Pharrell was born the oldest of three sons to Pharaoh Williams and Carolyn Williams. His father was a handyman, and his mother was a teacher. In seventh grade, Williams met fellow band mate Hugo. The two began working together, mixing beats and playing in various live bands in which Williams played the drums. In 1992, while the two were attending different high schools in Virginia Beach, they sold their first song, "Rump Shaker", to Wreckx-n-Effect. They then began songwriting and production assignments with popular hip-hop artists such as Noreaga, SWV, Total and Ma$e.
In August 2002, The Neptunes were named Producers of the Year at both The Source Awards and the Billboard Music Awards.
In 2002, Williams wrote and produced rapper Nelly’s single called, "Hot in Herre," the single hit No.1 in the US and the UK. He repeated the success by doing the same with Britney Spears' dance-pop single, "I'm A Slave 4 U". But it wasn't until the summer of 2003 that Pharrell released his first solo single, "Frontin'" featuring Jay-Z. The album The Neptunes Present...Clones was then released, debuting at number one in August 2003.
"Frontin'" was a big summer hit (the No. 34 biggest single of 2003 according to Billboard Magazine), and kept Williams' momentum running up to the release of Hugo and Williams' second funk/rock-oriented N.E.R.D album, released in March 2004. Williams' rock credentials were further bolstered by his appearance at the 2004 Grammy Awards, performing The Beatles' "I Saw Her Standing There" on drums along with Sting, Dave Matthews, and Vince Gill. Pharrell went home with two Grammy Awards that night, one for Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical, and another for Best Pop Vocal Album for his work on Justin Timberlake's No.2 Billboard hit Justified.
In 2005, Williams was voted "Best Dressed Man in the World" by Esquire magazine. His look has inspired such acts like Mario and Eric West. On September 9th, 2005, Pharrell performed the opening single from his debut solo album "In My Mind". The song, titled "Can I Have It Like That", featuring Gwen Stefani, blends a smooth synth with a few drum rolls and heavy bass. "In My Mind" has 14 tracks, 7 hip-hop tracks and 7 R&B tracks featuring numerous musical guests such as Gwen Stefani, Daddy Yankee, Vanessa Marquez and Jay-Z. The album cover for In My Mind is designed by Japanese brand "A Bathing Ape". Williams has now started his own fashion label called the "Billionaire Boys Club" with the designer from A Bathing Ape.
Williams has been romantically linked to Sir Mick Jagger's socialite daughter Jade and to an American Woman named Vashtie.
His Debut album "In My Mind" was released July 25th, 2006.
In 2006 Pharrell Williams partnered with Turner Network Television for a special 2006 NBA All-Star Game promotion. In 2006, Pharrell solely produced The Clipse's second album Hell Hath No Fury. Most critics labeled the album to be Pharrell's best production in years, and put the Virginia rap duo back in the charts.
On May 16, 2007, for seven days only, the first of two expected collaborations with Madonna, entitled "Hey You", was made available for free download from the MSN website. MSN, in conjunction with Madonna, donated 25 cents for each of the first 1 million downloads to the Alliance for Climate Protection, in support of Live Earth. Later that year, Pharrell performed songs at the Concert for Diana on July 1, 2007. Then on July 7, 2007 he performed at the Brazilian leg of Live Earth at Rio de Janeiro.
A second album, entitled Out of My Mind, was recorded with his newly formed band "The Yessirs" featuring Questlove of The Roots. However, Pharrell's record label did not think that a companion album to the first would sell well. He also produced Beyoncé's rendition of "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend". He then wrote and produced "Why Should I Be Sad" on Britney Spears' fifth studio album, Blackout. He also produced two songs from The Hives album, The Black and White Album, titled "Well All Right!" and "T.H.E.H.I.V.E.S.".
In April 2008, Madonna released her eleventh album, Hard Candy, which featured vocals from Williams and production from The Neptunes on several tracks. In June, an article in NME revealed that Williams was very interested in producing The Strokes' fourth album. Later that year, Williams worked on a remix album for Maroon 5's Call & Response.
In July 2010, Williams composed the soundtrack to the movie Despicable Me, produced by Hans Zimmer and recorded with the Hollywood Studio Symphony. In October 2010, Williams and his group N.E.R.D supported Gorillaz on their Escape to Plastic Beach World Tour. The following month, N.E.R.D released their fourth studio album Nothing through Pharrell's label Star Trak.
In 2011, Williams collaborated with singer/composer Adam Lambert, co-writing two tracks for Lambert's album Trespassing, which was released in May 2012, including the title track and "Kickin' In".
Pharrell featured on Daft Punk's fourth studio album Random Access Memories on songs "Get Lucky" and "Lose Yourself to Dance". In addition, Williams contributed to Azealia Banks' debut studio album Broke with Expensive Taste, featuring on the song "ATM Jam."
In March 2013, Pharrell appeared alongside T.I. on Robin Thicke's hit single "Blurred Lines". The song has been a worldwide hit, has peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and has also reached number one in 13 more countries including the United Kingdom and Germany, making it Pharrell's third Billboard Hot 100 number one single.On June 29, 2013, Pharrell became the 12th artist in the chart's history to simultaneously hold the number one and two positions with "Blurred Lines" and "Get Lucky", respectively.
By July 2013 there had only been 137 singles in UK chart history to have sold 1 million copies in the UK; that month Pharrell scored two million-sellers with "Get Lucky" and "Blurred Lines".
In November 2013, Pharrell released the first 24-hour music video to his Despicable Me 2 collaboration song, "Happy". Guest appearances included Magic Johnson, Steve Carrell, Jimmy Kimmel, Jamie Foxx, Steve Martin, Odd Future, Miranda Cosgrove, Janelle Monáe, and many others.It has received approximately 5.5 million views as of Christmas Day, 2013.
On March 3, 2014 Pharrell Williams released the album G I R L, through Black Lot Music and Columbia Records with promotion of Williams' label i am OTHER. The album contains appearances by Kelly Osbourne, Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, Miley Cyrus, Daft Punk, JoJo, Alicia Keys, Tori Kelly and Leah LaBelle. Reviews of the album from music critics have been positive.
Entrepreneur
pharrell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I am always whisperin'
They keep tellin' me I will not
But my will won't listen
Gravity on a black man
With everything on his back and
His family and passion
If the doors ain't crackin'
You gotta let go (let go)
If you wanna fly, take the leap
You gotta risk it all (risk it all)
Or there'll be lots of things you'll never see
You gotta let, let go
'Cause you never know
What's in store
Mr. Entrepreneur
In this position with no choice
A system imprison young black boys
Distract with white noise
The brainwashed become hype boys
Third eye dilate
You ain't supposed to make it off Section 8
Robbin' Peter just to pay Paul
Prepare to risk everything
You need to let go (let go)
If you wanna fly, take the leap
You gotta risk it all (risk it all)
Or there'll be lots of things you'll never see
Remember, black is space
And it's the color of your face
There will be no sunny days
If Black went away
Black man, Black man, Black man
Black man, Black man, Black man
Black man, Black man, Black man
Black man, Black man, Black man
Black man, Black man, Black man
Black man, Black man, Black man
Black man, Black man, Black man
Black man, Black man, Black man
Black man, Black man, Black man
Black man, Black man, Black man
Black man, Black man, Black man
Black man, Black man, Black man
Black man, Black man, Black man
Black man, Black man, Black man
Black man, Black man, black man
Black man, Black man, Black man
Don't go chasin' waterfalls
Please stick to the drip that you're used to
They don't make 'em like they used to
Uh, lies told to you
Through YouTubes and Hulus
Shows with no hues that look like you do
Black Twitter, what's that?
When Jack gets paid, do you?
For every one Gucci, support two FUBU's
Sippin' Crip-a-Cola
Consumer and a owner
'Til we all vertically integrated from the floor up
D'Ussé pour up
Sip Ace 'til I throw up
Like gang signs, 'cept I bang mines for both ya
Serial entrepreneur, we on our own
Stop sittin' around waitin' for folks to throw you a bone
If you can't buy the building, at least stock the shelf (word)
Then keep on stacking 'til you stocking for yourself, uh
See everything you place after black
Is too small a term to completely describe the act
Black nation, Black builder, Black entrepreneur
You in the presence of Black excellence and I'm on the board, Lord
Black man, Black man, Black man (ayy, Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord)
Black man, Black man, Black man
Black man, Black man, Black man
Black man, Black man, Black man (God, God, God, ayy, God, ayy, God)
Black man, Black man, Black man
Black man, Black man, Black man
Black man, Black man, Black man
Black man, Black man, Black man
Black man, Black man, Black man (Lord, yuh, God)
Black man, Black man, Black man
Black man, Black man, Black man
Black man, Black man, Black man
Black man, Black man, Black man
Black man, Black man
Black man, Black man, Black man
Black man, Black man, Black man
Black man, Black man, Black man
Black man, Black man, Black man
Black man, Black man, Black man
Black man, Black man, Black man
Black man, Black man, Black man
Black man, Black man, Black man
Pharrell Williams' song "Entrepreneur" features poignant lyrics that explore the theme of black ambition in the face of systemic oppression. The opening lines - "I am black ambition, I am always whisperin', They keep tellin' me I will not" - suggest a voice fighting against forces trying to stifle success. The lyrics touch on aspects of the black experience, such as the burden black men carry ("Gravity on a Black man, with everything on his back and his family and passion"), systemic racism ("A system imprison young black boys"), and the need to take risks to succeed ("You gotta risk it all / Or there'll be lots of things you'll never see").
Pharrell uses clever wordplay throughout the song to convey his message. He combines the image of a black hole, which is characterized by a strong gravitational pull, with the notion of black men carrying "everything on their back." The line "Black is space and it's the color of your face" cleverly juxtaposes the vastness of space with the limited opportunities afforded to black people. Overall, "Entrepreneur" is a powerful call to action that encourages black men and women to embrace their ambition, take risks, and work towards achieving their dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
I am black ambition
I represent the drive and determination of black individuals to succeed and overcome obstacles.
I am always whisperin'
My ambition remains constant but is not always openly expressed or recognized.
They keep tellin' me I will not
Others doubt my ability to succeed and try to discourage me.
But my will won't listen
Despite others' doubts, my determination remains strong and steadfast.
Gravity on a black man
The weight of societal and systemic pressures and discrimination faced by black individuals.
With everything on his back and
Carrying the weight of responsibilities and expectations on top of societal pressure.
His family and passion
His loved ones and dreams are a driving force behind his ambition and determination.
If the doors ain't crackin'
If opportunities are not presenting themselves, it becomes increasingly difficult to succeed.
You gotta let go (let go)
To achieve success, you must let go of fear and take risks.
If you wanna fly, take the leap
To achieve great things, you must be willing to take big risks and put yourself out there.
Or there'll be lots of things you'll never see
If you do not take risks and push yourself beyond your comfort zone, you will not be able to experience all that life has to offer.
Remember, black is space
Blackness represents infinite possibility and potential.
And it's the color of your face
Blackness is a defining characteristic of one's identity.
There will be no sunny days
Without blackness, there is no light or warmth in the world.
If Black went away
Without blackness, everything becomes bleak and meaningless.
Don't go chasin' waterfalls
Do not waste time and energy pursuing unrealistic or unattainable goals.
Please stick to the drip that you're used to
Focus on what you know and what has worked for you in the past.
They don't make 'em like they used to
Contemporary society and culture lack the same quality and substance as in the past.
Uh, lies told to you
Society and media perpetuate falsehoods and stereotypes about black individuals.
Through YouTubes and Hulus
Social media platforms and streaming services are often sources of misinformation and negative portrayals of black culture.
Shows with no hues that look like you do
Media and entertainment often lack diversity and representation of black individuals and culture.
Black Twitter, what's that?
The power and influence of black individuals and culture on social media platforms, such as Twitter.
When Jack gets paid, do you?
Black individuals need to support and invest in black-owned businesses and entrepreneurship.
For every one Gucci, support two FUBU's
Invest in and support black-owned and -operated businesses over larger, non-black corporations.
Sippin' Crip-a-Cola
Enjoying success and prosperity through black entrepreneurship.
Consumer and a owner
Black individuals can both support black-owned businesses and become entrepreneurs themselves.
'Til we all vertically integrated from the floor up
The goal is for all black individuals to support and invest in black-owned businesses, creating a self-sustaining and thriving black economy.
D'Ussé pour up
Celebrate black excellence and entrepreneurship through enjoying luxury goods, such as D'Ussé cognac.
Sip Ace 'til I throw up
Enjoy success and prosperity without shame or restraint as a result of black entrepreneurship.
Like gang signs, 'cept I bang mines for both ya
Entrepreneurship and success are a source of pride for the black community.
Serial entrepreneur, we on our own
Black individuals are taking control of their own economic futures through entrepreneurship.
Stop sittin' around waitin' for folks to throw you a bone
Black individuals should not wait for handouts or opportunities to be given to them and should instead create their own success through hard work and entrepreneurship.
If you can't buy the building, at least stock the shelf (word)
If you cannot create your own business or afford to purchase property, support black-owned businesses by purchasing and promoting their products.
Then keep on stacking 'til you stocking for yourself, uh
Continue working hard, investing, and saving until you can become a successful entrepreneur and create generational wealth for yourself and your community.
See everything you place after black
The term 'black' encompasses and supersedes all other labels or classifications.
Is too small a term to completely describe the act
The impact and significance of black entrepreneurship and excellence cannot be contained or fully defined by any one term or label.
Black nation, Black builder, Black entrepreneur
Black individuals are taking control of their own economic futures and building their own communities through entrepreneurship.
You in the presence of Black excellence and I'm on the board, Lord
Black entrepreneurship and excellence are present and powerful forces, and Pharrell is a leader and advocate within that community.
Black man, Black man, Black man (ayy, Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord)
Reinforcing the importance of black male success and entrepreneurship within the black community.
Black man, Black man, Black man
Reinforcing the importance of black male success and entrepreneurship within the black community.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo, Shawn Carter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind