As the lord of endorphins, Pharrell Williams makes the world dance with his neo-Jackson Five groove. Einstein is his role model, as is Meryl Streep, and film music god Hans Zimmer is his teacher. We wouldn’t have expected it, but we’re happy to be convinced.
That damn catchy tune! Once heard, it sticks in the shell like tough chewing gum. We’re talking about “Happy”, Pharell Williams’ first solo project, which is at the top of the charts in 175 countries. That’s right: his first solo number 1 hit – at the age of 40. Williams has been involved in the business for much longer, and has had his fingers in the pie where you wouldn’t think it, producing for Kelis, Daft Punk, Britney Spears, Snoop Dogg, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake and pop grandma Madonna. The guy also does fashion, has his own lines Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream, creates jewelry and furniture – does the man actually have any free time? Once again: he is 40, even if you can’t tell by looking at him. This may be due to the clothes – or the sunny disposition. He has always had this, as early as 16, when he took part in a talent workshop at school with his future bandmate Chad Hugo from The Neptunes. Winning is a minor matter, the music is the goal. He writes, composes, produces, then in 2006 comes his first own album “In My Mind”, which somehow doesn’t really succeed. Too close, too personal, too negative. “I was embarrassed to reveal so much about myself,” says Pharrell Williams today. Nevertheless, multiple awards followed. Williams has been nominated for the Grammy 19 times and has won it four times. Then there are the millions of record sales and then “Happy”, this endorphin-inducing hit, which was even nominated for an Oscar. An incredible balance sheet. But one that you can grant him, and with all your heart. Because the Williams is somehow not at all what you might think. More dream son-in-law than ghetto gangster, a ladies’ man that everyone likes, just not someone who polarizes like Miley or Gaga, who craves attention like there’s no tomorrow, and maybe that’s the key to success. He dedicates his new album “G I R L” to women, because “in fact and truth, they are in charge”. Obviously something has changed in the past ten years, his 30th birthday. Williams finally celebrated his birthday rapper-style with his buddy Snoop Dogg and twelve models on a yacht. He snapped up the most beautiful one, child and ring and all. And Pharrell Williams is happy with that. Shit, that song again!
Find out more about Pharrell Williams ‘ commitment to the environment and his fight against plastic waste.
This summer, Pharrell Williams is launching the “Adidas = Pharrell Williams” collection together with Adidas for the first time. You can find out more here.
