View source for Pharrell Williams

{{Short description|American musician (born 1973)}}
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{{Use American English|date=October 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Redirect|Pharrell|other persons with the name|Pharrell (name)}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Pharrell Williams
| image              = Pharrell Williams 2024 (54133384149).jpg
| caption            = Williams in 2024
| alias              = {{flatlist|
* Pharrell
* Skateboard P
* Sk8brd
* Auto Goon
* Magnum, the Verb Lord
* Station Wagon P
* Yellow Lightning
}}
| birth_name         = Pharrell Lanscilo Williams<ref name="GrammyBio">{{cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/artists/pharrell-williams/7310|title=Artist: Pharrell Williams|work=Recording Academy|date=November 23, 2020}}</ref>
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|1973|4|5}}
| birth_place        = [[Virginia Beach, Virginia]], U.S.
| education          = [[Northwestern University]] (dropped out)
| occupation         = {{flatlist|<!--only for roles/professions the subject is notable for -->
* Musician
* singer
* songwriter
* rapper
* record producer
* fashion designer
}}
| years_active       = 1992–present
| works              = {{hlist|[[Pharrell Williams discography|Discography]]|[[The Neptunes production discography|co-production]]|[[Pharrell Williams production discography|solo production]]}}
| spouse             = {{marriage|Helen Lasichanh|2013}}
| children           = 4
| relatives          = [[Timbaland]] (cousin)<ref>{{cite web|author=Mika|title= Timbaland Reveals Pharrell is His Cousin at 'The Cruz Show'|date= February 13, 2016|url= https://theneptunes.org/2016/02/timbaland-reveals-pharrell-is-his-cousin-at-the-cruz-show/|publisher=[[The Neptunes]]|access-date=February 13, 2016}}</ref>
| awards             = [[List of awards and nominations received by Pharrell Williams|Full list]]
| website            = {{URL|pharrellwilliams.com}}
| module             = {{Infobox musical artist <!-- See WP:WikiProject Musicians -->|embed=yes
| genre             = {{flatlist|
* [[Hip-hop]]
* [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]
* [[Pop music|pop]]<ref name="Allmusic">{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p281403|pure_url=yes}}|title=Pharrell Williams – Overview|last=Kellman|first=Andy|website=[[Allmusic]]|access-date=March 5, 2009}}</ref>
}}
| instrument             = {{flatlist|
* Vocals
* keyboards
* drums
}}
| label             = {{flatlist|
* [[I Am Other]]
* [[Columbia Records|Columbia]]
* [[Virgin Records|Virgin]]
* [[Arista Records|Arista]]
* [[Interscope Records|Interscope]]
* [[Star Trak Entertainment|Star Trak]]
}}
| past_member_of = {{flatlist|
* [[The Neptunes]]
* [[N.E.R.D.]]
* [[Child Rebel Soldier]]
}}
}}
| signature = Pharrell Williams sig.svg
}}

'''Pharrell Lanscilo Williams''' ({{IPAc-en|f|ə|ˈ|ɹ|ɛ|l}}; born April 5, 1973), also known [[mononym]]ously as '''Pharrell''', is an American musician, singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer, and fashion designer. He first became known as one half of the music production duo [[the Neptunes]], which he formed with [[Chad Hugo]] in 1992.<ref name="Sony/ATV">{{cite web|url=https://www.sonyatv.com/en/songwriters/637/pharrell-williams|title=Pharrell Williams|publisher=[[Sony/ATV Music Publishing]]|access-date=December 2, 2019}}</ref> 15 of [[The Neptunes production discography|their productions]] have peaked within the top ten of the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], which includes four songs that peaked atop the chart.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.63414/title.billboard-proclaims-pharrell-the-neptunes-the-greatest-hip-hop-producers-of-21st-century|title=The Neptunes Named the Greatest Modern Hip Hop Producers by Billboard|date=July 22, 2021|website=HipHopDX.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/music/la-et-nerd-01jun01,0,7745056.story|title=Los Angeles Times|access-date=December 11, 2011 |first=Chris|last=Lee|date=June 1, 2008}}</ref> The two also formed the [[Rock music|rock]] and [[hip-hop]] band [[N.E.R.D.]] with [[Shay Haley]] in 1999, for which Williams served as lead vocalist. He has been regarded as one of the most influential producers in modern [[popular music]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.capitalxtra.com/artists/pharrell-williams/lists/the-most-influential-man-in-music/|title=The Story of How Pharrell Became the Most Influential Man in Music|website=Capital XTRA|access-date=December 9, 2021|archive-date=December 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209214015/https://www.capitalxtra.com/artists/pharrell-williams/lists/the-most-influential-man-in-music/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/pharrell-williams-rick-rubin-most-awarded-producers-2000s-9605820/|title=Pharrell Williams, Rick Rubin & More of the Most Awarded Producers of the 2000s|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=July 23, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://exclaim.ca/amparticle/pharrell_williams-the_pharrell_phenomenon|title=Pharrell Williams the Pharrell Phenomenon|work=Exclaim}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/music/like-the-song-these-guys-wrote-it-20040515-gdxu7b.html|title=Like the song? These guys wrote it|date=May 15, 2004|work=The Age}}</ref> He also contributed on all the ''[[Despicable Me (franchise)|Despicable Me]]'' films as a musical contributor.

Williams co-founded the record label [[Star Trak Entertainment]] with Hugo in 2001, as an imprint of [[Arista Records]]. Williams' 2003 debut single, "[[Frontin']]" (featuring [[Jay-Z]]), peaked at number five on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. He then signed with [[Virgin Records|Virgin]] and [[Interscope Records]] to release his debut studio album, ''[[In My Mind (Pharrell Williams album)|In My Mind]]'' (2006), which peaked at number three on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] despite mixed critical reception.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/artists/149f91ef-1287-46da-9a8e-87fee02f1471|title=BBC|access-date=December 11, 2011}}</ref> Williams produced and guest performed alongside [[T.I.]] on Star Trak signee [[Robin Thicke]]'s 2013 single "[[Blurred Lines]]", which peaked atop the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and received [[RIAA certification|diamond]] certification by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA). That same year, his guest appearance alongside [[Nile Rodgers]] on [[Daft Punk]]'s single "[[Get Lucky (Daft Punk song)|Get Lucky]]" peaked at number two on the chart and won [[Grammy Award for Record of the Year|Record of the Year]] and [[Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance|Best Pop Duo/Group Performance]] at the [[56th Annual Grammy Awards]]. Williams' 2013 single, "[[Happy (Pharrell Williams song)|Happy]]"—released for the [[Despicable Me 2 (soundtrack)|soundtrack]] to the animated film ''[[Despicable Me 2]]''—became his second song to peak atop the chart that same year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/videos/daft-punk-pharrell-williams-nile-rodgers-win-record-year|title=Daft Punk, Pharrell Williams, Nile Rodgers Win Record Of The Year|date=January 26, 2014|website=GRAMMY.com|language=en|access-date=February 2, 2020}}</ref> It also served as lead single for his second album, ''[[Girl (Pharrell Williams album)|Girl]]'' (2014), which peaked at number two on the ''Billboard'' 200 and saw positive critical reception.<ref name="second album" />

Williams has received [[List of awards and nominations received by Pharrell Williams|numerous accolades and nominations]]. He has won 13 Grammy Awards, including three for [[Grammy Award for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical|Producer of the Year, Non-Classical]] (one as a member of the Neptunes). He is also a two-time [[Academy Award]] nominee: in 2014 for [[Academy Award for Best Original Song|Best Original Song]] for "Happy"; and in 2017 for [[Academy Award for Best Picture|Best Picture]] as a producer of ''[[Hidden Figures]]''. As sole proprietor, he founded the multi-disciplinary media company [[I Am Other]] in 2012, which acts as both a record label and creative umbrella for his other endeavors, including his fashion label and retailer, [[Billionaire Boys Club (clothing retailer)|Billionaire Boys Club]].<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://hypebeast.com/2020/4/pharrell-williams-iamother-soundcloud-compilation-album-emerging-talent-search|title=Pharrell Williams, i am OTHER, and SoundCloud Talent Search|date=April 24, 2020|website=Hypebeast.com}}</ref> He has served as Men's creative director for [[Louis Vuitton]] since 2023.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/magazine/articles/pharrell-williams | title=Pharrell Williams | date=February 8, 2024 }}</ref>

==Early life==
Pharrell Lanscilo Williams<ref name="GrammyBio" /> was born on April 5, 1973, in [[Virginia Beach, Virginia]],<ref name="Allmusic" /><ref name="The Guardian">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2005/nov/06/popandrock.pharrellwilliams|title=Just Williams|last=Bainbridge|first=Luke|date=November 5, 2005|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=December 13, 2008|location=London}}</ref> the eldest of the three sons of teacher Carolyn and handyman {{sic|Pharoah|hide=yes}} Williams.<ref>{{cite web|date=October 13, 2003|title=Pharrell Williams|work=[[People (magazine)|People]]|url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20148349,00.html|access-date=November 28, 2008}}</ref><ref name=fdr1>Stated on ''[[Finding Your Roots]]'', February 16, 2021</ref> His ancestry goes back many generations in [[Virginia]] and [[North Carolina]]. One of his ancestors journeyed to [[West Africa]] in 1831, prompting other relatives to emigrate from the U.S. to [[Liberia]] in 1832.<ref>{{cite web|date=September 2014|title=Why Pharrell Almost Didn't Exist|work=Megan Smolenyak's Blog|url=http://megansmolenyak.com/pharrell/|access-date=September 8, 2014}}</ref> Williams met [[Chad Hugo]] in a seventh-grade summer band camp, where Williams played drums and Hugo played [[tenor saxophone]].<ref name="Age">{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/05/12/1084289744331.html|title=Like the song? These guys wrote it|last=Campbell|first=Melissa|date=May 15, 2004|work=[[The Age]]|access-date=May 22, 2007|location=Melbourne}}</ref> They attended [[Princess Anne High School]] where they were in the school's band, the [[Fabulous Marching Cavaliers]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-feb-08-ca-shiver8-story.html|title=Virginia is for hip-hop lovers|last=Shiver|first=Jube Jr.|date=February 8, 2004|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=March 5, 2009}}</ref> Williams graduated from high school in 1991 and he attended [[Northwestern University]] for two years before dropping out.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/pharrell-williams-profile-happiness-is-his-truth-9463049.html?amp |title=Pharrell Williams - profile: Happiness is his truth |newspaper=[[The Independent]] |date=May 30, 2014 |access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref>

==Career==
===1992–2004: The Neptunes and N.E.R.D.===
In the early 1990s, Williams formed a hip-hop group named Surrounded by Idiots with [[Chad Hugo]], Magoo, and cousin [[Timbaland]]; they disbanded before making any records.<ref name="NYTimestyle">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/08/magazine/style-the-sound.html|title=Style; The Sound|last=Frere-Jones|first=Sasha|date=February 8, 2004|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=March 5, 2009}}</ref> He then formed a four-piece "R&B-type" group, [[the Neptunes]], with Hugo and friends [[Shay Haley]] and Mike Etheridge.<ref name="Yolk">[http://www.yolk.com/v092/chadhugo1.html]  {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060508073207/http://www.yolk.com/v092/chadhugo1.html|date=May 8, 2006}}</ref> They entered a high school talent show, where they were discovered by producer [[Teddy Riley]], whose studio was next to the school.<ref name="Yolk" /> After graduating, the group signed with Riley.<ref name="Yolk" />

Williams wrote Riley's verse on [[Wreckx-n-Effect]]'s 1992 hit "[[Rump Shaker (song)|Rump Shaker]]".<ref name="NYTimestyle"/>  As the Neptunes, Williams and Hugo produced [[N.O.R.E.|Noreaga]]'s 1998 single "[[Superthug]]".<ref name="NYTimestyle"/> The Neptunes began working with rap duo [[Clipse]] (rappers [[Pusha T]] and [[No Malice|Malice]]) in the late 1990s, and worked on Clipse's album ''[[Exclusive Audio Footage]]'', which was not released.<ref name="ExclusiveAudioFootage">{{cite web |last1=Winistorfer |first1=Andrew |title=On 'Exclusive Audio Footage,' The Long-Lost Clipse Album |url=https://magazine.vinylmeplease.com/magazine/exclusive-audio-footage/ |website=VinylMePlease |access-date=September 20, 2020 |date=April 19, 2018}}</ref>

The Neptunes produced [[Mystikal]]'s single "[[Shake Ya Ass]]" (2000), [[Jay-Z]]'s single "[[I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me)]]" (2000), and [[Nelly]]'s single "[[Hot in Herre]]" (2002).<ref name="NYTimestyle"/> They worked with singer [[Kelis]], producing her first two studio albums, ''[[Kaleidoscope (Kelis album)|Kaleidoscope]]'' (1999) and ''[[Wanderland]]'' (2001).<ref name="Kelis">{{cite magazine |last1=Saponara |first1=Michael |title=Kelis Claims The Neptunes Kept All the Profits From Her First Two Albums |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8549698/kelis-neptunes-pharrell |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=Billboard |access-date=September 19, 2020 |date=January 30, 2020}}</ref> In 2001, [[N.E.R.D.]], a band composed of Williams, Hugo, and Haley, released their debut album ''[[In Search of... (N.E.R.D. album)|In Search of...]]''.<ref name="InSearchOf">{{cite web |last1=Bierut |first1=Patrick |title='In Search Of...': N*E*R*D's 21st-Century Hip-Hop Mission Statement |url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/nerd-in-search-of-debut-album/ |website=UDiscover Music |access-date=September 20, 2020 |date=August 6, 2020}}</ref> Williams and Hugo signed Clipse to [[Arista Records]] through Williams' [[Star Trak Entertainment]] imprint in 2001.<ref name="Yale Daily News">{{cite web|url=http://www.yaledailynews.com/articles/view/19305 |title=Rap duo 'Clipse' rocks the gangsta hip-hop scene |last=Torbati |first=June |date=December 8, 2006 |work=[[Yale Daily News]] |access-date=March 21, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070212024815/http://www.yaledailynews.com/articles/view/19305 |archive-date=February 12, 2007 }}</ref> The Neptunes produced songs on singer [[Babyface (musician)|Babyface]]'s 2001 album, ''[[Face2Face (Babyface album)|Face2Face]]'', including its lead single "[[There She Goes (Babyface song)|There She Goes]]".<ref name="NYTimestyle"/> The Neptunes produced the [[Britney Spears]] songs "[[I'm a Slave 4 U]]" and "[[Boys (Britney Spears song)|Boys]]" for her third studio album, ''[[Britney (album)|Britney]]'' (2001).<ref name="Age"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1449404/20010928/nerd.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040224083819/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1449404/20010928/nerd.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 24, 2004|title=Neptunes' Pharrell Williams Rethinks R&B|work=MTV News|access-date=February 13, 2015}}</ref>

In 2002, Clipse released their debut album, ''[[Lord Willin']]'', with produced entirely by the Neptunes.<ref name="LordWillin">{{cite web |last1=Allah |first1=Sha Be |title=Today in Hip-Hop History: The Clipse Release Their Debut LP 'Lord Willin' 18 Years Ago |url=https://thesource.com/2020/08/20/today-in-hip-hop-history-the-clipse-release-their-debut-lp-lord-willin-18-years-ago/ |website=[[The Source (magazine)|The Source]] |publisher=The Source |access-date=September 20, 2020 |date=August 20, 2020}}</ref> That year, the Neptunes produced numerous songs on [[Justin Timberlake]]'s debut album ''[[Justified (album)|Justified]]'', including the singles "[[Señorita (Justin Timberlake song)|Señorita]]", "[[Like I Love You]]", and "[[Rock Your Body]]".<ref name="NYTimestyle"/> In 2003, the Neptunes released a compilation album, ''[[Clones (album)|Clones]]''.<ref name="Clones">{{cite web |last1=Pemberton |first1=Rollie |title=The Neptunes: Clones Album Review |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/5876-clones/ |website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]] |publisher=Pitchfork |access-date=September 20, 2020 |date=August 25, 2003}}</ref> According to an unnamed August 2003 survey cited by ''[[The Age]]'', it was found the Neptunes produced almost 20% of songs played on British radio at the time; another survey in the U.S. found they'd produced 43% of radio songs.<ref name=Age/> The Neptunes produced [[Snoop Dogg]]'s single "[[Drop It Like It's Hot]]" (2004), which also featured vocals from Williams.<ref name="Drop">{{cite web |last1=Fu |first1=Eddie |title=Knowledge Drop: How Crips Pressured Pharrell To Produce Snoop Dogg's "Drop It Like It's Hot" |url=https://genius.com/a/how-crips-pressured-pharrell-to-produce-snoop-dogg-s-drop-it-like-it-s-hot |website=[[Genius (website)|Genius]] |publisher=Genius |access-date=September 19, 2020 |date=November 16, 2019}}</ref>

=== 2005–2009: ''In My Mind'' and collaborations ===
[[File:PHARRELL WILLIAMS by foto di matti.jpg|thumb|right|Williams in Berlin, March 2005]]
<!-- [[File:Astronaut Leland Melvin, and Pharrell Williams present montage to Quincy Jones.jpg|right|thumb|230px|Williams and American astronaut [[Leland D. Melvin]] present a montage to record producer [[Quincy Jones]].]] -->
The Neptunes produced [[Gwen Stefani]]'s single "[[Hollaback Girl]]", which entered the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] at number 82 on the issue dated April 2, 2005,<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Whitmire |first=Margo |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/63581/50-cent-nets-a-fourth-top-10-hit |title=50 Cent Nets A Fourth Top 10 Hit |magazine=Billboard |date=March 24, 2005 |access-date=February 3, 2016}}</ref> and topped the chart within six weeks of its release.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Whitmire |first=Margo |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/63105/stefani-single-ousts-50-cent-from-no-1 |title=Stefani Single Ousts 50 Cent From No. 1 |magazine=Billboard |date=April 28, 2005 |access-date=February 3, 2016}}</ref> In 2006, Williams released his debut solo album, ''[[In My Mind (Pharrell Williams album)|In My Mind]]''.<ref name="InMyMind">{{cite web |title=Pharrell: In My Mind |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews-pharrell-williams-7998-308196 |website=[[NME]] |publisher=NME |access-date=September 19, 2020 |date=August 7, 2006}}</ref> It debuted at number 3 on the U.S. [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]].<ref name="InMyMindChart">{{cite magazine |title=LeToya Powers Right To No. 1 On Billboard 200 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/57657/letoya-powers-right-to-no-1-on-billboard-200 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=Billboard |access-date=September 24, 2020 |date=August 2, 2006}}</ref> The Neptunes produced Clipse's second album, ''[[Hell Hath No Fury (Clipse album)|Hell Hath No Fury]]''.<ref name="HellHathNoFury">{{cite web |last1=Fennessey |first1=Sean |title=Clipse: Hell Hath No Fury Album Review |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/9658-hell-hath-no-fury/ |website=[[Pitchfork (magazine)|Pitchfork]] |publisher=Pitchfork |access-date=September 18, 2020 |date=November 27, 2006}}</ref> The Neptunes produced several songs on Stefani's second album, ''[[The Sweet Escape]]'' (2006), including the promotional single, "[[Yummy (Gwen Stefani song)|Yummy]]", which features Williams.<ref name="TheSweetEscape">{{cite web |last1=Pytlik |first1=Mark |title=Gwen Stefani: The Sweet Escape Album Review |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/9703-the-sweet-escape/ |website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]] |publisher=Pitchfok |access-date=September 24, 2020 |date=December 7, 2006}}</ref> In December 2006, Williams was announced as a performer at [[Concert for Diana]] in [[Wembley Stadium]], London on July 1, 2007.<ref name="ConcertForDiana">{{cite web |title=Concert for Diana announced |url=https://www.efestivals.co.uk/news/06/061212c.shtml |website=eFestivals |access-date=November 7, 2020 |date=December 12, 2006}}</ref> In 2007, the Neptunes produced on [[Jay-Z]]'s tenth studio album, ''[[American Gangster (album)|American Gangster]]''.<ref name="AmericanGangster">{{cite web |last1=Allah |first1=Sha Be |title=Today In Hip-Hop History: Jay-Z Dropped His 'American Gangster' Soundtrack LP 12 Years Ago |url=https://thesource.com/2019/11/06/today-in-hip-hop-history-jay-z-dropped-his-american-gangster-soundtrack-lp-12-years-ago/ |website=[[The Source (magazine)|The Source]] |publisher=The Source |access-date=September 24, 2020 |date=November 6, 2019}}</ref>

Williams worked with [[Madonna]] for her eleventh studio album, ''[[Hard Candy (Madonna album)|Hard Candy]]'' (2008).<ref name="HardCandy">{{cite web |title=Pharrell Williams Talks Madonna Argument During 'Hard Candy' Studio Sessions |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/05/02/pharrell-williams-madonna-argument-hard-candy_n_5252368.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAFemY4ASvdywgrK9PPlAJRpMN0B-PdJHI4OHXxqrukY4Kl7DXFd3iFoaadBZQxpRw2I-D8HXtiu3Lf9X6NE4Xswj-eeCSQAhMbUWCxUdKlPYzDwEY-5PE5knkN2Qn2hCGmLOMeVB_Q66pCEzVAfo3RdwtttaDNuQQ2gMz93FZwm6 |website=[[Huffington Post]] |access-date=September 18, 2020 |date=May 2, 2014}}</ref> In June 2008, an article in ''[[NME]]'' revealed that Williams was interested in producing the next album of American rock band [[the Strokes]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/pharrell-williams/37303|title=NME News Pharrell Williams: 'I want to produce The Strokes' new album' - NME.COM|date=June 13, 2008|work=NME.COM|access-date=February 13, 2015}}</ref> Later that year, Williams worked on a remix album for [[Maroon 5]], titled ''[[Call and Response: The Remix Album]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Cohen|first=Jonathan|date=October 31, 2008|title=Pharrell, Oakenfold, Of Montreal Remix Maroon 5|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043620/pharrell-oakenfold-of-montreal-remix-maroon-5|access-date=November 2, 2008}}</ref> N.E.R.D. released their third studio album, ''[[Seeing Sounds]]'', in 2008.<ref name="SeeingSounds">{{cite web |last1=Cohen |first1=Ian |title=N.E.R.D.: Seeing Sounds Album Review |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/11610-seeing-sounds/ |website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]] |publisher=Pitchfork |access-date=September 24, 2020 |date=June 13, 2008}}</ref>

Williams worked with [[Shakira]] on her songs "[[Did It Again (Shakira song)|Did It Again]]", "Why Wait", "[[Good Stuff (Shakira song)|Good Stuff]]", and "Long Time" for her sixth studio album, ''[[She Wolf (album)|She Wolf]]'' (2009).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/a181454/shakira-pharrell-taught-me-a-lot.html |title=Music – News – Shakira: 'Pharrell taught me a lot' |website=Digital Spy |date=October 10, 2009 |access-date=November 5, 2010}}</ref> The following month, Williams made a guest appearance on French singer [[Uffie]]'s debut album, which was released in early 2010.<ref name="Busy P Blog 10/03/2009">{{cite web|url=http://busyp.coolcats.fr/2009/10/uffie-pop-the-lock-video/ |title=Busy P » UFFIE "Pop The Glock" VIDEO |date=October 8, 2009 |access-date=July 9, 2016 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091008042722/http://busyp.coolcats.fr/2009/10/uffie-pop-the-lock-video/ |archive-date=October 8, 2009|publisher=[[Ed Banger Records]]}}</ref> The Neptunes produced numerous songs on Clipse's third album, ''[[Til the Casket Drops (Clipse album)|Til the Casket Drops]]'' (2009).<ref name="TilTheCasketDrops">{{cite web |last1=Cohen |first1=Ian |title=Clipse: Til the Casket Drops Album Review |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13767-til-the-casket-drops/ |website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]] |publisher=Pitchfork |access-date=September 24, 2020 |date=December 10, 2009}}</ref>

===2010–2014: ''Despicable Me'', ''Despicable Me 2'' and solo international success===
[[File:Tyler, the Creator with Pharrell Coachella2011 0350.jpg|thumb|left|Williams, [[Odd Future]] and [[Tyler, the Creator]] performing together in April 2011]]
In 2010, Williams worked on the music score for the animated film ''[[Despicable Me (film)|Despicable Me]]'' with composers [[Hans Zimmer]] and [[Heitor Pereira]].<ref name="Fekadu">{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2010-11-04-pharrell-williams_N.htm|title=USA Today: Rapper-producer Pharrell has new CD, big plans|last=Fekadu|first=Mesfin|date=April 11, 2010|access-date=December 11, 2011}}</ref> In 2010, N.E.R.D. released their fourth studio album, ''[[Nothing (N.E.R.D. album)|Nothing]]'', through Star Trak.<ref name="Nothing">{{cite web |last1=Greene |first1=Jayson |title=N.E.R.D.: Nothing Album Review |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/14825-nothing/ |website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]] |publisher=Pitchfork |access-date=September 24, 2020 |date=November 5, 2010}}</ref> In late 2011, Williams worked on three tracks for [[Mike Posner]]'s second album, ''Sky High''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mike Posner: From His Mother's Basement To Here|url=http://allhiphop.com/2011/12/07/mike-posner-from-his-mothers-basement-to-here/|work=[[AllHipHop]]|access-date=February 21, 2012|first=JP|last=DelaCuesta|date=December 7, 2011}}</ref> In 2012, Williams composed and produced the music for the [[84th Academy Awards]] alongside Hans Zimmer.<ref name="84th academy awards">{{cite news| url = https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-xpm-2012-feb-24-la-ca-oscars-music-20120224-story.html| title =  The Oscars: Hans Zimmer and Pharrell Williams know the score for the telecast – they wrote it| newspaper = Los Angeles Times| date = February 24, 2012| access-date = March 6, 2012| first=August| last=Brown}}</ref>

In 2013, Williams collaborated with French electronic duo [[Daft Punk]] on the songs "[[Get Lucky (Daft Punk song)|Get Lucky]]" and "[[Lose Yourself to Dance]]", both included on Daft Punk's fourth studio album, ''[[Random Access Memories]]''.<ref name="RandomAccessMemories">{{cite web |title=Daft Punk's 'Random Access Memories' Collaborators: Pharrell Williams |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/daft-punks-random-access-memories-collaborators-pharrell-williams/ |website=[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]] |publisher=Vice |access-date=October 4, 2020 |date=April 15, 2013}}</ref> "Get Lucky" peaked at number one on the [[UK Singles Chart]] and number two on the U.S. [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]].<ref name="GetLuckyUK">{{cite magazine |last1=Sexton |first1=Paul |title=Daft Punk's 'Get Lucky' Is Year's Best-Seller in U.K., Rises To No. 1 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1560009/daft-punks-get-lucky-is-years-best-seller-in-uk-rises-to-no-1 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=October 4, 2020 |date=April 29, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Get Lucky Chart History |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/daft-punk/chart-history/hsi/ |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=Billboard |access-date=October 4, 2020}}</ref>

In 2013, Williams collaborated with [[Azealia Banks]] with the song "[[ATM Jam]]".<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Gore|first=Sydney|title=Azealia Banks Premieres Pharrell Williams-Assisted, 'ATM Jam': Listen|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/1568853/azealia-banks-premieres-pharrell-williams-assisted-atm-jam-listen|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=July 5, 2013|date=July 3, 2013}}</ref> The song was initially intended for Banks' debut studio album, ''[[Broke with Expensive Taste]]'' (2014), but was later removed from the album after Banks blamed Williams for the song's poor commercial performance.<ref name="AzealiaBanks">{{cite web |last1=Kennedy |first1=Gerrick |title=Azealia Banks blames Pharrell for 'ATM Jam' performance |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-xpm-2013-nov-12-la-et-ms-azealia-banks-blames-pharrell-for-atm-jam-performance-20131112-story.html |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |access-date=October 4, 2020 |date=November 12, 2013}}</ref> Williams penned three new original songs, included alongside composer [[Heitor Pereira]]'s score, for the film ''[[Despicable Me 2]]'' (2013).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/apr/30/pharrell-williams-happy-was-originally-recorded-by-cee-lo-green|first=Sean|last=Michaels|date=April 30, 2014|work=The Guardian|access-date=October 7, 2020|title=Pharrell Williams' Happy was originally recorded by Cee Lo Green}}</ref> These were "[[Just a Cloud Away]]", "[[Happy (Pharrell Williams song)|Happy]]", and "Scream" (featuring [[CeeLo Green]]).<ref>{{cite web|title=Heitor Pereira / Pharrell Williams – Despicable Me 2 <nowiki>[Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]</nowiki>|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/despicable-me-2-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-mw0002543448|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=October 7, 2020|first=James Christopher|last=Monger}}</ref> His two original songs from the first film, "Despicable Me" and "Fun, Fun, Fun", were also reprised on the ''Despicable Me 2'' [[Despicable Me 2 (soundtrack)|soundtrack]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/pharrell-williams-gets-happy-on-despicable-me-2-soundtrack-song-premiere-20130521 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607120542/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/pharrell-williams-gets-happy-on-despicable-me-2-soundtrack-song-premiere-20130521 |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 7, 2013 |title=Pharrell Williams Gets 'Happy' on 'Despicable Me 2' Soundtrack |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=May 21, 2013 |access-date=July 27, 2013 }}</ref> He also participated in the drummer sessions of the [[Man of Steel (soundtrack)|soundtrack]] of ''[[Man of Steel (film)|Man of Steel]]'' by Hans Zimmer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/man-steel-soundtrack-hans-zimmer-574491|title=Hans Zimmer Conducts 12 Drummers for the 'Man of Steel' Soundtrack (Video)|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=June 25, 2013|access-date=October 7, 2020|first=Hilary|last=Lewis}}</ref> In March 2013, [[Robin Thicke]]'s single "[[Blurred Lines]]", written and produced by Williams, was released.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/3378763/robin-thicke-blurred-lines-lawsuit-pharrell-drugs/|title=Robin Thicke Admits He Didn't Really Write 'Blurred Lines,' Was High in the Studio|magazine=Time|first=Charlotte|last=Alter|date=September 15, 2014|access-date=October 7, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/nov/13/blurred-lines-most-controversial-song-decade|title=Blurred Lines: the most controversial song of the decade|first=Dorian|last=Lynskey|date=November 13, 2013|access-date=October 7, 2020|work=The Guardian}}</ref> The song peaked at number one in multiple countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/robin-thicke/chart-history/hsi/|title=Robin Thicke Chart History|access-date=October 7, 2020|magazine=Billboard}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20130602/7501/|title=Official Singles Chart Top 100|access-date=October 7, 2020|date=June 2, 2013|publisher=The Official UK Charts Company}}</ref> In mid-2013, Williams was involved in two songs that sold a million copies in the UK: "Get Lucky" and "Blurred Lines".<ref>{{cite web|title=Blurred Lines gives Pharrell his second million seller in a month|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/blurred-lines-gives-pharrell-his-second-million-seller-in-a-month__3220/|work=OfficialCharts.com|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|date=July 17, 2013|access-date=August 15, 2013}}</ref>

[[File:Pharrell Williams 2014 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.jpg|thumb|right|Williams performing at the 2014 [[Coachella (festival)|Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival]]]]

In August 2013, [[Busta Rhymes]] talked about an unreleased "documentary album" by Williams where he talks about "inner-city strife and hardship".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/08/busta-rhymes-the-combat-jack-show-chris-lighty|title=Busta Rhymes Discusses "Scenario," A Tribe Called Quest & Chris Lighty – The Combat Jack Show Episode 3|first=Edwin|last=Ortiz|work=[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]|date=August 15, 2013|access-date=February 13, 2015}}</ref> In November 2013, Williams released the [[Happy (Pharrell Williams song)#Music video|first 24-hour music video]] for "Happy"; guest appearances included [[Magic Johnson]], [[Steve Carell]], [[Jimmy Kimmel]], [[Odd Future]], among others.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/11/22/5132856/pharrell-williams-debuts-24-hour-interactive-music-video-for-happy|title=Pharrell Williams debuts 24-hour, interactive music video for 'Happy'|work=[[The Verge]]|date=November 22, 2013|first=Amar|last=Toor|access-date=October 7, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2013/11/pharrell-releases-happy-the-the-worlds-first-24-hour-music-video/|title=Watch: Pharrell unveils "Happy", the world's first 24-hour music video|first=Alex|last=Young|date=November 21, 2013|access-date=October 7, 2020|work=[[Consequence of Sound]]}}</ref> On November 1, 2013, Williams performed with a gospel choir at [[Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church]] in [[Charleston, South Carolina]], where [[Charleston church shooting|nine black parishioners were shot and killed on June 17, 2015]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.live5news.com/story/30405799/church-goers-speak-on-impact-of-pharrell-williams-visit-at-emanuel-ame/|title=Church-goers speak on impact of Pharrell Williams' visit at Emanuel AME|publisher=[[WCSC-TV]]|first=Alexis|last=Simmons|date=November 2, 2015|access-date=October 7, 2020|location=[[Charleston, South Carolina]]}}</ref>

It was announced in December 2013 that Williams had been nominated for seven Grammy Awards, including [[Grammy Award for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical|Producer of the Year]].<ref>{{cite news| url=https://variety.com/2013/music/news/grammy-nominations-jay-z-leads-but-timberlake-other-stars-shut-out-of-top-categories-1200927905/ | work=Variety | title=Grammy Nominations: Jay Z Leads But Timberlake, Other Stars Shut Out of Top Categories – Variety}}</ref> In the same month, Williams signed a contract with [[Columbia Records]], and announced an album set for release in 2014 that would feature "Happy".<ref name="second album">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/dec/18/pharrell-williams-solo-album|title=Pharrell Williams signs to Columbia|last=Michaels|first=Sean|date=December 18, 2013|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=December 22, 2013}}</ref> For "Happy", Williams was nominated for the [[Academy Award for Best Original Song]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/pharrell-to-perform-at-oscars-170224/|title=Pharrell to Perform at Oscars|first=Jon|last=Blistein|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=October 7, 2020|date=February 4, 2014}}</ref> In February 2014, [[Major Lazer]] announced they would be releasing a five-track EP titled ''[[Apocalypse Soon]]'' on the 25th of that month.<ref name=apocal>{{cite web|url=https://www.contactmusic.com/major-lazer/press/major-lazer-announces-apocalypse-soon-ep-out-february-24th-2014|title=Major Lazer Announces 'Apocalypse Soon' Ep Out February 24th 2014|date=February 14, 2020|publisher=[[Contactmusic.com]]|access-date=October 7, 2020}}</ref> The EP, released via [[Mad Decent]] and [[Secretly Canadian]], features Williams and [[Sean Paul]], among others.<ref name=apocal/> The first single off the EP, which features Williams, is titled "[[Aerosol Can]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indieshuffle.com/major-lazer-aerosol-can-ft-pharrell/|title=Major Lazer – ''Apocalypse Soon'' EP|access-date=February 6, 2014}}</ref> Williams contributed a verse to [[Future (rapper)|Future]]'s February 2014 single "[[Move That Dope]]", which also featured [[Pusha T]] and Casino over production from [[Mike Will Made It]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/future-move-that-dope-feat-pharrell-pusha-t-casino-prod-by-mike-will-made-it-new-song.1814367.html |title=Future – Move That Dope Feat. Pharrell, Pusha T & Casino (Prod. By Mike WiLL Made It) &#124; Stream & Listen [New Song&#93; |publisher=Hotnewhiphop.com |date=February 6, 2014 |access-date=March 3, 2014}}</ref>

On February 18, 2014, Williams announced via Twitter that his second album, ''[[Girl (Pharrell Williams album)|Girl]]'', would be released on March 3, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/pharrell-announces-new-album-g-i-r-l-reveals-cover-and-release-date-news.9416.html |title=Pharrell Announces New Album "Girl"; Reveals Cover & Release Date |first=Kevin|last=Goddard|publisher=Hotnewhiphop.com |date=February 19, 2014 |access-date=March 3, 2014}}</ref> The album was supported by a European concert tour, [[Dear Girl Tour]].<ref name=mtv>{{cite news|last=Fleischer|first=Adam|title=Dear Girl Tour|url= http://www.mtv.com/news/1829269/pharrell-dear-girl-tour-europe//|archive-url= https://archive.today/20140718035215/http://www.mtv.com/news/1829269/pharrell-dear-girl-tour-europe//|url-status= dead|archive-date= July 18, 2014|publisher=MTV}}</ref> At the [[86th Academy Awards]] on March 2, 2014, Williams's song "Happy" lost to "[[Let It Go]]" from ''[[Frozen (2013 film)|Frozen]]''. Afterwards, when ''[[GQ]]'' magazine asked Williams "how badly" did he want the Oscar, he responded: "When they read the results, my face was...frozen. But then I thought about it, and I just decided just to...let it go".<ref>{{cite news|last=Baron|first=Zach|title=Pharrell Williams on Advanced Style Moves and That Oscar Snub: My Song Will "Be Here For 10 Years"|url=https://www.gq.com/entertainment/profiles/201404/pharrell-williams-oscar-snub|access-date=March 31, 2014|newspaper=GQ|date=March 2014|archive-date=March 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328140500/http://www.gq.com/entertainment/profiles/201404/pharrell-williams-oscar-snub|url-status=dead}}</ref> At the Oscar Awards that same year, he wore a controversial outfit consisting of a tuxedo with shorts.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/oscars/pharrell-wears-shorts-oscars-red-carpet-article-1.1708326 |title=Oscars 2014:Pharrell Williams wears tuxedo shorts on the red carpet |newspaper=New York Daily News |date=March 2, 2014 |access-date=July 9, 2019}}</ref> In May 2014, Williams received an Innovator Award at the [[iHeartRadio Music Awards]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1818925/rihanna-wins-big-at-iheartradio-awards-see-the-winners-list/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140503152247/http://www.mtv.com/news/1818925/rihanna-wins-big-at-iheartradio-awards-see-the-winners-list/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 3, 2014|title=Rihanna Wins Big At iHeartRadio Awards: See The Winners List|publisher=MTV|date=May 1, 2014|access-date=May 1, 2014}}</ref>

[[File:Pharrell Williams - speaking on stage - summer sonic2015.ogv|thumb|left|thumbtime=3|(video) Williams introducing a N.E.R.D section of his live performance at [[Summer Sonic Festival]] in [[Japan]], 2015]]

===2014–present: ''The Voice'', ''Something in the Water'' and other ventures===
In March 2014, it was announced that [[Comme des Garçons]] would be releasing a unisex fragrance with Williams, named after his album ''Girl''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vogue.co.uk/beauty/2014/03/12/pharrell-williams-comme-des-garcons-fragrance-collaboration-girl|title=Pharrell Williams Comme Des Garcons Fragrance Collaboration GIRL (Vogue.co.uk)|work=Vogue UK|date=March 12, 2014|access-date=February 13, 2015}}</ref> On March 31, 2014, Williams was announced as a new coach for the [[The Voice (American season 7)|seventh season]] of ''[[The Voice (American TV series)|The Voice]]'', replacing [[CeeLo Green]].<ref name=respers>{{cite news|last=Respers|first=Lisa|title=Pharrell Williams joining 'The Voice'|url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/31/showbiz/tv/pharrell-williams-the-voice/|publisher=CNN|access-date=April 3, 2014|date=March 31, 2014}}</ref> In June 2014, it was announced that Williams would make a guest appearance on the docu-series ''[[Sisterhood of Hip Hop]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Corry|first=Kristin|title='Sisterhood of Hip Hop' to Debut on Oxygen This Summer|url=http://www.vibe.com/article/sisterhood-of-hip-hop-debut-oxygen-summer|work=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]|publisher=Vibe.com|date=June 9, 2014|access-date=June 14, 2014}}</ref> Williams co-composed the score for ''[[The Amazing Spider-Man 2]]'' (2014) with [[Hans Zimmer]], [[Johnny Marr]], [[Mike Einziger|Michael Einziger]], and [[Dave Stewart (Eurythmics)|David A. Stewart]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/5770395/pharrell-williams-ebay-beyonce-album-scoring-spider-man|title=Pharrell Talks eBay Collab, Beyonce's Album, Scoring the 'Spider-Man' Sequel and More|magazine=Billboard|date=October 24, 2013|access-date=February 13, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/marc-webb-hans-zimmer-form-652222|title=Marc Webb, Hans Zimmer Form Supergroup for 'Amazing Spider-Man 2'|first=Rebecca|last=Ford|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=October 31, 2013|access-date=February 13, 2015}}</ref> Williams was the executive producer of Atlanta rapper [[T.I.]]'s ninth studio album, ''[[Paperwork (T.I. album)|Paperwork]]'', which was released on October 21, 2014, by [[Grand Hustle Records|Grand Hustle]] and [[Columbia Records]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.power1049.com/index.php/79-muzic-category/news/71-t-i-talks-working-with-executive-producer-pharrell-williams-for-his-paperwork-album|title=T.I. Talks Working With Executive Producer Pharrell Williams For His "Paperwork" Album|publisher=Power1049.com|access-date=February 13, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141102102804/http://www.power1049.com/index.php/79-muzic-category/news/71-t-i-talks-working-with-executive-producer-pharrell-williams-for-his-paperwork-album|archive-date=November 2, 2014}}</ref> In May 2014, Williams curated an art show named after his album, ''Girl'', at the [[Galerie Perrotin]] in Paris, France. The show included artists [[Takashi Murakami]], [[JR (artist)|JR]], [[Daniel Arsham]], and [[Marina Abramović]], among others.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/05/27/pharrell-curated-exhibition-paris-girl-emmanuel-perrotin-marina-abramovic|title=Art and Fashion Stars Toast a Pharrell-Curated Exhibition in Paris |work=The New York Times|date=May 27, 2014 |access-date=February 13, 2015}}</ref> Williams collaborated with Gwen Stefani with the song "[[Shine (Gwen Stefani song)|Shine]]" for the animated film ''[[Paddington (film)|Paddington]]'' (2014).<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/hear-gwen-stefani-and-pharrells-soul-searching-shine-231776/|title=Hear Gwen Stefani and Pharrell's Soul-Searching 'Shine'|first=Ryan|last=Reed|date=December 31, 2014|access-date=October 7, 2020|magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref>
<!-- [[File:Pharrell Williams - speaking on stage - summer sonic2015.ogv|thumb|left|thumbtime=3|upright|(video) Pharrell Williams introducing a N.E.R.D section of his live performance at [[Summer Sonic Festival]] in [[Japan]], 2015]] -->

In January 2015, Williams was announced as the musical director for a 7-continent [[Live Earth]] concert on June 18, 2015, to raise awareness about and pressure governments to act on climate change.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/afp-pharrell-williams-to-head-up-live-earth-global-climate-concert-2015-1|title=Pharrell Announces 'Live Earth' Global Climate Concert – Business Insider|date=January 21, 2015|work=Business Insider|access-date=February 13, 2015}}</ref> On February 8, 2015, Williams made a cameo in an episode of ''[[The Simpsons]]'' entitled "[[Walking Big & Tall]]" where he comes to [[Springfield (The Simpsons)|Springfield]] to write a new anthem for the town.<ref>{{cite magazine|url= http://insidetv.ew.com/2015/01/22/pharrell-simpsons/ |title= Pharrell to guest on 'The Simpsons' – exclusive |first= Dan |last= Snierson |date= January 22, 2015 |magazine= [[Entertainment Weekly]] |access-date= January 22, 2015}}</ref> Williams recorded three songs for the soundtrack to the 2015 animated film ''[[The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jan/07/nerd-pharrell-with-three-songs-the-spongebob-movie-sponge-out-of-water|title=NERD mark return with three songs for SpongeBob film soundtrack|work=The Guardian|date=January 7, 2015|access-date=October 7, 2020}}</ref> On May 18, 2015, Team Pharrell had 16-year-old [[Sawyer Fredericks]] win the [[The Voice (American season 8)|eighth season]] of ''[[The Voice (American TV series)|The Voice]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/7-things-we-learned-about-sawyer-fredericks-backstage-at-the-voice-64095/|title=7 Things We Learned About Sawyer Fredericks Backstage at 'The Voice'|magazine=Rolling Stone|first=Denise|last=Quan|date=May 20, 2015|access-date=October 7, 2020}}</ref>

At the [[57th Annual Grammy Awards|2015 Grammy Awards]], Williams performed an orchestral rendition of "Happy" with Hans Zimmer and pianist [[Lang Lang]] that included a tribute to the [[Black Lives Matter]] movement,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2015/02/pharrell-performs-happy-with-hans-zimmer-at-the-grammys-watch/|title=Pharrell performs "Happy" with Hans Zimmer at the Grammys — watch|work=Consequence of Sound|first=Sasha|last=Geffen|date=February 8, 2015|access-date=October 7, 2020}}</ref> inspired by [[Killing of Eric Garner|Eric Garner's death]] and the [[Ferguson unrest]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/3618295/eric-garner-ferguson-hands-up-dont-shoot/|title=How 'Hands Up, Don't Shoot' Could Start a Real Revolution|first=Landon|last=Jones|date=December 4, 2014|magazine=Time|access-date=October 7, 2020}}</ref> In 2015, a unanimous jury determined that "[[Blurred Lines]]", which Williams co-wrote and produced, was an infringement of the 1977 [[Marvin Gaye]] song "[[Got to Give It Up]]".<ref name="usatoday1">{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2015/03/10/blurred-lines-trial-verdict/24492431/ |title='Blurred Lines' jury finds for Marvin Gaye |work=USA Today |access-date=March 12, 2015}}</ref>  The jury awarded the Gaye family $7.4 million in damages for the copyright infringement based on profits generated.<ref name="usatoday1" /> In October 2015, the [[New York University Tisch School of the Arts|Tisch School of the Arts]] at [[New York University]] named Williams as their [[artist-in-residence]].<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Daley |first=Megan |url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/10/19/nyu-pharrell-wiliams-artist-residence |title=Pharrell Williams: NYU Tisch School of the Arts artist in residence |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=September 23, 2015 |access-date=July 9, 2016}}</ref> He gave the 2017 commencement address at the university and received an honorary [[Doctor of Fine Arts]] degree on May 17, 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nyu.edu/content/nyu/en/about/news-publications/news/2017/march/pharrell-williams--the-musician--songwriter--and-producer---to-s|title=Pharrell Williams, the Musician, Songwriter, and Producer, to Speak at NYU's Commencement|last=Communications|first=NYU Web|access-date=December 10, 2017}}</ref><ref>[https://www.nyu.edu/alumni/news-publications/nyu-connect-newsletter/may-2017/commencement-2017-a-grads-perspective.html Commencement 2017: A Grad's Perspective website of NYU]</ref> In 2018, Williams worked with [[Ariana Grande]] for her fourth studio album, [[Sweetener (album)|''Sweetener'']] (2018).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/music/news/ariana-grande-sweetener-album-review-1202908604/|title=Album Review: Ariana Grande's 'Sweetener'|date=August 17, 2018|access-date=October 7, 2020|work=Variety|first=Chris|last=Willman}}</ref> He produced several songs on the album, and is featured on the song "Blazed".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/ariana-grande-blazed-ft-pharrell/|title=Ariana Grande "Blazed" <nowiki>[ft. Pharrell]</nowiki>|date=August 17, 2018|access-date=October 7, 2020|work=Pitchfork|first=Sheldon|last=Pearce}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thefader.com/2018/08/17/ariana-grande-full-album-credits|title=Here are the full album credits for Ariana Grande's Sweetener|work=[[The Fader]]|first=Wandera|last=Hussein|date=August 17, 2018|access-date=October 7, 2020}}</ref>

[[File:Pharrell Williams - Global Citizen Festival Hamburg 02.jpg|thumb|Williams at the [[Global Citizen Festival]] in [[Hamburg]], July 2017]]

In March 2019, Williams and the city of [[Virginia Beach, Virginia|Virginia Beach]] announced the launch of a three-day music and cultural festival titled ''Something in the Water'', to be held during College Beach Weekend, April 26–28, on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.somethinginthewater.com/|title=Something in the Water - Virginia Beach - April 26 - 28 2019|website=Something in the Water - Virginia Beach - April 26–28, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.frontgatetickets.com/2019/03/04/pharrell-reveals-something-in-the-water/|title=PHARRELL REVEALS SOMETHING IN THE WATER|date=March 4, 2019|website=Front Gate Tickets|access-date=April 23, 2019|archive-date=April 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423171957/https://www.frontgatetickets.com/2019/03/04/pharrell-reveals-something-in-the-water/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The festival lineup included [[Travis Scott]], [[Migos]], [[Janelle Monáe]], [[SZA]], [[Rosalía]], [[Anderson .Paak]], [[Jhené Aiko]], [[Mac DeMarco]], [[Maggie Rogers]], [[Lil Uzi Vert]], [[Missy Elliott]], [[Pusha T]], [[Dave Matthews Band]], and [[DRAM (musician)|DRAM]].<ref name="WaterFestival">{{cite web |last1=Bloom |first1=Madison |last2=Strauss |first2=Matthew |title=Pharrell Reveals Something in the Water Festival 2019 Lineup: Travis Scott, Pusha-T, and More |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/pharrell-reveals-something-in-the-water-festival-2019-lineup-travis-scott-pusha-t-and-more/ |website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]] |publisher=Pitchfork |access-date=November 7, 2020 |date=March 4, 2019}}</ref> The first day of the festival was cancelled due to severe storms.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Aniftos |first1=Rania |title=Pharrell Williams Cancels First Day of Something in the Water Music Festival Due to Severe Storms |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8508982/pharrell-williams-cancels-first-day-something-in-the-water-music-festival/ |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=Billboard |access-date=November 7, 2020 |date=April 26, 2019}}</ref> The "Pharrell and Friends" set that closed the festival's second day, featured Williams and a lineup of guests, including [[Jay-Z]], [[Sean Combs|Diddy]], [[Busta Rhymes]], [[Usher (musician)|Usher]], [[Snoop Dogg]], Missy Elliott, [[Timbaland]], [[Charlie Wilson (singer)|Charlie Wilson]], and [[Tyler, the Creator]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/pharrell-jay-z-snoop-diddy-something-in-the-water-concert-828250/|title=Pharrell Brought Out Every Rapper Ever for His Something in the Water Set|last1=Newman|first1=Jason|date=April 28, 2019|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US|access-date=June 12, 2019}}</ref>  The festival's final day featured [[Trey Songz]], [[Chris Brown]], [[Lil Duval]], and members of [[SWV]] and [[Blackstreet]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://respect-mag.com/2019/04/something-in-the-water-festival-recap-pharrell-gives-virginia-something-to-be-proud-of/|title=Something in the Water Festival Recap: Pharrell Gives Virginia Something to Be Proud Of|website=Respect-mag.com|date=April 30, 2019|access-date=August 28, 2020}}</ref> Williams produced five songs for [[Walt Disney Pictures]]' ''[[The Lion King (2019 film)|The Lion King]]'' (2019), marking his third collaboration with composer [[Hans Zimmer]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/the-lion-king-soundtrack-details-new-song|title='The Lion King' Soundtrack Details Revealed; Includes New Elton John Song|first=Adam|last=Chitwood|website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]|date=June 24, 2019|access-date=June 24, 2019}}</ref> In October 2019, Williams stated that he regretted the 2013 song "[[Blurred Lines]]", which received intense backlash for its apparent sexist themes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tonedeaf.thebrag.com/pharrell-williams-blurred-lines-chauvinist-culture/|title=Pharrell Williams claims 'Blurred Lines' taught him about 'chauvinist culture'
|date=October 15, 2019|access-date=October 18, 2019|publisher=The Brag|website=Tone Deaf}}</ref>

Williams' life and career is the subject of ''[[Piece by Piece (2024 film)|Piece by Piece]]'', an animated [[documentary film]] released in theaters in October 2024 and created using [[Brickfilm|Lego animation]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bergeson |first=Samantha |date=2024-01-26 |title=Pharrell Williams Announces Lego-Inspired Biopic 'Piece by Piece' at Focus Features |url=https://www.indiewire.com/news/breaking-news/pharrell-williams-lego-inspired-biopic-piece-by-piece-1234948716/ |access-date=2024-09-01 |website=IndieWire |language=en-US}}</ref>

A film loosely based on Williams' life, ''[[Golden (unfinished film)|Golden]]'' was filmed by [[Michel Gondry]] and set for release on May 9, 2025. However, the film was canceled by [[Universal Pictures|Universal]] in February 2025 prior to the film entering post-production due to a disagreement with Williams and other producers. The film is permanently shelved and will not be offered to other studios.<ref name=Donnelly>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2025/film/news/pharrell-movie-shut-down-michel-gondry-golden-1236300426/|title=Pharrell Williams, Michel Gondry Scrap Their Movie Musical at Universal in Postproduction (EXCLUSIVE)|publisher=Variety|last=Donnelly|first=Matt|date=February 7, 2025|access-date=February 7, 2025|language=en}}</ref>

==Artistry==
===Influences===
In the past, Williams has stated that he does not have any direct musical influences,<ref name="VH1">{{cite web|url=http://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1538022/story.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061209065741/http://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1538022/story.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 9, 2006|title=Pharrell Williams, Accidental Crooner|last=Kondo|first=Toshitaka|work=[[VH1]]|access-date=July 6, 2009}}</ref> but he has expressed his admiration for several musicians, including [[Michael Jackson]], [[J Dilla]], [[Stevie Wonder]], [[Donny Hathaway]], [[Marvin Gaye]], [[Rakim]], and [[Q-Tip (musician)|Q-Tip]].<ref name="VH1"/><ref name="Rolling Stone">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/8798649/qa_pharrell_williams|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080220013122/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/8798649/qa_pharrell_williams|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 20, 2008|title=Q&A: Pharrell Williams|last=Scaggs|first=Austin|date=November 17, 2005|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|access-date=July 6, 2009}}</ref> Williams explained that [[A Tribe Called Quest]]'s debut album, ''[[People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm]]'' (1990), caused a "turning point" in his life, which "made him see that music was art".<ref name="Rolling Stone"/>

Williams has also referenced his [[synesthesia]] as contributing to his art and his enjoyment of music from a young age.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Williams |first1=Holly |title=How synaesthesia inspires artists |date=October 21, 2014 |url=https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20140904-i-see-songs-in-colour |publisher=BBC |access-date=6 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Pharrell Williams On Juxtaposition And Seeing Sounds |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2013/12/31/258406317/pharrell-williams-on-juxtaposition-and-seeing-sounds |website=NPR Staff |date=December 31, 2013 |publisher=The Record, NPR |access-date=6 June 2024}}</ref>

===Four-count start===
Throughout his career, Williams has been known for his "four-count loops" or "four-count starts" at the start of the beats that he produced, which is considered as a producer signature. Williams revealed in a 2019 interview with ''[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]]'' that the creation of the four-count loop was unintentional, and the loop was essentially what was left in the song while trying to start a song on the beat instead of using a [[metronome]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2019/12/pharrell-interview-best-of-2010s-letter-to-my-godfather.html|title='I Don't Know What Myself Is' Pharrell explains why he's better when he's making music for other people, and his songs that defined the decade.|website=Vulture|date=2019}}</ref>

==Fashion and business ventures==
In 2005, Williams partnered with Japanese fashion icon [[Nigo]] to create the streetwear brands [[Billionaire Boys Club (clothing retailer)|Billionaire Boys Club]] and Ice Cream footwear.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://us.fashionnetwork.com/news/Pharrell-buys-back-billionaire-boys-club-ice-cream-brands-from-iconix,619467.html|title=Pharrell buys back Billionaire Boys Club & Ice Cream brands from Iconix|date=January 21, 2016|access-date=October 7, 2020|publisher=FashionNetwork.com}}</ref> In 2008, Williams co-designed a series of eyewear and jewelry for [[Louis Vuitton]].<ref name="touchstone">{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25111550-5013575,00.html|title=Hip-hop's glittering touchstone|date=February 27, 2009|work=[[The Australian]]|access-date=March 11, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304144009/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25111550-5013575,00.html|archive-date=March 4, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2008, Williams founded a non-profit organization called "From One Hand To AnOTHER" (FOHTA).<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=DECESARE |first1=EILEEN |last2=NARAYAN |first2=MARY |title=When a For-Profit Acquires a Nonprofit Organization |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/01.nhh.0000369766.47493.6d |journal=Home Healthcare Nurse |year=2010 |volume=28 |issue=3 |pages=147–153 |doi=10.1097/01.nhh.0000369766.47493.6d |pmid=20308809 |s2cid=10422883 |issn=0884-741X|url-access=subscription }}</ref> In 2009, Williams unveiled a collaborative sculpture with [[Takashi Murakami]] at [[Art Basel]], which spoke to the metaphor of value.<ref name="Interview with Pharrell Williams Art 40 Basel 2009">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsKrADTeEuE |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/vsKrADTeEuE |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live|title=Interview with Pharrell Williams at Art Basel 2009|date=June 11, 2009|work=YouTube|access-date=February 13, 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=on |first=Enrico |title=VernissageTV Art TV - Takashi Murakami & Pharrell Williams: The Simple Things / Interview with Pharrell Williams / Art 40 Basel |url=https://vernissage.tv/2009/06/11/takashi-murakami-pharrell-williams-the-simple-things-interview-with-pharrell-williams-art-40-basel/ |access-date=March 9, 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=November 2020}} In May 2011, it was announced that Williams would serve as creative director of [[Karmaloop|KarmaloopTV]] alongside founder and CEO [[Greg Selkoe]] and former [[AMC (TV channel)|AMC]] president Katie McEnroe.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/pharrell-williams-named-creative-director-186878 |title=Pharrell Williams Named Creative Director at Karmaloop TV |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter |date= May 9, 2011|access-date=March 28, 2012}}</ref>

In May 2012, Williams launched the social media venture [[I Am Other]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.15154/title.pharrell-williams-launches-social-media-venture-i-am-other|title=Pharrell Williams Launches Social Media Venture "I Am Other"|date=May 15, 2012|access-date=October 7, 2020|first=Steven|last=Horowitz|work=[[HipHopDX]]}}</ref> In August 2013, Williams created a line of sunglasses for fashion brand [[Moncler]] called "Moncler Lunettes".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.highsnobiety.com/2013/08/30/first-look-pharrell-x-moncler-lunettes-sunglasses-collection/|title=First Look: Pharrell x Moncler Lunettes Sunglasses Collection|work=Highsnobiety|access-date=February 13, 2015}}</ref> In 2014, Williams entered a long-term partnership with [[Adidas]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwd.com/markets-news/intimates-activewear/pharrell-williams-to-collaborate-with-adidas-7618802?module=hp-markets/|title=Pharrell to Collaborate With Adidas|author=David Yi|work=WWD|date=March 27, 2014|access-date=February 13, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 28, 2014 |title=adidas Originals and Pharrell Williams announce 'long term partnership' with first collection dropping Summer 2014 |url=https://acclaimmag.com/style/adidas-originals-pharrell-williams-announce-long-term-partnership-first-collection-dropping-summer-2014/ |access-date=March 9, 2022 |website=Acclaim Magazine |language=en-us}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=November 2020}} His [[Adidas NMD]] "Human Race" collection was released on July 23, 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/pharrells-human-race-adidas-nmd-will-release-this-weekend-news.22927.html? |title=Adidas NMD "Human Race" collection to be released on July 23, 2016 |last=Rooney |first=Kyle |website=Hotnewhiphop.com|date=July 18, 2016 |access-date=July 18, 2016}}</ref> In February 2014, Williams announced a collaboration between [[G-Star Raw]] and his textile company Bionic Yarn called "RAW for the Oceans," a collection of denim made from recycled plastic that is found in the ocean. The project was presented at the [[American Museum of Natural History]] in New York City.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/fashion/pharrell-williams-g-star-launch-eco-friendly-denim-line-article-1.1608290|title=Pharrell Williams, G-Star to launch eco-friendly denim line|work=NY Daily News|date=February 10, 2014 |access-date=February 13, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=July 3, 2014 |title=Pharrell Williams and G-Star RAW transform ocean plastic into denim |url=https://www.dezeen.com/2014/07/03/pharrell-williams-g-star-raw-ocean-plastic-denim-collection/ |access-date=March 9, 2022 |website=Dezeen |language=en}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=November 2020}}

In 2014, Williams appeared on a cover designed by French artist [[Grégoire Guillemin]] of New York-based men fashion magazine Adon, covering the collaboration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.adonmagazine.com/editorials/adon-magazine-issue-10-nyfw-september-2014-issue-featuring-pharrell-williams|title=Adon Magazine, August 2014 issue|publisher=adonmagazine.com|access-date=August 1, 2014}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=November 2020}} Williams released a collection for retail giant [[Uniqlo]] in April 2014 entitled "i am OTHER". It was created with Nigo, creative director of UT, the company's T-shirt division.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2014/04/02/pharrell-williams-collection-for-uniqlo-t-shirt-collaboration|title=Pharrell Williams Collection For Uniqlo T-shirt Collaboration (Vogue.co.uk)|work=Vogue UK|date=April 2014|access-date=February 13, 2015}}</ref> In 2014, Williams worked on art with [[Emmanuel Perrotin]] and a French manufacturer, Domeau & Pérès.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vogue.fr/vogue-hommes/culture/diaporama/pharrell-williams-g-i-r-l-exhibition-at-galerie-perrotin/14840|title=Pharrell Williams' G I R L exhibition at Galerie Perrotin|first=Hugo|last=Compain|translator=Granger, Isabelle|date=May 22, 2014|access-date=October 7, 2020|work=Vogue}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://styleofsport.com/tag/domeau-peres/#|title=Pharrell on Wheels|date=March 25, 2014|access-date=October 7, 2020|publisher=Style of Sport}}</ref> In June 2014, artist collective Rizzoli published a book by [[FriendsWithYou]], ''We Are Friends With You'', that featured contributions from Williams, [[Alejandro Jodorowsky]], and [[Peter Doroshenko]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rizzoliusa.com/book.php?isbn=9780847842377|title=We Are FriendsWithYou Written by FriendsWithYou, Contribution by Pharrell Williams and Alejandro Jodorowsky, Introduction by Peter Doroshenko – Rizzoli New York – Rizzoli New York|publisher=Rizzoliusa.com|access-date=February 13, 2015}}</ref> Williams was the [[executive producer]] of the 2015 [[Crime film|crime]] [[Comedy drama|comedy-drama]] film ''[[Dope (2015 film)|Dope]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://atlantablackstar.com/2015/05/19/dope-goes-international/ |title=Rick Famuyiwa Rides High with Critically Acclaimed 'Dope' |publisher=Atlanta Blackstar |date=May 19, 2015 |access-date=April 7, 2021 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626134209/https://atlantablackstar.com/2015/05/19/dope-goes-international/ |archive-date=June 26, 2015 }}</ref>

In 2017, Williams designed a €1,000 sneaker in collaboration with [[Chanel]] and Adidas.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://wwd.com/fashion-news/street-style/chanel-pharrell-williams-adidas-sneaker-justin-timberlake-11055165/|title=Chanel and Pharrell Williams Drop World's Most Exclusive Sneakers|last=Diderich|first=Joelle|date=November 22, 2017|work=WWD|access-date=November 23, 2017|language=en-US}}</ref> In November 2018, Williams performed at a [[Friends of the Israel Defense Forces]] Gala, which raised a record high of $60 million. He also spoke about the [[Pittsburgh synagogue shooting]], stating "what happened in that synagogue was incredibly cruel, it was wrong, and it's not supposed to be what our nation is... this group of people have been tested over and over and over again ... but you guys show an incredible resilience."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sippell |first=Margeaux |date=2018-11-02 |title=Friends of the Israel Defense Forces Gala Raises Record $60 Million for Soldiers |url=https://variety.com/2018/scene/news/friends-of-the-israel-defense-forces-gala-pharrell-williams-1203018108/ |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> Williams was criticized for singing "Happy" on social media, with critics citing the [[Israel Defense Forces|IDF]] as having killed over 200 Palestinians in 2018, calling the song contrary to the actions of the military.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saeed |first=Saeed |title=Pharrell Williams criticised for singing 'Happy' to Israeli soldiers as part of army fundraiser |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/music/pharrell-williams-criticised-for-singing-happy-to-israeli-soldiers-as-part-of-army-fundraiser-1.790860 |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=The National |language=en}}</ref>

Verizon partnered with Williams on April 26, 2019, to launch a tech-fused music curriculum in a nationwide Verizon Foundation Learning schools. The education organization under Verizon Foundation works toward providing free technology, internet access, technology-focused curriculum to under-resourced middle schools.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8508857/pharrell-williams-partners-verizon-music-education-program|title=Pharrell Williams Partners With Verizon for Music Education Program: Exclusive|magazine=Billboard|access-date=April 27, 2019}}</ref> In November 2020, Williams launched Humanrace, a [[skin care]] brand.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allure.com/story/pharrell-humanrace-skin-care-line-details|title=Pharrell Is Launching a Skin-Care Line Called Humanrace, and We Tried It First|first=Brennan|last=Kilbane|date=November 25, 2020|work=Allure}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vogue.com/article/pharrell-beauty-secrets-ageless-humanrace-skin-care|title=Watch Pharrell Do His Morning Skin-Care Routine|work=Vogue|first=Lauren|last=Valenti|date=November 23, 2020}}</ref> In December 2021, Williams would launch the winter line "Premium basics" together with [[Adidas Originals]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Teen |first=Vanity |date=December 22, 2021 |title=Pharrell Williams And Adidas Originals Debut Vanity Teen 虚荣青年 Lifestyle & New Faces Magazine |url=https://www.vanityteen.com/pharrell-williams-and-adidas-originals-debut/ |access-date=March 9, 2022 |website=www.vanityteen.com |language=en-GB}}</ref>

In June 2022, Doodles announced Williams as its Chief Brand Officer. Additionally, Doodles have set a release date for Williams to release a Doodles album that will be available to stream in addition to be sold exclusively as [[Non-fungible token|NFTs]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Pratt |first=Jeff |website=DraftKings Nation|url=https://dknation.draftkings.com/playbook/23179363/nft-news-doodles-hires-pharrell-williams-as-chief-brand-officer-metaverse-crypto-alexis-ohanian|title= Doodles Hires Pharrell Williams as Chief Brand Officer|date=June 22, 2022|access-date=June 23, 2022|archive-date=June 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622231949/https://dknation.draftkings.com/playbook/23179363/nft-news-doodles-hires-pharrell-williams-as-chief-brand-officer-metaverse-crypto-alexis-ohanian|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On February 14, 2023, Louis Vuitton announced that Williams had been appointed their new men's creative director, a position left vacant by the death of [[Virgil Abloh]] in 2021.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/style/story/louis-vuitton-appoints-pharrell-new-mens-creative-director-97192217 | title=Louis Vuitton appoints Pharrell as its new men's creative director }}</ref> Williams displayed his first collection during Paris Men's Fashion Week in June 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 15, 2023 |title=Louis Vuitton picks Pharrell Williams to lead men's designs |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-64645491 |access-date=February 15, 2023}}</ref><ref name="guard-9nov2023">{{cite news |last1=Bramley |first1=Ellie Violet |title='Insensitive': Pharrell Williams' $1m Louis Vuitton handbag attracts criticism |url=https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2023/nov/09/pharrell-williams-1m-louis-vuitton-handbag-attracts-criticism |access-date=November 9, 2023 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=November 9, 2023}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Williams married his longtime partner, model and fashion designer Helen Lasichanh, on October 12, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/pharrell-williams-marries-helen-lasichanh-jay-z-and-justin-timberlake-attend-all-the-details-20131210|title=Pharrell Williams Marries Helen Lasichanh, Usher and Busta Rhymes Perform: All the Details! |work=Us Weekly|date=October 12, 2013 |access-date=October 12, 2013|first=Stephanie|last=Webber}}</ref> The couple have four children together: son Rocket (b. 2008) and triplets (b. January 2017).<ref name=biography.com>{{cite web| url= http://www.biography.com/people/pharrell-williams| title=Pharrell Williams Biography: Music Producer, Musician, Singer (1973–)| publisher=[[Biography.com]] ([[FYI (TV network)|FYI]] / [[A&E Networks]]) | access-date= January 31, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/825751/pharrell-williams-and-helen-lasichanh-welcome-triplets/|title=Pharrell Williams and Helen Lasichanh Welcome Triplets|website=Eonline.com|date=January 31, 2017}}</ref> The ''[[Despicable Me (film)|Despicable Me]]'' song "Rocket's Theme" was written in honor of their son Rocket.<ref>{{cite web|author=imageplaybuttons |url=http://cluemagazine.wordpress.com/tag/pharrell-williams/ |title=Pharrell Williams &#124; Clue Mag |publisher=Cluemagazine.wordpress.com |date=April 5, 2012 |access-date=July 27, 2013}}</ref>

In 2005, Williams was voted "Best Dressed Man in the World" by ''[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1507427/20050811/williams_pharrell.jhtml|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103231826/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1507427/20050811/williams_pharrell.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 3, 2013|title=Pharrell Is The World's Best-Dressed Man (According To Esquire, Anyway)|work=MTV News|access-date=February 13, 2015}}</ref> He is a fan of the science fiction series ''[[Star Trek]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=%2Farts%2F2004%2F06%2F07%2Fbmpharr07.xml |title=The nerd who inherited the earth |access-date=May 19, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070311094953/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=%2Farts%2F2004%2F06%2F07%2Fbmpharr07.xml |archive-date=March 11, 2007 }}. Retrieved on May 22, 2007.</ref> as indicated by his consistent use of the [[Vulcan salute]] to signify his label name, [[Star Trak Entertainment|Star Trak]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blender.com/guide/articles.aspx?id=2003|title=Maxim|publisher=Blender.com|access-date=February 13, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216121343/http://www.blender.com/guide/articles.aspx?id=2003|archive-date=December 16, 2008}}</ref> Williams is a skateboarder and has a [[half-pipe]] inside his home.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.askmen.com/toys/interview_200/210_pharrell_interview.html|title=13 Questions With Pharrell|work=AskMen|access-date=February 13, 2015|archive-date=December 25, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071225091910/http://uk.askmen.com/toys/interview_200/210_pharrell_interview.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2011, Williams announced that he is building a $35 million after-school center in his home town, [[Virginia Beach, Virginia|Virginia Beach]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Forgenie |first1=Cacy |title=No Kidding! Pharrell Building $35 Million After School Center For Kids (PHOTO) |url=https://globalgrind.com/1707019/pharrell-williams-after-school-center-kids-virginia-photos/ |website=Global Grind |access-date=November 8, 2020 |date=July 7, 2011}}</ref> In 2019, Williams offered internships to 144 students at Promise Academy in [[Harlem]], [[New York City]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Maxouris |first=Christina  |date=July 3, 2019 |title=Pharrell Williams just offered internships to 114 Harlem high school grads |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/03/us/pharrell-williams-harlem-promise-academy-internships-trnd/index.html |publisher=[[CNN]] |access-date=July 20, 2019}}</ref>

On March 26, 2021, Williams' cousin Donovan Lynch was shot and killed by an officer from the [[Virginia Beach Police Department]] after "brandishing a handgun" following three shootings in the area. Williams has called for a federal investigation into the incident.<ref>{{Cite news|date=April 7, 2021|title=Pharrell Williams calls for investigation after cousin shot dead by police|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-56594434|access-date=April 11, 2021}}</ref>

==Discography==
{{Main|Pharrell Williams discography|Pharrell Williams production discography|}}

===Solo albums===
* ''[[In My Mind (Pharrell Williams album)|In My Mind]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Girl (Pharrell Williams album)|Girl]]'' (2014)

===Collaboration albums===
;With N.E.R.D.
* ''[[In Search of... (N.E.R.D. album)|In Search of...]]'' (2002)
* ''[[Fly or Die]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Seeing Sounds]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Nothing (N.E.R.D. album)|Nothing]]'' (2010)
* ''[[No One Ever Really Dies]]'' (2017)

;With the Neptunes
* ''[[Clones (album)|Clones]]'' (2003)

==Filmography==
* ''[[Despicable Me (film)|Despicable Me]]'' (2010) – Composer
* [[Get Him to the Greek]] (2010) – Himself
* ''[[Despicable Me 2]]'' (2013) – Composer
* ''[[The Voice (American TV series)|The Voice]]'' (2014–16) – Himself
* ''[[The Amazing Spider-Man 2]]'' (2014) – Co-composer, part of The Magnificent Six
* ''[[The Simpsons]]'' (2015) – Himself (Episode: "[[Walking Big & Tall]]") (voice role)
* ''[[Pitch Perfect 2]]'' (2015) ''–'' Himself
* ''[[Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping]]'' (2016) – Himself
* ''[[Hidden Figures]]'' (2016) – Producer, composer
* ''[[Despicable Me 3]]'' (2017) –  Composer
* ''[[The Grinch (film)|The Grinch]]'' (2018) – Narrator (voice role)
* ''[[Black Is King]]'' (2020) – Special appearance
* ''[[North Hollywood (film)|North Hollywood]]'' (2020) – Producer
* ''[[A Man Named Scott]]'' (2021) – Himself
* ''[[Sing 2]]'' (2021) – Alfonso (voice role)
* ''[[Despicable Me 4]]'' (2024) – Composer
* ''[[Piece by Piece (2024 film)|Piece by Piece]]'' (2024) – Himself (voice role); producer, composer
* ''[[Mufasa: The Lion King]]'' (2024) – Composer
* ''[[Golden (unfinished film)|Golden]]'' (2025) – Producer, composer (film was canceled prior to post-production by [[Universal Studios, Inc.|Universal Studios]])<ref name=Donnelly/>

==Tours==
* [[Dear Girl Tour]] (2014)

==Videography==
{{Incomplete list|date=February 2016}}
{|class="wikitable"
|-
!Year
!Title
!Director
!Ref
|-
|2015
|''Freedom''
|[[Paul Hunter (director)|Paul Hunter]]
|<ref>{{cite web|title=Pharrell Williams Singer releases stimulating 'Freedom' video|url=http://pulse.com.gh/music-videos/pharrell-williams-singer-releases-stimulating-freedom-video-id4003641.html|website=Pulse.com.gh|date=July 23, 2015|publisher=Joey Akan|access-date=February 22, 2016 |last1=Akan |first1=Joey }}</ref>
|-
|2024
|''[[Piece by Piece (2024 film)|Piece by Piece]]''
|[[Morgan Neville]]
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Debruge|first=Peter |date=October 1, 2024 |title='Piece by Piece' Review: Pharrell Williams Gets the Lego Treatment in Bouncy Outside-the-Box Doc |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/reviews/piece-by-piece-review-pharrell-williams-1236155781/|access-date=October 2, 2024 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |language=en-US}}</ref>
|}

== Awards ==
{{main|List of awards and nominations received by Pharrell Williams}}

== See also ==
* [[Pharrell Williams v. Bridgeport Music]]
* [[List of people with synesthesia]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* {{official website|http://www.pharrellwilliams.com/}}
* {{IMDb name|1214289}}

{{Pharrell Williams}}
{{Navboxes
|title = [[List of awards and nominations received by Pharrell Williams|Awards for Pharrell Williams]]
|list =
{{BET Award for Best Collaboration}}
{{BET Award for Best Male R&B Artist}}
{{BET Award for Video of the Year}}
{{Brit International Male}}
{{Grammy Award for Record of the Year}}
{{Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance}}
{{Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance}}
{{Grammy Award for Best Rap Song}}
{{Grammy Award for Best Urban Contemporany Album}}
{{Grammy Award for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical}}
{{Grammy Award for Best Music Video}}
{{IFPI Global Year-End}}
{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Duo or Group}}
{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Male Artist}}
{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Song}}
{{WSA for Best Original Song Written Directly for a Film}}
}}
{{N.E.R.D}}
{{The Neptunes}}
{{Child Rebel Soldier}}
{{UK best-selling singles (by year) 2010–2029}}
{{Billboard Year-End number one singles 2000–2019}}
{{Illumination (company)}}
{{Portal bar|Biography|Music|Pop music|Record production|Rhythm and blues|United States|Virginia}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Williams, Pharrell}}
[[Category:Pharrell Williams]]
[[Category:1973 births]]
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[[Category:20th-century African-American male singers]]
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[[Category:African-American film score composers]]
[[Category:African-American male rappers]]
[[Category:African-American male singer-songwriters]]
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[[Category:American contemporary R&B singers]]
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[[Category:American male pop singers]]
[[Category:American hip-hop record producers]]
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[[Category:Brit Award winners]]
[[Category:Creative directors]]
[[Category:Businesspeople from Virginia]]
[[Category:Child Rebel Soldier members]]
[[Category:Columbia Records artists]]
[[Category:Grammy Award winners for rap music]]
[[Category:Judges in American reality television series]]
[[Category:Interscope Records artists]]
[[Category:MTV Video Music Award winners]]
[[Category:Musicians from Virginia Beach, Virginia]]
[[Category:N.E.R.D. members]]
[[Category:Northwestern University alumni]]
[[Category:Pop rappers]]
[[Category:Princess Anne High School alumni]]
[[Category:Rappers from Virginia]]
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[[Category:Singer-songwriters from Virginia]]
[[Category:The Neptunes members]]