The animated film Piece By Piece traces Pharrell Williams' early life as a boy growing up in Virginia Beach and follows his trajectory to a Grammy-winning songwriter, performer and producer. He spoke with Tonya Mosley about his synesthesia, the song Prince rejected, and disliking his own voice. Subscribe to Fresh Air's weekly newsletter and get highlights from the show, gems from the archive, and staff recommendations.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
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Yes, Lego. That's a scene from Piece by Piece, a new biopic about the life of music producer and multi-hyphenate artist Pharrell.
But to call it a biopic almost feels too simple. Like so much of Pharrell's music, the film is a mix of genres. It's a musical, it's a documentary, and it's a Lego animation all in one. It pieces together Pharrell's life growing up in Virginia Beach and the lows and highs of his ascension within the music and fashion industry. And did I mention the music?
The film gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the making of some of Pharrell's top hits that he's produced both for himself and a long list of performers. You can take a break.
So hot in here So hot in here I'm a hustler baby. I just want you to know. You don't have to admit you. Don't play. This is me. Just let me block you. To the break of day. This is me. All's my life I has to fight. All's my life I. Hard times like y'all. Bad like y'all. Nazareth, I'm f***ed up. Homie, you f***ed up. But if God got us, then we gonna be all right. We gonna be all right.
We gonna be all right. We gonna be all right. Do you hear me? Do you feel me? We gonna be all right.
Academy Award-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville directed Piece by Piece with interviews from music industry heavy hitters like Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, Gwen Stefani, Justin Timberlake, Kendrick Lamar, and his partner from the Neptunes, Chad Hugo. There's even a cameo of the late astronomer Carl Sagan. And everyone, of course, is a Lego. Pharrell Williams, welcome to Fresh Air.
Thank you. Your voice is amazing.
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