Pharrell Williams Tells Naomi Campbell She Inspired Gwen Stefani's "Hollaback Girl"

BYErika Marie3.3K Views
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Naomi Campbell, Pharrell Williams, Gwen Stefani, Hollaback Girl
The Neptunes produced the single & Pharrell helped pen the lyrics, & he finally revealed to the supermodel how she inspired the hit.

Some of our favorite chart-topping hits were inspired by random occurrences in everyday life, and for the first time, Naomi Campbell learned that her snarky response during a conversation decades ago led to Gwen Stefani's "Hollaback Girl." The Platinum-selling 2004 single was included on Stefani's solo debut studio album Love. Angel. Music. Baby and boasted a The Neptunes production with Pharrell Williams also snagging a songwriting credit. In a recent virtual interview Naomi Campbell, the megaproducer surprised the supermodel with a story about how she inspired the international hit.

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"The other thing I wanna say, too, before I forget is Gwen and I have a song called 'Hollaback' and that chorus came from a conversation when you were like, telling somebody, you 'ain't no hollaback girl,'" recalled Pharrell recalled with a smile. "You were like, 'I'm sorry, I have a name. I'm not no hollaback girl.' And I thought that was so amazing and that ended up being the chorus to the song."

"I don't know who I was talking to," a surprised Naomi replied. "I guess they deserved it." You never know who may be listening to your conversation and making it into a Grammy contender. Check out the longtime friends' exchange below as well as the music video to Gwen Stefani's catchy "Hollaback Girl."


About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.
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