Words by Natalie Weiner—
It’s not like Pharrell really needs any extra heat right now — he’s had production credits on many of the most notable albums in the past year, adding to his already abundant collection of statues and plaques.
And yet, he’s kicking off 2014 by collaborating on a fiery hip-hop/EDM/dancehall jam with none other than Major Lazer — not producing, not singing, but rapping. Well, perhaps, a little producing too. The song sounds like Major Lazer channeling a classic Neptunes sound — sparse and drum-driven, but with some extra dancehall flavor. Pharrell even tests out his patois and Jamaican accent, channeling Eek-A-Mouse and shouting out Black Chiney.
No stranger to Caribbean music, Williams (as a part of the Neptunes) has produced artists like Beenie Man and Super Cat while also bringing reggae/dancehall inspired sounds into his mainstream pop projects — check out some of our favorite examples here.
This track is just one off of Major Lazer’s upcoming Apocalype Soon EP, which will also feature collaborations with Sean Paul and Machel Montano. Look for the full release on Feb. 25.