Pharrell Williams

In the highly imitable world of hip-hop, producer Pharrell Williams has cut a unique path, never content to run with the pack. Among the first to challenge the baggy-pants ideal of hip-hop attire, he champions the work of cutting-edge designers like Rei Kawakubo and Alber Elbaz and has made possible the once absurd notion of a tough young man toting an Hermès handbag.
Williams, who turns 39 on April 5, formed the production duo the Neptunes with childhood friend Chad Hugo, and from there established his distinctive sound. In 2009, Billboard named the Neptunes the top producers of the decade. Williams has become a behind-the-scenes mastermind, producing, writing and appearing on hits for rap royals like Jay-Z and Snoop Dogg and less expected acts, such as Britney Spears and garage band the Hives. He also performs with his own band, N.E.R.D.

He has moved into fashion himself, with his line Billionaire Boys Club (which has stores in New York City and Hong Kong), and has designed jewelry and eyeglasses for Louis Vuitton. He calls himself a "kidult," referencing his man-child tendencies, which might make sense for someone who rocketed to fame—and riches—in his early 20s.

But while Williams is increasingly seen as a businessman, creating new songs occupies the bulk of his time. Over the course of a 16-hour day in Los Angeles, he records four songs and also works on the score for the Oscars. (He was chosen by composer Hans Zimmer to help produce the show.) In the studio, Pharrell's concentration is unyielding. He throws out an easy freestyle rhyme and then sits down with a keyboard and laptop and slips into a trance. Layers are added, and a few errant beats turn into a full-bodied song with a sound likely to reign on the charts.