Pharrell Williams (born April 5, 1973 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States), also known by his mononym Pharrell, is an American singer-songwriter, rapper, record producer, and fashion designer. Williams and Chad Hugo make up the record production duo the Neptunes, producing soul, hip hop and R&B music. He is also the lead vocalist and drummer of rock, funk, and hip hop band N*E*R*D, which he formed with Hugo and childhood friend Shay Haley.