Pharrell Williams, the multifaceted creative powerhouse, graces the cover of Highsnobiety’s inaugural digital special issue. In a conversation with author and award-winning journalist Michael Harriot, accompanied by stunning imagery captured by Julian Song and styled by Matthew Henson, Williams discusses the inspiration behind his latest project, “Piece By Piece,” a LEGO-animated biopic featuring a star-studded cast of collaborators.
Pharrell Williams for Highsnobiety
Connecting with Highsnobiety, Pharrell Williams discusses the cultural influences that shaped his artistry, his enduring passion for pushing boundaries, and the unique challenges and rewards of creating a LEGO-animated film. From the early days of his musical career in Virginia Beach to his present-day status as a global icon, Williams offers a candid glimpse into his creative process and the forces that have driven his success.
Williams explained his decision to use LEGO as a medium: “It’s three reasons. First reason is like you said, [I’m] from Virginia, why would that be interesting? It’s not like New York. I didn’t want to do a film on my life. I didn’t get it. I didn’t understand why. Second of all, I am a very curious person, and my best work always comes from when I’m super curious and/or when I’m collaborating with a master in the space, which is the reason why I ended up with Morgan [Neville].”
Beyond the creative appeal, Williams also saw LEGO as a way to connect with his children: “So it was a means of not only objectifying myself so that I could get inspired and actually be able to do music and what have you, but also, to make it so that all my kids could understand when dad was telling his story.”
Williams’ upbringing in Virginia Beach played a pivotal role in shaping his musical sensibilities. As he described, the local music scene emphasized raw talent and authenticity: “It only worked in Virginia if it was banging, if it was hitting. When you’re hearing Public Enemy Records, and you’re hearing Beastie Boys records and Eric B. & Rakim, and you just got through listening to UTFO and Run-D.M.C., you’re like, ‘What am I listening to? This is the banging-est.’”
This early exposure to diverse musical influences instilled in Williams a deep appreciation for innovation and a refusal to conform to trends. As he put it, “I grew up at a time where a record could not get played in the club or at a house party if it didn’t f**king hold its own weight against something that sounded completely different—complete different set of sounds, drum sounds, samples, voices.”
Beyond his music, Williams is renowned for his distinctive style. Drawing inspiration from the streets and high fashion, Williams has cultivated a unique aesthetic reflecting his multifaceted personality. As he explained, “For me, I just always looked up to the hustlers. They would wear a lot of Polo and have a lot of big chains on, and get in the big body Mercedes Benzes. We were enamored by that.”
However, Williams also acknowledged the influence of other cultural movements, such as the Native Tongues and the skater scene, which gave him a sense of counterculture and individuality.
As Pharrell Williams continues evolving as an artist and cultural icon, his passion for creativity and unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries remain evident. As he concluded the interview, Williams expressed his excitement for the future: “I am so much more intrigued by the backside of a question mark than I am what I already know.”
