You know something, guys? We really don’t give Pharrell enough credit. Like, we’re sure you appreciate the musician for his hit single, “Happy,” and totally bopped along to “Blurred Lines,” his chart-topping song with Robin Thicke. And, yet, we still don’t think you understand his creative genius.
You see, not only is he responsible for the songs in which you can clearly hear his voice, but he’s also the brilliant mind behind some of the most incredibly popular singles of all time; ones you had NO idea he even touched. Here are 10 examples:
"The Light is Coming," Ariana Grande (featuring Nicki Minaj)
Along with Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj, Pharrell co-wrote the first promotional single from Ari's latest studio album, Sweetener. Though not as popular as the 25-year-old's other Sweetener singles, "No Tears Left to Cry" and "God is a Woman," "The Light is Coming" is definitely a bop.
While you can't hear the "Happy" crooner's vocals on the aforementioned tune, you can hear 'em on the album's second track, "Blazed," which he also helped write.
"Apesh*t," The Carters
The Carters (better known as Beyoncé & Jay-Z) delivered one of the most extravagant music videos of all time when they released "Apesh*t." Hello, the footage was shot at the Louvre! But did you know that the tune may've not even happened if not for Pharrell?
The lead single from the duo's collaborative studio album, Everything is Love, was penned by the couple, as well as the 45-year-old musician. That's apesh*t!
"Havana," Camila Cabello (featuring Young Thug)
Although stars such as Lele Pons and Noah Centineo made cameos in Camila Cabello's "Havana" music video, they did NOT help write it. Who did, you may ask? We think you know the answer to that by now...
That's right, Pharrell is credited as one of the songwriters of the lead single from CC's eponymous debut studio album, Camila.
"Like I Love You," Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake and Pharrell have worked together for years — ever since JT's *NSYNC days! They've collabed on productions such as "Rock Your Body" and "Señorita," which is not surprising, considering you can hear Pharrell's vocals on the tracks. What is surprising, though, is that he also lent a hand for "Like I Love You," which he isn't even featured on. Dayum, P — he knows how to put out sick tracks.
"Girlfriend," *NSYNC
We told you Pharrell & JT go all the way back to the days of *NSYNC!
If you peep the credits for the boy band's fourth and final studio album, Celebrity, you'll notice Pharrell's name listed as one of the writers of the group's last single, "Girlfriend." He penned it along with Justin, as well as Chad Hugo, who's the other half of Pharrell's The Neptunes.
"I'm a Slave 4 U," Britney Spears
You can thank The Neptunes for the lead single off Britney Spears' eponymous third studio album, Britney. ("I'm a Slave 4 U" is definitely one of Brit's top five hits, so, yes, a thank you is necessary.)
Pharrell and Chad are also responsible for the album's last single, "Boys."
"Hollaback Girl," Gwen Stefani
Although "Hollaback Girl" doesn't mark the only time Gwen Stefani teamed up with Pharrell (and his partner from The Neptunes), it definitely marks the most notable time.
Even though the single from the No Doubt singer's debut solo album, Love. Angel. Music. Baby., came out all the way back in 2005, it's still the one she's most known for. Ask anyone! And she has every reason to thank PW for it coming to fruition.
"I was tired. I wanted to go home, but he was like, 'Don't leave yet,' " she told MTV News. "So I come back, and he starts playing me his solo album. If something's really good, I get really jealous. So I'm like, 'You are a fricking genius. I can't believe I'm sitting in here with you right now, and you have these songs. We have to write another song.' I'm greedy."
And that other song turned out to be none other than "Hollaback Girl."
"Milkshake," Kelis
Yes, even the hit single, "Milkshake," was penned by The Neptunes! The track was originally offered to Britney Spears for her fourth studio album, In the Zone, but was rejected. So, Kelis did the honors and chose it as the lead single from her third studio album, Tasty. (A very fitting name, TBH.)
"Hot in Herre," Nelly
Ahhh, "Hot in Herre" — you know, the song that shot Nelly to stardom? — was also partially penned by Pharrell! The second single from Nelly's second studio album, Nellyville, was the brainchild of PW, Chad Hugo and Nelly himself. It was the rapper's first #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, so he definitely has to give Pharrell a ton of props.
"U Don't Have to Call," Usher
Usher may be the one to croon "U Don't Have to Call," the third single from his third studio album, 8701, but it's The Neptunes who are responsible for songwriting.
FUN FACT: The tune was originally intended for Michael Jackson!
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