PHARRELL WILLIAMS
Dollar Status - $155 million (R1. 1 billion)
Portfolio – Star Trak Records, Ice Cream, Billionaire’s Boys Club, Catalogue of platinum beats
By Kopano Marumo
While many on this rich list have made their wealth by sticking within the boundaries of what is considered the norm in hip hop, the hotter and sexier half of the Neptunes has been able to capitalise on not being a typical black boy.
Songwriter and drummer Pharrell can sing and rap and skateboard and make beats that captivate the entire globe (Usher, Nelly, Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dogg, Kelis, Mase, Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani, Nelly, Jay-Z can testify to this).
The Grammy award-winner producer, who is known for charging $300, 000 (R2.1 million) per beat, is part of the eclectic N.E.R.D (Nobody Ever Really Dies) and co-founder of the Star Trak recording label, which is home to Kelis, The Clipse and Famlay.
A deal with Reebok three years ago landed him the popular and colourful footwear range, Ice Cream. His close friendship with Nigo, the founder of the hugely popular BAPE clothing label, also proved vital as the enigmatic Japanese designer was able to sign on as Creative Director and co-owner of Pharrell’s burgeoning label Billionaire’s Boys Club.
Pharrell is looking to add his creative imagination to the world of film. He is behind the catchy MacDonald’s “I’m Lovin It” jingle. He launched a street skate boarding team called, "Ice Cream Skate Team" and he cruises the streets in a $1 million dollar Enzo Ferrari and a convertible Rolls Royce.
Forbes magazine recently reported that Pharrell made $17 million (R119 million) in personal earning in 2006 alone.
Being nerdy does pay off after all!
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