20 Black Voices For A New Century: Much has been made about Pharrell’s big hat that the fashionably fashionable Pharrell Williams wore during the recent Grammy Award ceremonies. Even as much as it was the subject of a lot of conversation, the hat hasn’t overshadowed the fact that Williams is one of contemporary music’s most versatile and industrious musicians, producers, singers and rappers. As part of the production team The Neptunes, and as a member of the band N.E.R.D. with Chad Hugo, they’ve produced numerous hit songs, working with Jay Z, Snoop Dogg, Ludacris, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears and Busta Rhymes. Williams though continues to step out on his own. Working solo, Williams also produced two of last years biggest records –  Daft Punk and Robin Thicke, and songs by Miley Cyrus and Beyonce’ – and he’s releasing a new solo album, G I R L, on March 3rd.

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