Pharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams also known as Skateboard P (born April 5, 1973 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States) is one half of the primarily hip hop music production and songwriting duo, The Neptunes (with C

Pharrell Williams also known as Skateboard P (born April 5, 1973 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States) is one half of the primarily hip hop music production and songwriting duo, The Neptunes (with Chad Hugo), who among other things is known for bringing R&B chanteuse Kelis to national attention. Pharrell has produced numerous number one tracks for megastars such as Janet Jackson, Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, Nelly, Justin Timberlake, Mystikal, Jay-Z, *NSYNC, and others.

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.