GQ+A: Pharrell Williams

Pharrell sits down with the folks at GQ to discuss a number of topics ranging from new gig as consultant for the upcoming Oscars to some of his future fashion endeavors. Check out a portion of the Q&A down below where Skateboard talks about his feature on Rick Ross’ latest mixtape Rich Forever, he and Lupe’s joint album, and his usage of cries from Blue Ivy Carter on Jay-Z’s “Glory.” Click here to check the interview in its entirety.

GQ: You and Hans Zimmer are the music consultants for the Oscars. What does that job entail? 

Pharrell: We have to reinterpret some of the music for the nominees. We have to do other music as well that is at times new and original and at others borrowing from movie scenes.

GQ: On Rick Ross’ Rich Forever mixtape you rap, “Black boy scoring his life/ I’m scoring the Oscars.” How excited are you for this opportunity—especially since you’re still essentially a music nerd from Virginia who made it big. 

Pharrell: I’m just very thankful. And I say that a lot because that’s the most important message. I answer questions the best I can. But most of the answers usually feel the same. And that’s just me being very appreciative of the opportunity, because, like you said, I’m from Virginia Beach, VA. I’m glad that I can exhibit what we can do.

GQ: Lupe Fiasco recently announced that you’re working on an album together? You two and Kanye West were working on a project once upon a time, too, your crazy schedules interfered. Think this one will pan out? 

Pharrell: I can’t talk about that. Lupe is my man and whatever we’re talking about we can’t really discuss and get into right now. We’re talking about some very interesting things.

GQ: Well, let’s talk about something that’s done and out now: Jay-Z’s “Glory.” You produced it. What did it mean to you to assist in making a song for Jay’s first born? It’s like rap’s “Isn’t She Lovely.”

Pharrell: Uh, that was awesome. But again, that was another covert operation.

GQ: Did you guys record that in the hours after his daughter was born or was it recorded in advance? Obviously, her first cries were added after she was born.
Pharrell: That was, uh… That was, um… Everything was by design. That’s all I’ll say.