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Pharrell Williams Reflects on His Journey in ‘Piece by Piece’

In the creation of the song “Piece by Piece” for the documentary of the same name, Pharrell Williams views it as a moment to delve into the various facets of his life that have influenced his current success. During a recent conversation with Gold Derby, he shared, “It’s thinking about how everything collectively is your story. When you reflect on the myriad experiences—both joyous and challenging—that shape you, they all come together in a significant way.” He further connects this approach to the film’s presentation, remarking on its alignment with the concept of Lego, where each element represents a piece of his story.

The documentary, produced by Focus Features, utilizes Lego figures to depict Williams’ life narrative. It chronicles his upbringing in Virginia Beach, where he formed friendships with notable artists like Timbaland, Missy Elliott, Chad Hugo, and Pusha T. The film details the formation of The Neptunes alongside Hugo, his collaborations with acclaimed artists such as No Doubt, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Daft Punk, and Kendrick Lamar, while also shedding light on the challenges he has encountered along the way. Directed by Morgan Neville, the filmmaker known for the Oscar-winning documentary “20 Feet from Stardom,” the film blends creativity with introspection.

SEEPharrell Williams gets LEGO-fied in trailer for outside-the-box biopic ‘Piece by Piece’ [Watch]

Pharrell expresses deep appreciation for his home state of Virginia, describing it as a pivotal influence on his artistic development. He reflects on a collective history that has “suffered but remains hopeful” about the future. “We have endured challenges, yet we are excited about our progress and the prospects that lie ahead. It’s the people who truly unlock our potential, and Virginia plays a fundamental role in that,” he stated. His acknowledgment extends to his ancestors, emphasizing that his origins in Virginia are integral to his identity and achievements. “Without the state of Virginia, there wouldn’t be this film. It has shaped me and my family for generations, and I’m deeply grateful for that; it inspires me to give back.”

Williams’ accolades in the music industry are noteworthy, with two Academy Award nominations to his name. His first nomination came in 2013 for Best Original Song with “Happy” from “Despicable Me 2,” followed by a second nomination in 2016 as a producer for “Hidden Figures” in the Best Picture category. Over the past 23 years, he has garnered an impressive 42 Grammy nominations, securing 13 wins. Notable among these are the prestigious Album of the Year for “Random Access Memories” with Daft Punk in 2013, Record of the Year for “Get Lucky” (also with Daft Punk and Nile Rodgers), and being named Producer of the Year, Non-Classical on three occasions—first as part of The Neptunes in 2003 and later as a solo producer in both 2013 and 2018.

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www.goldderby.com