 Black Ambition Prize has been transformative,” said Antoinette Banks, CEO of Expert IEP. “The prize provided essential funding and an empowering community that drives our positive impact forward.”

As Black Ambition prepares to crown this year’s top innovators, it continues to make strides in bridging the gap for Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs, laying the foundation for a more inclusive future in business.

To connect and learn more about Black Ambition, please visit www.blackambitionprize.com.
Follow us on Facebook (@blackambitionprize)Twitter/X (@blackambitionpz) and Instagram
(@blackambitionprize) to stay up to date with the Black Ambition community.

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Pharrell Williams Was Fired From McDonald’s Multiple Times, Including Once For Eating Too Many McNuggets

November 6, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Pharrell Williams wasn’t “happy” working at McDonald’s. McDonald’s wasn’t particularly pleased with him, either. The super-producer and subject of the Piece By Piece biopic recently recalled being fired by the fast food king.

“McDonald’s was my first and only job,” Williams told BBC Radio 2, according to Billboard. “I got fired three times. I was eating the chicken nuggets. The first two times it was just because I was lazy. The third was like, ‘What are you doing? You’re just sitting there eating nuggets?’”

Pharrell (who, in a full-circle twist, is a credited producer on a song based on McDonald’s iconic “I’m Lovin’ It” jingle) is in good company: Rachel McAdams was also canned by McDonald’s, although not for eating McNuggets.

“[I worked at McDonald’s] for a good three years. My sister and brother worked there. My sister was my manager,” the Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret actress told Glamour. “It was a great place to work, but I had a little bit of an OCD thing with hand washing and just didn’t have time. They were like, ‘Hey, the drive-through’s backing up. Stop washing your hands!’ I was not a great employee; I broke the orange juice machine one day.”

Pharrell Williams Debuts Music Video for “Piece By Piece” from New Animated Biopic Soundtrack

October 25, 2024 by newhiphopnews

GRAMMY Award-winning and Academy Award®-nominated musician Pharrell Williams has unveiled the official music video for his new original song, “Piece By Piece.” Directed by Academy Award-winner Morgan Neville, the video blends footage from the animated biopic Piece By Piece and new LEGO® animation.

The music video follows the release of the full soundtrack for the major motion picture Piece By Piece, which includes five original songs by Williams. Among these tracks are “Piece By Piece,” featuring the Princess Anne High School Fabulous Marching Cavaliers, and other songs like “It’s Happening,” “VIRGINIA Boy (Remix)” featuring Tyler, the Creator, “L’EGO Odyssey,” and “For Real.”

In addition to new tracks, the soundtrack features 16 of Pharrell’s greatest hits from his storied career, including collaborations with artists like Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Justin Timberlake, and Gwen Stefani.

Pharrell, who is also the Louis Vuitton menswear Creative Director, continues to expand his artistic influence with this latest venture into film music, blending his distinct musical style with animation in Piece By Piece.

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