The October/November Complex features a revealing interview with Pharrell Williams. There are two standouts in the six page spread. One, Donnie Kwak's questions are probing and veer toward Pharrell's well-known interests in technology, fashion and the south. Two, Melodie McDaniel's black and white layout is brilliant, especially the top photo taken on a balcony of the Chelsea Hotel.
What we appreciate the most about Pharrell is his easy going manner. In the q&a, Pharrell is totally at ease while previewing In My Mind, his solo debut. The man behind The Neptunes and N*E*R*D hopes that some units will move, but says that he won't even try to compete with the mega-selling superstars for one simple reason: He's not a hunk.
Justin delivers records like that incredibly, and Usher does records like that incredibly. 'Cause the whole sex symbol shit goes with it. I ain't that. I don't see myself as that, like a sex symbol. That's not my character. I pretend that I'm sexy. It's all in my mind. That's why it's perfect for my album title.
Aww. Pharrell is a lil sexy one, right? But he makes a great point, and it's comforting to hear a premiere hip-hop artist speak candidly about their strengths and weaknesses. Pharrell was also asked about endorsement deals and his reluctance to jump on the easy-money bandwagon. And this is what we love about Pharrell: he says that he would do major endorsements only if it were over-the-top, and coins a phrase from the art world to express his vision.
If I felt I could Warhol the situation. Warhol is Warhol and you know it and you love it. If I could Warhol it, it's different.
That's hot, right? And for the whining anti-Warholians, be quiet; the phrase has a better ring than say, "Lichtenstein the situation."
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I've always been partial to Chad.
Posted by: nOva | 19 October 2005 at 15:15
I know a lot of women and men who think Pharrell *is* a sex symbol. Attractive, intelligent, artistic...what's not to love?
Posted by: ReggieH | 19 October 2005 at 20:56
LOL @ "Lichtenstein the situation."
Pharrell got my vote a long time ago. But I'm feeling the phrase, and the mind-set.
Warhol it, damnit!
Posted by: taylor Siluwé | 07 November 2005 at 07:58
I always thought he was sexy, he's not pretty he's just damn sexy, he can do me anytime
Posted by: mmm danone | 06 February 2006 at 14:19
he's voice is sexy his skin is sexy his tattos are sexy his lips put me crazy.. I would definitely marrie him !
Posted by: Simone | 16 September 2006 at 17:08