An Ode to Pharrell

If I had to name one person in the music industry that has inspired me to keep going it would have to be Pharrell Williams. I can’t have a music blog and not talk about one of most influential figures in music history. I want to talk about why I love Pharrell and why I find him inspirational.

His impact on the Music industry

As half of The Neptunes and a member of N.E.R.D., Pharrell has produced, written, and created so many timeless songs and albums over the years. In other words, when he hits, he never misses. Any song that he has produced or written, you can almost instantly tell that he was involved in the process. Pharrell has such a unique sound and distinct production style, his talent is at a level beyond compare.

In a time when hip-hop and the music industry stuck to one formula for what made “good music”, Pharrell took that as an invitation to shake things up. He brought in a new, futuristic sound and broke free from the expectations of hiphop as a genre. Pharrell set the tone for anyone who had an idea outside of society’s norm and changed the game in the music industry.

What I think sets Pharrell apart from other producers and songwriters is that his music style is unique to him and his personality. You can tell that he is more experimental with rhythm, percussion and sound which adds more fluidity and freshness to his work.

Piece By Piece November 2024

PIECE BY PIECE

Recently, Pharrell’s story was brought to life through LEGO animation in his biopic film Piece by Piece. The film takes us through Pharrell’s career; his upbringing, his influences, and everything that led to his inevitable success and fame. It features many of his songs and his collaborators from over the years. Watching it was an absolute cinematic experience. The colours, the music, and the storytelling were all beyond perfect. I’m not exaggerating when I say I have watched this film way too many times.

Growing up feeling different from every other kid was undeniably difficult. I tried my hardest to fit in by having the same interests and likes as everyone else, but it never stuck. Eventually, I learned to embrace my natural self and devoted more time and attention to art and music. Seeing Pharrell lean into his creativity and embrace his identity reminded me of my childhood. It’s such a powerful experience to see someone so talented live almost the same life as you. The level of relatability and nostalgia I felt from this movie was what made it so special. Piece by Piece was genuinely inspirational and I recommend it to anyone seeking motivation.

Pharrell Williams is a visionary whose creative universes expand from music to art, and to fashion

Louis Vuitton

Pharrell’s endless creativity doesn’t stop with music. He has gone from co-founding Billionaire Boys Club to collaborating with luxury fashion brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel.

Pharrell has undoubtedly pushed the boundaries of men’s fashion and streetwear. He showcases his own personality through fashion with bright colours, bold design, and youthful styling choices.

Pharrell has continued to impact both the fashion and the music industry in throughout his career and has been shaping the culture over time. He helped shift the culture throughout the ’90s and 2000s, with his musical influence still shaping the industry. There is no doubt that he is a near perfect role model for me and other young creatives alike.

What do you think ?!