Pharrell Archives - Rolling Out

Pharrell Williams says it is a “crime” that artists don’t always have “the lion’s share” of their music. The ownership of rights to masters has been thrust into the spotlight by Taylor Swift’s recent battle with Big Machine Records and Scooter Braun about her own tracks, and now the “Happy” hitmaker has called for creators…

Beyoncé has unleashed her visual album and film Black Is King. On Friday, July 31, 2020, the “Crazy in Love” hitmaker has dropped the extensive project based on the soundtrack LP (The Lion King: The Gift) she produced for the 2019 remake of The Lion King — in which she voiced Nala — via Disney+.…

Reebok recently revived its partnership with music producer and artist Pharrell. During this year’s ComplexCon, Reebok and Pharrell presented the label BBC ICECREAM and released four exclusive sneakers: the Answer V, the BB4000 Low, the BB4600 Hi, and the Zig Kinetica. Along with the exclusive sneakers, Reebok also released an apparel collection that includes shirts,…

Pharrell Williams wears “what fits and looks right,” whether it was designed for men or women. The 47-year-old producer is known for pushing the gender lines of fashion by adding gender-fluid elements to his wardrobe. He was spotted carrying a purple crocodile Birkin bag in 2007 and wearing a pastel Céline coat to a GQ…

The 10th annual ONE Musicfest provided festivalgoers a glimpse of some of the most impactful artists to shape urban culture. Held at Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta, the two-day festival featured artists, including Pharrell, Usher, Lil Nas X, Rick Ross, Raphael Saadiq, Wu-Tang Clan, DMX, and Three 6 Mafia. On Saturday, Sept. 7, the…

Rolling out recently had a conversation with New York-based recording artist, producer and songwriter Davie. Reflecting on past experiences, Davie shared how he overcame adversity by keeping an authentic and positive approach to his career. His newest EP, “Lesson Learned,” is all about expressing oneself along with learning and unlearning on the journey to becoming…

Afropunk stands as a festival where inclusion, expression, and Black culture reigns. Within the gates of Afropunk, those who are often silent have a voice, those who are weird have a home, and Blacks and other minorities are accepted by all means. The 2018 Afropunk featured art, music, and activism that seeks to provoke change.…

The New School honored Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter and visual artist Solange Knowles, as well as Marco Bizzarri, CEO of Gucci, and José Neves, CEO and founder of Farfetch at the 70th Annual Parsons Benefit on Monday, May 21, 2018. The event recognizes individuals who embody the university’s commitment to creativity and innovation. The program featured special…

J. Simone is a 20-year-old female producer making a success of her life by perfecting her craft and selling music to independent artists and television production shops. The love of music is something she knew since a very young age would be her joy, passion and would launch her career path. Influenced by the likes…

In the age of biopics, viewers are about to get a hip-hop history lesson as rap legend Roxanne Shante’s biopic will premiere on Netflix on March 23. In the trailer, Shanté tries to maneuver through her journey as a young, female MC in New York City. She put the world on notice with “Roxanne Wars”…

Deemed a year of many shocking twists and turns, the sneaker industry in 2017 fit the bid with no doubts. Top kicks and their fans changed the game with a stash of classics and brand new styles that were both reinvented and introduced for the first time this year. Various sneakers from all walks of…

Since its birth in the 1970s, hip-hop has pioneered urban culture through custom fashion more than music itself. An artist can make a hit record that nods heads, but their style typically must also turn heads to establish a stable identitiy and sell records. Artists who master both of these aspects make great advertisers for brands looking…

When listening to a new artist, it’s natural to try to envision what they look like. It even seems to turn into a game when you finally look them up and compare what you envisioned to the artist’s actual features. The majority of the time, we quickly find out if our initial thoughts match an…

Roots Picnic has become a staple of summer fun in Philadelphia. For the past decade, the legendary Roots crew have curated the festival which has featured artists such as Erykah Badu, The Weeknd, D’Angelo, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Wu-Tang Clan, Gary Clark Jr., and Rae Sremmurd to name a few. With the 10th anniversary, The Roots…

Seventy-eight years. After a drought that lasted almost eight decades, Northwestern University played its first NCAA men’s basketball tournament game against Vanderbilt on March 16. After defeating the Commodores, the Wildcats can very well rise as the tournament’s Cinderella within the next couple of days, because the well-known university with a plethora of well-known alumni…

Pharrell Williams has endorsed Hillary Clinton. This week, during a sit down with Variety‘s editor-at-large, Michael Schneider, the 43-year-old music producer got candid about his thoughts on Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s treatment of women. Williams admitted he’s “praying for the human condition.” “I’m praying for women, I’m praying that we make better decisions,” the…

These days, finding music with a perfect balance of amazing vocals and an uplifting vibe can be tough, but only if you aren’t familiar with Loren Smith. Nicknamed “The Luther Vandross of the Next Generation,” Smith’s smooth vocals are coupled with a sincere and joyful delivery. His lyrics are oftentimes full of hope and have…

Mark Hood from “The Voice” shares advice on how to audition, being on the show, and his future endeavors.

In one weekend, Shameik Moore’s life changed drastically. He recorded an audition for a starring role in the film Dope, sent it to the director on a Friday, and by Tuesday, he was flying to Los Angeles for a second audition. He nailed that audition, too, of course, as the 20-year old Moore starred in the…

It appears as though Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams are not quite ready to give up the fight. U.S. District Judge John Kronstadt recently rejected a request by the duo to have the case retried. Thicke and Williams were pushing for a new trial after the first trial ended in a ruling that the song…