Pharrell Williams

Pharrell Lanscilo Williams (/fəˈrɛl/; born April 5, 1973), sometimes known mononymously as Pharrell, is an American record producer, songwriter, rapper, and singer. Alongside close colleague Chad Hugo, he formed the hip hop and R&B production duo the Neptunes in the early 1990s, with whom he has produced songs for various recording artists. In 1999, he became lead vocalist of the band N.E.R.D., which he formed with Hugo and drummer Shay Haley. Williams has been widely referred to as one of the most influential and successful music producers of the 21st century, having had a significant impact on the sound of modern popular music.

Williams released his debut solo album, In My Mind, in 2006. In 2013, he produced and was featured alongside T.I. on the song "Blurred Lines" by Robin Thicke and his song "Happy" was the lead single for the soundtrack of the film Despicable Me 2; both songs reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 as well as other charts around the globe. In the same year, he was featured on Daft Punk's single "Get Lucky", which won Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards. His second album, Girl, was released in 2014.

Williams has received numerous accolades and nominations. He has won 13 Grammy Awards, including three for 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 Best Original Song, for "Happy" (from Despicable Me 2); and in 2017 for Best Picture, as a producer of Hidden Figures.