Pharrell Williams

Along with fellow Virginians Missy Elliott, Timbaland, and Neptunes partner Chad Hugo, Pharrell Williams has played a crucial role in the progression of post-new jack swing, R&B and rap, and consequently pop. Williams actually got his start during the tail-end of the new jack era as the co-writer of Wreckx-N-Effect's number two 1992 pop hit "Rump Shaker," but he and Hugo truly distinguished themselves six years later as producers of Mase's "Lookin' at Me" and Noreaga's "Superthug," crossover hits that showcased the duo's uniquely chunky and choppy sound. Williams and Hugo buil...