S. Samuel
Grammy-winning producer Pharrell Williams is wasting no time in treating fans to some new music by announcing plans to drop his new solo album, G I R L, next month.
Barring any setbacks, Skateboard P will release his first album in nearly a decade March 3.
The year of Pharrell continues. After scoring an Oscar nomination and four Grammys including Producer of the Year, the “Happy” hitmaker has announced a title and release date for his second solo album. G I R L, his first project since 2006?s In My Mind, will arrive on March 3 via Back Lot Music/Columbia Records. The 10 tracks are now available for pre-order on iTunes featuring the first single “Happy,” which is currently No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Pharrell revealed the cover art and posted a 30-second trailer of him in the studio, laughing, crying, and recording with composer Hans Zimmer and an orchestra. (Rap-Up)
Williams officially joined forces with Columbia back in December
Today, Columbia Records announced via press release it has signed recent Complex digital cover star Pharrell to a record deal that will bring a solo album in 2014. According to the label, “Happy”–the song from the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack that recently had an innovative 24 hour video–will be featured on that forthcoming record, which does not yet have a release date more specific than “next year.” Pharrell, of course, has had a monster 2013, ruling the pop charts all summer with “Get Lucky” and “Blurred Lines” while also producing rap hits for 2 Chainz and Nelly and album tracks for worshipers Earl Sweatshirt and Tyler, the Creator. He also features prominently on Beyoncé’s new album. (Complex)
Rap star T.I. recently credited the mega producer for helping make his own move to Columbia go down.
Tip has also been working with Timbaland and long time collaborator and friend, DJ Toomp. “I’m honored to be partners with such a successful, passionate and creative conglomerate like Columbia Records, who respects and supports the vision of their artist and partners. Nothing but love, respect and appreciation for Doug Morris, Rob Stringer and the entire staff,” T.I. says via press release. “Also, a special thank you to my big bruh, Sk8board P, for always believing in me and also executive producing my upcoming project.” (Billboard)
Last year, Pittsburgh rapper Mac Miller revealed plans to link with Pharrell for a joint project.
Miller now reveals the Mac-Pharrell project is back on. “We actually just talked a couple days ago,” he tells Rolling Stone. “I’m going to go see him [in Miami] and we’re going to finish it and put it out. Because the sh*t’s ill and people want it. We both had pretty wild years. We gotta do it!” The rapper anticipates Pink Slime will drop by the end of 2014. “All we gotta do it sit down for a few days and knock out songs,” he says. Recording at Williams’ studio in Miami, he adds, is a reward in itself. “It’s refreshing,” Miller explains. “[In L.A.] I’m in this dungeon, my little cave that’s this weird-ass looking place that I just live in. And then to go to Miami, it’s just so nice to see natural light and a pool and happy things. It’s good.” (Rolling Stone)
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Check out Pharrell’s announcement:
