Pharrell

May
31
New Music: Curren$y f/ Pharrell – ‘Chasin’ Paper’

Curren$y

Curren$y lives the jet life with Pharrell on “Chasin’ Paper,” their collaboration off the New Orleans MC’s album The Stoned Immaculate, in stores Tuesday. The Neptunes hitmaker provides the melodic beat and Auto-Tuned hook, which samples the Five Stairsteps’ “O-o-h Child.” Get your money up.

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May
21
Pharrell Announces i am OTHER Creative Venture

Pharrell

Pharrell officially pulls back the curtain on i am OTHER, described as a “cultural movement dedicated to Thinkers, Innovators, and Outcasts.” The creative venture consists of the hip-hop mogul’s longtime projects including music production, apparel lines Billionaire Boys Club and ICECREAM, record label, and a premium YouTube channel featuring original programming.

“The idea for i am OTHER really came from the fans,” said The Neptunes producer. “They often say I inspired them to think outside the box and I wanted to establish a creative collective which represents that same philosophy. I believe individuality is the new wealth and I am dedicated to creating and supporting projects that encourage originality.”

The first signees to the i am OTHER imprint include “American Idol” alum Leah LaBelle, Puerto Rican singer Maxine Ashley, Compton rapper Buddy, and Texas musician Alyssa Bernal.

Watch Skateboard P make the introduction below.

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May
16
New Music: Usher f/ Pharrell – ‘Twisted’ [Snippet]

Pharrell and Usher

Usher brings the funk on “Twisted,” his new collaboration with Pharrell off his upcoming album Looking 4 Myself, due June 12.

“‘Twisted’ is more of a nostalgic record, so when you think about the classic R&B record, we managed a way to modernize it, even though that’s very relevant,” the R&B crooner told MTV News. “You hear records like Cee Lo, you hear Bruno Mars and also Andre 3000, and that sound is very relevant in this time. So this was kind of our way to tie it all together and give you something different that you probably wouldn’t normally get from me.”

Listen to a snippet of the song, which was taken from Usher’s album listening event.

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May
15
Pharrell Introduces Leah LaBelle, Maxine Ashley, & Buddy in i am OTHER Promo

i am OTHER

Pharrell launches his label i am OTHER with a new roster of talent including Leah LaBelle, Maxine Ashley, and Buddy. The Neptunes hitmaker looks out into the night sky in the cinematic trailer as dramatic music plays in the background.

“I am different. I am weird. You’re right, I don’t fit in your world. You wanna know why? ‘Cause i am OTHER,” says the leader of the new school as he stands beside his artists.

Meet Skateboard P’s protégés.

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May
15
Santigold Rocks NYC Concert with Shy Ronnie, Pharrell

Santigold and Andy Samberg

Santigold brought out some unexpected guests during Samsung Mobile USA’s 5MM Fans Appreciation Performance at Irving Plaza in New York last night.

“I believe in giving everybody a shot at things,” said the Philly singer before introducing Andy Samberg, who was dressed as his “SNL” character Shy Ronnie. “Be nice, he’s a little shy.”

The nerdy Ronnie hesitated at first, but soon broke out of his shell and danced all over the stage as Santi performed “Fame” off her new album Master of My Make-Believe. Santi and Samberg collaborated on “After Party” off The Lonely Island’s album Turtleneck & Chain.

One star who didn’t need any coaxing was Pharrell, who joined Santigold on their Converse collaboration “My Drive Thru.”

Check out the funny footage below.

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May
10
Rap-Up TV: Behind the Scenes of Leah LaBelle’s ‘Sexify’ Video

You’ve seen the sexy video. Now Leah LaBelle takes Rap-Up TV behind the scenes of her debut single “Sexify,” with cameos from JoJo and her mentors Pharrell and Jermaine Dupri.

The Seattle songstress was discovered by The Neptunes producer through the Internet. “I connected with Pharrell and J.D. off of the strength of my YouTube videos,” said the former “American Idol” contestant. “Pharrell actually came across my videos two years ago and he felt at one point it was the right time. He reached out to me and showed my video to J.D. and they collectively decided to do the project.”

In addition to the hip-hop hitmakers, she is working closely with L.A. Reid on her I-Am-Other/So So Def/Epic Records debut, due out late summer/early fall. “He’s been an amazing person in my corner and somebody that I’ve learned from,” said Leah.

May
9
Video: Leah LaBelle – ‘Sexify’

Leah LaBelle

Pharrell and Jermaine Dupri’s protégée Leah LaBelle makes her introduction in the colorful video for her debut single “Sexify,” directed by Sarah Chatfield. When her girlfriends need relationship advice, they dial up Leah, who tells them how to spice things up in the bedroom. Her phone never stops ringing, whether she’s in the bathttub or going through her wardrobe.

Skateboard P makes a cameo as a pizza delivery boy and J.D. plays the angry landlord, who comes knocking at her door to tell her to turn down the music. In the end, she meets up with her girlfriends including JoJo for a pizza party.

The “American Idol” alum will release her debut in late summer/early fall on I-Am-Other/So So Def/Epic Records. Preview five tracks from the album including “So Hot,” “Make Me Get Up,” “What Do We Got Lose,” and “Mr. Scissors.”

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May
1
Leah LaBelle Previews 5 Tracks Off Debut Album

Leah LaBelle

Pharrell and Jermaine Dupri’s protégée Leah LaBelle gives us a taste of her upcoming I Am Other/So So Def/Epic Records debut with a 5-track album sampler. In addition to the seductive single “Sexify,” the former “American Idol” contestant captivates as she coos over beats by her hitmaking mentors. Play and replay the five cuts including “So Hot,” “Make Me Get Up,” “What Do We Got Lose,” and “Mr. Scissors.”

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