Tyler, The Creator Shares Pharrell's Advice That Made Him Take Music Seriously

BYErika Marie2.6K Views
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It was advice that Jimmy Iovine gave to Pharrell, and it made Tyler think, "Oh, f*ck!" He said, "I just wanted to change everything."

Jumping into the entertainment industry can be all fun and games, but Tyler, The Creator was set straight by Pharrell Williams. Those who have been tracking Tyler's career not only recall the impact that his music had on the industry but the carefree and often silly approach he took to his art. That still seems important to the rapper—having fun while drifting through the illusion the industry brings. However, he shared that it was Pharrell who offered up sage advice that helped Tyler shift his focus.

RapCaviar Presents is a new series slated for Hulu, and ahead of its March release, they've dropped off a teaser. In it, Tyler said, "I didn't have a father, I didn't have a big brother... So, as a kid, since 10, 11, Pharrell is who I looked at." Pharrell also appeared, revealing that the admiration turned into a friendship. "He would ask me advice on certain things," said the megaproducer.

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - MAY 13: (L-R) Rapper Big Sean, singer-songwriter Pharrell Williams and Tyler the Creator attend adidas Originals Pink Beach Pharrell Williams party on May 13, 2016 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for 42West)
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The two hitmakers were once in the studio, and Tyler recalled being told, “You got it, n*gga! You just don’t see it, n*gga! You got it, you got the sh*t.” Then, Pharrell shared advice that he once received from Jimmy Iovine. The music giant once asked Pharrell if he liked "house music." Williams thought Iovine was referring to the genre and said it has a "good tempo." Iovine corrected him and said, "No Pharrell, house music. Good music that could buy you a house.”

Pharrell later drove home the point to Tyler. “Make something undeniable and make it equally as infectious," Pharrell recalls telling him. "Why are you doing music? Is it because you just want to look cool? Because that will burn out. When it becomes purpose-oriented, it can be as cool as the flashy sh*t, but it will be much more meaningful.”

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It was advice that changed the course of Tyler's career. “Oh, f*ck," the rapper remembered thinking. "No more being silly. Music first. At that moment, we went home, and I just wanted to change everything. I just wanted to switch. And the switch f*cking happened.” Check out these two sharing the story above.

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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