The Neptunes

Pharrell Reveals Incredible Tracklist For “Piece By Piece” Soundtrack

by

Pharrell is in legacy mode. The legendary artist and producer is on the cusp of releasing a LEGO biopic about his life, Piece By Piece. There’s a lot to get through, given all the different hats he’s worn. Each of these hats has been accompanied by incredible music, though. Pharrell has finally unveiled the tracklist for the Piece By Piece soundtrack, and it lived up to the hype. Not only will fans get an assembly of some of the artist’s most beloved songs, but some new ones too. And a brand new collab with protege, Tyler, The Creator.

There are some obvious inclusions here, as they rank among the biggest hits of Pharrell’s career. We’re talking songs like “Get Lucky” with Daft Punk and “Alright” with Kendrick Lamar. There’s also “Happy,” which remains Skateboard P’s biggest solo hit to date. It appeared on the soundtrack to another kids film, Despicable Me 2, so no-brainer there. Less expected, but just as welcome, are the inclusions of classic N.E.R.D. songs like “Sooner or Later,” “God Bless Us All” and “Maybe.” N.E.R.D. is an essential piece of the Pharrell puzzle, so it’s nice to know they made the cut.

Read More: Pharrell Cancels Something In The Water Festival 2024

Pharrell Is Releasing 5 New Songs On ‘Piece By Piece’

Yes, JAY-Z, Snoop Dogg and Clipse get inclusions with the classic singles “Give It 2 Me,” “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and “Grindin.” The most exciting material on the soundtrack, though, is the new stuff. Pharrell wrote the first two songs on the tracklist, “It’s Happening” and “Piece By Piece,” specifically for the film. Then there’s “L’Ego Odyssey” and “For Real,” which will also play crucial roles in the narrative. Then there’s a previously unheard Tyler, The Creator remix to the song “Virginia Boy.” It’s been a minute since these two have worked together, and we can’t wait to hear what it sounds like. Piece By Piece soundtrack is slated to drop October 11.

  1. It’s Happening
  2. Piece By Piece
  3. Virginia Boy (Remix) [featuring Tyler, The Creator]
  4. L’Ego Odyssey
  5. For Real
  6. Maybe (featuring N.E.R.D)
  7. God Bless Us All (featuring N.E.R.D)
  8. Senorita (featuring Justin Timberlake)
  9. Rock Star (featuring N.E.R.D)
  10. Rump Shaker (featuring Wreckx-N-Effect)
  11. Superthug (featuring N.O.R.E.)
  12. I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me) [featuring JAY-Z]
  13. Drop It Like It’s Hot (featuring Snoop Dogg)
  14. Grindin’ (featuring Clipse)
  15. Frontin’ (featuring JAY-Z)
  16. Beautiful (featuring Charlie Wilson & Snoop Dogg)
  17. Sooner or Later (featuring N.E.R.D)
  18. Get Lucky (featuring Daft Punk)
  19. Happy
  20. Alright (featuring Kendrick Lamar)

Read More: Snoop Dogg Thanks Pharrell For Changing How He Raps About Women

The post Pharrell Reveals Incredible Tracklist For “Piece By Piece” Soundtrack appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

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

by
the neptunes pharrell chad hugo.jpg the neptunes pharrell chad hugo copy.jpg
Getty Image

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

by
the clipse
Getty Image

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.

Pharrell Williams Debuts “Double Life” From “Despicable Me 4” Soundtrack

by

Pharrell Williams’ truly is the GOAT. Since the inception of the Neptunes, he’s had his fingerprints on practically every genre of popular music to phenomenal results. However, he’s also expanded well into cinema, specifically with his contributions to the Despicable Me franchise. In fact, his sound has been so deeply ingrained in the brand that it’s inevitable that he pops up with new music whenever a movie drops.

This week, the Virginia native debuted his latest single, “Double Life,” the latest offering from the Despicable Me 4 soundtrack. He previously debuted a snippet of the record on May 8th. However, in its entirety, it’s a fitting bop that fuses his funky rhythmic style with elements of garage rock for a uniquely psychedelic vibe. It appears that this will be the first of a handful of records that Skateboard P contributes to the soundtrack. He will also reunite with Heitor Pereira to co-compose the movie’s score. We’re excited to hear what else he has up his sleeves on July 3rd when the movie drops.

What’s interesting about his foray into animation with Despicable Me is that it likely became a launching pad for his leap into animated films in general. Earlier this month, the celebrated producer unveiled the first trailer for his upcoming biographical musical, Piece By Piece. The upcoming movie, which will boast cameos from Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, and more, will be a LEGO-based film. In an interview with Variety on June 6th, P confirmed that there would be new music accompanying the movie.

Read More: Pharrell Williams Stuns Everyone With New Album “Black Yacht Rock Vol. 1”

Pharrell Williams Drops “Double Life” & Talks Piece By Piece

“There are two new compositions. One is made for a specific scene. And the other one is made for a specific scene but tells the story; it’s like my thesis — [which is] that God is the greatest, that awareness, just understanding that that’s the story,” he said. “The rest of the music is music that Chad [Hugo, the Neptunes co-founder] and I made together and songs also that I made by myself, and that we produced and wrote for other people. It’s one big fun musical documentary biopic.” Check his latest song above and sound off with your thoughts in the comment section below.

Quotable Lyrics
Some of your dirt has come to light (Yeah, why were you?)
Speedin’ up that hill until the brakes come off (Yeah, hey)
And someone saw you in a fight
Am I right?

Read More: Pharrell Links With Swae Lee And Rauw Alejandro For Tropical Cut “Airplane Tickets”

[Via]

The post Pharrell Williams Debuts “Double Life” From “Despicable Me 4” Soundtrack appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Tommy Richman Drops Another Smash Hit With “Devil Is A Lie”

by

Tommy Richman has refined his sound. He’s been putting out music since 2019, but something clicked with “MILLION DOLLAR BABY” in April. The song skyrocketed to number two on the Billboard Hot 100, and put a lot of eyes on Richman to deliver a second hit. It’s a window that a lot of artists have fumbled over the years. We’re happy to report that Tommy Richman has delivered. The singer just dropped off a new single titled “Devil Is a Lie,” and it might even be better than his breakout hit.

Richman teased the song on TikTok a week prior to its release, and it drew comparisons to the Neptunes beats of the 2000s. This couldn’t be more true in the full version. “Devil Is a Lie” is the best kind of retro song, in that it captures the feeling of the 00s without trying too hard to recapture its sound. It reminds us of other artists, but it’s still, definitively, Tommy Richman. The dynamics between the chorus and the bridge is absurdly catchy, and the lyrics are playfully aligned with the instrumental. The singer doesn’t have much to say, but his vocals, and his stylish delivery, will make it easy to memorize each line. He’s also more audible than he was on “MILLION DOLLAR BABY.” A lot of songs aim to be summer playlist material, but “Devil Is a Lie” feels like the rare instance of a song succeeding in doing so.

Let us know what you think of this brand-new track, in the comments section down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.

Read More: Funk Flex Disses Tommy Richman And Calls His Fans “Clowns”

Tommy Richman’s Latest Is A Stylish Throwback

Quotable Lyrics:

I did so much, you did it with me, and I’m not alone (Ah, ah, ah)
Since 2019, was dinners with me, I’ma set it in stone (Ah, ah, ah)
You come from a sunken place again (Ah, ah, ah)
You know the struggle, baby, can we be friends?

Read More: Who Is Tommy Richman? The Singer Behind The Hit Song “Million Dollar Baby”

The post Tommy Richman Drops Another Smash Hit With “Devil Is A Lie” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Tommy Richman Teases New Song “Devil Is A Lie” And It Slaps

by

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.

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

Tommy Richman Has Another Hit In The Works

@tommyrichman

devil is a lie

♬ original sound – Tommy Richman

This makes perfect sense, given Tommy Richman’s affiliation with another R&B star, Brent Fayiaz. He had a standout appearance on the Faiyaz mixtape Larger 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.

Read More: Who Is Tommy Richman? The Singer Behind The Hit Song “Million Dollar Baby”

The post Tommy Richman Teases New Song “Devil Is A Lie” And It Slaps appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

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

by

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]

The post Pharrell Williams & Chad Hugo’s Fight Over The Neptunes, Explained appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

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

by
the neptuens pharrell williams chad hugo
Getty Image

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?

by

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

chad hugo
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

Chad Hugo
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

Chad Hugo
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.

The post Chad Hugo Net Worth 2024: What Is The Neptunes Icon Worth? appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Today in Hip Hop History: Clipse Released Their Second LP ‘Hell Hath No Fury’ 17 Years Ago

by
tumblr 5be0620fcabd12428410df0b1f4dcd53 c08bd3f7 500

On this day in 2006, Virginia Beach’s own Clipse released the sophomore LP Hell Hath No Fury. Coming a whole four years after their celebrated, chart-topping debut Lord Willin’, Hell Hath No Fury did everything but disappoint. Produced exclusively by fellow Virginia Beach natives, The Neptunes, this album builds on Clipse’s unique take on mafioso rap culture. The contrast of the album’s hardcore, to-the-point lyrics and Pharrell’s colorfully playful production work to create a new style of drug dealer music.

It’s common knowledge that the hurdles set up in the way of this album’s release were aplenty. Clipse’s early growth led to them being pulled in all directions and, in an interview with Bill Withers, they spoke on how the music industry itself can paralyze an artist, and how that halted their creativity. Nevertheless, the duo came back stronger than ever, delivering an album that set a precedent in east coast rap. During the early 2000s, Virginia was on the rise with artists like The Neptunes and Timberland dominating the production game and Missy Elliot and Ginuwine topping charts. With this album, Clipse was able to keep Virginia relevant as it moved past the halfway point of the decade.

Although the album was not as commercially successful as Lord Willin’, it did peak at #14 on the Billboard 200 and #2 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop albums. The LP sold 78,000 in its first week and produced two singles, “Mr. Me Too” featuring Pharrell and “Wamp Wamp (What It Do)” that both had some success on the R&B/Hip Hop charts.

The post Today in Hip Hop History: Clipse Released Their Second LP ‘Hell Hath No Fury’ 17 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today in Hip Hop History: Clipse Released Their Second LP ‘Hell Hath No Fury’ 17 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.