Here is an extremely incomplete list of songs that were written, produced and/or performed by Pharrell Williams: “Alright” (Kendrick Lamar), “Hot in Herre” (Nelly), “Blurred Lines” (Robin Thicke), “Hollaback Girl” (Gwen Stefani), “Get Lucky” (Daft Punk), “Milkshake” (Kelis), “Shake Ya A–” (Mystikal), “Rock Your Body” (Justin Timberlake), “I’m a Slave 4 U” (Britney Spears), and “Happy” (Pharrell Williams).
Until I watched Piece by Piece (aka, the Pharrell documentary that’s animated entirely as LEGO), I was unaware of just how influential the Virginia-born artist really was. We all know “Happy,” of course, and most of us are probably aware that Pharrell was in the hip-hop group N.E.R.D. and produced a few hit songs. However, Piece by Piece makes a convincing case that he might just be the most influential musician of modern times. It’s also, even more surprisingly, a great documentary that uses its unique LEGO-focused format to push the entire genre in a smart new direction. This makes it a worthwhile watch for any documentary fans (even if they’re not into hip-hop).
