After producing hits for the likes of Robin Thicke and Miley Cyrus, Pharrell has earned the title as the music industry’s MVP super producer. But on Sunday, Aug. 24, he’ll hopefully receive some shine for his own material as his video for “Happy” is up for several Moonmen at the upcoming 2014 MTV Video Music Awards. Since we have a few more days left until the big awards ceremony, SheKnows decided to help pass the time away by highlighting some of our favorite collabos that Pharrell has worked on as a solo producer or with his production team The Neptunes.
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Britney Spears — “Boys” (Co-ed Remix)
Pharrell hasn’t worked with Britney Spears since her glorious Blackout album in 2007, but the casual music listener may have forgotten that Skateboard P also helped B successfully transform herself from teen starlet to sexpot with her third album, Britney. Not only did he and his partner in crime, Chad Hugo, (otherwise known as the other half of The Neptunes), produce “I’m a Slave 4 U,” but the duo also worked on her Janet Jackson-sounding single “Boys.”
www.youtube.com/embed/s25OMP4Ww6Y
Kelis — “Milkshake”
Kelis released two albums before 2003’s Tasty, but the general public really took a liking to her appetizing Neptunes-produced “Milkshake.” Plus, who can forget when the song took over Regina George’s home in Mean Girls?
www.youtube.com/embed/pGL2rytTraA
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Usher — “U Don’t Have to Call”
Pharrell and Usher sound like a pair that know exactly how to win over the ladies, but the R&B mastermind did the exact opposite on “U Don’t Have to Call.” They sort of called out the ladies for their BS. Back in 2001, Skateboard P penned a celebratory guy’s anthem about females who take their men for granted. It wasn’t Usher’s usual romantic angle, but it did win him a Grammy later in 2003.
www.youtube.com/embed/3AszPTJXIgM
*NSYNC — “Girlfriend”
Toward the end of their road as a group, the guys of *NSYNC started to slowly stray away from the bubblegum pop sounds and head into R&B-influenced territory, partially thanks to Pharrell. Just take a listen to one of the group’s very last singles, “Girlfriend.” Even though the song was originally produced by The Neptunes, the duo went on to remix the track and add a guest verse from Nelly. Years down the line, the hit would make a resurgence in popularity when Justin Bieber released his track “Boyfriend.”
www.youtube.com/embed/saxnXiBKEaY
Clipse — “Grindin'”
Pharrell even crept his way into high-school classrooms without knowing it when the Clipse’s “Grindin'” beat took over school desks across the country. Despite The Neptunes’ lengthy production discography, “Grindin'” stands as one of their brightest hip-hop gems to date. It’s been over a decade since its release and the beat still sounds fresh as ever. Just listen to the sample on Danity Kane’s comeback track!
www.youtube.com/embed/TjWAWcx4xdE
Gwen Stefani — “Hollaback Girl”
Gwen Stefani owes a good chunk of her solo success to The Neptunes and their work on “Hollaback Girl” as it’s one of her biggest hits to date. I mean, that shit was bananas. Do we need to say more? Whether it was the cheerleader-like chants or the foot-stomping beat, 2005 was the year of Stefani’s solo venture. We can only hope Gwen’s upcoming collabos with Pharrell live up to the same magic as this hit.
www.youtube.com/embed/Kgjkth6BRRY
Busta Rhymes featuring P. Diddy and Pharrell — Pass the Courvoisier Part II
Busta Rhymes, Diddy and Pharrell taught us a while back that they can turn a party into the greatest moment of your life, with the help of a little Courvoisier. Back in 2002, Busta teamed up with Diddy and Skateboard P for part two of the party anthem, and likely helped skyrocket sales of the drink. Plus, you just can’t forget a video that features cameos from Mr. T, Spliff Star, Mo’Nique, Kym Whitley and Jamie Foxx.
www.youtube.com/embed/o4ZUaxyPoZ8
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