Pharrell Signs to Columbia, Announces Solo Album
As everyone has been talking 'best of the year' as 2013 comes to a close, it's safe to say few people in music had as much of an impact from January to December than the genius himself, Pharrell Williams. Today, the producer interestingly announced his signing with Columbia Records, along with plans for a solo album, which according to Complex will include the song "Happy", for which Pharrell put together a 24-hour music video for. For now, a release date is simply sometime in 2014.
It's odd that at this point in his career Pharrell would make a move like this. For one, artists with drastically less resources and money are skirting record labels and finding great success (see: Chance The Rapper). The other side of things is the fact that we've never heard a solo album from the former N.E.R.D. frontman. Hooks, sure. Playing a show at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago a couple of months ago while on tour with Waka Flocka Flame, Borgore and Steve Aoki, Pharrell simply walked about the stage first singing Frontin', a song that was my Virgin Mobile ringtone back in eighth grade before launching into a series of hooks that he sang between the recorded verses he book-ended. Perhaps it was this experience of realizing he forgot to save some beats for himself that prompted the move. Whatever the case, this just became one of the most anticipated releases heading into the new year.
Grimes Signs to Roc Nation
Canadian electro-pop sensation Grimes announced today that she has signed with Jay-Z's Roc Nation imprint. It's becoming the chic thing to do lately, as Grimes joins a roster that already boasts M.I.A., Santigold, and HAIM, alongside his stable of superstar producers and athletes which include Robinson Cano who signed a 10-year, $240 million contract with the Seattle Mariners last week at Jay's behest.
Few artists have been as prepared for a second act as the man who brought us "Encore". Already wealthy and powerful beyond his wildest dreams growing up in the Marcy Projects of Brookyln, Jay-Z is establishing himself as much more than just a businessman, entertainer or talent scout-he's all of that and more. While his rapping has certainly gotten less poignant since his "retirement" with The Black Album. Beyonce proved earlier this month that they are easily the most powerful couple in music today, if Jay keeps signing up all the talent he may not relinquish that throne soon.