The Neptunes reign
as today's most successful hip-hop production team. Over
the last six years, they have helped propel the talents
of a number of artists, their punctuating beats and syncopated
rhythms fueling a unique sonic aesthetic. They have worked
with current chart toppers (Justin Timberlake, Britney
Spears, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez), hard-core hip-hoppers
(Noreaga, Jay-Z, Nelly) and eclectic performers (soulstress
Kelis, Nelly Furtado, Counting Crows). Add to that work
with longtime superstars (Janet Jackson, Mary J Blige,
Babyface, Whitney Houston, Usher) and alternative ska
icons (No Doubt, Sean Paul), and their artist roster spans
nearly every genre of music today.
The Neptunes consist of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo,
both 29, friends since attending the same high school
in Virginia Beach, VA. After meeting in music class, the
duo began working together, mixing beats and playing in
various live bands. Their first break came in 1994, when
they were discovered by New Jack Swing producer Teddy
Riley, who had opened his Future Recording Studios and
Lil Man Records in a building adjacent to their school.
Riley recognized their talent and enlisted Williams and
Hugo to assist in producing Blackstreets 1994 debut album.
Following their inauguration with Riley, the pair began
producing on their own, working on albums for SWV and
Total. Their next big project, a track on Ma$es highly
successful 1997 Harlem World album, opened the door to
producing rap artists. For the ensuing two years, Williams
and Hugo focused efforts on the production of rap notables
such as Jay-Z and MC Lyte.
However, true to their philosophy on music and on life,
The Neptunes production work continued to break down musics
traditional borders and challenge listeners with out-of-the-box,
irreverent beats. This approach was widely embraced by
listeners everywhere on Got Your Money, an Ol Dirty Bastard
anthem featuring Kelis, an artist on The Neptunes own
label, Star Trak Entertainment. Got Your Money threw The
Neptunes in the limelight, and a slew of high-profile
artists lined up to enlist the power duos writing and
production prowess. The results turned up huge crossover
hits, notably Mystikals Shake Ya Ass, and Jay-Zs I Just
Wanna Luv U (Give it 2 Me), both platinum singles. More
megahits followed, including *NSYNCs Girlfriend, Britney
Spears Im a Slave 4 U and Nellys Hot in Herre, among others.
In January of 2002, The Neptunes and manager Rob Walker
signed an agreement to bring their label, Star Trak Entertainment,
to Arista Records and unite with legendary record mogul
Antonio L.A. Reid. Williams and Hugos arrangement calls
for them to produce artists signed to both Star Trak and
Arista, as well as sign and develop talent for the new
label, which The Neptunes and Rob Walker co-head. Artists
currently signed to the label include SpyMob, Kelis and
Clipse, who have already scored an impressive top 10 debut
with their album Lord Willin.
As the band N*E*R*D, Williams and Hugo, joined by another
friend from high school rapper Shae Haley have proven
their multiple talents as both producers and performers.
Their debut album In Search OfÖ, was critically acclaimed
for transcending borders, seamlessly merging modern beats
with classic sounds inspired by the music of the 1970s.
Two tours followed the albums release in March of 2002
a nationwide tour with the band SpyMob, and participation
in the Sprite Liquid Mix Tour, alongside headliners Jay-Z
and 311. The N*E*R*D project showcases The Neptunes signature
style in a way uniquely their own, and was well-received
by fans, with In Search Of... recently certified Gold
by the RIAA. In addition to favorable reviews and a growing
fan base, In Search Of... was recently awarded the prestigious
2002 Shortlist Prize for Artistic Achievement in Music,
founded to recognize the most creative albums of the year
across all musical genres.
The Neptunes production work didnt stop or even slow with
the N*E*R*D project. Williams and Hugo continue to write
and produce, and in the last few years, their efforts
have been recognized with prestigious awards and increasing
critical praise. In August of 2002, The Neptunes were
named Producers of the Year at both The Source Awards
and the Billboard Awards. Their songwriting talents have
been lauded as well, with Williams being voted BMI Songwriter
of the Year for both 2001 and 2002, and Hugo named ASCAP
R&B Songwriter of the Year for 2001.
The omnipresent Neptunes remain a powerhouse in production
for the most popular artists today. Their latest undertaking
is Justin Timberlakes highly anticipated new album, Justified,
on which they produced eight tracks. Upcoming projects
include collaborations with artists ranging from Enrique
Iglesias and Sugar Ray to DMX and Limp Bizkit to Blur
and Aretha Franklin, and even a venture into country music,
a step that may seem big for anyone else, but is not really
a step at all for The Neptunes, who effortlessly rise
above to create music that belongs in a genre all its
own.
