Music

Pharrell Williams

Born April 5, 1973 · Virginia Beach, Virginia

A genre-defying producer, musician, and creative director whose fingerprints are on some of the biggest songs of the 21st century — Pharrell Williams has shaped the sound of modern pop, R&B, and hip-hop while expanding into fashion and philanthropy.

Known For

Producer, musician, creative director

Hit Song

"Happy" — global number one

Role

Creative Director of Louis Vuitton Men's

Pharrell Lanscilo Williams was born in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He formed the production duo The Neptunes with Chad Hugo while still in high school, and together they created a sound that would dominate the charts for over two decades.

The Neptunes produced iconic tracks for Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dogg, Britney Spears, and dozens of others. Their band N.E.R.D. pushed genre boundaries, blending rock, hip-hop, and funk. As a solo artist, Pharrell's "Happy" became a worldwide phenomenon, earning an Academy Award nomination and topping charts in over 20 countries.

Williams has expanded beyond music into fashion, art, and education. He founded the YELLOW brand and non-profit From One Hand To Another, which provides STEAM education to underserved youth. In 2023, he was appointed Creative Director of Louis Vuitton Men's — one of the most prestigious roles in fashion — bringing Black culture to the pinnacle of luxury design.