Pharrell & Robin Thicke Star On Soundtrack for “Despicable Me”
Despicable Me Soundtrack Star Trak/Interscope Records
Movie goers know that this weekend marks the release of the first film from Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures, Despicable Me. While the film has an all star cast of Steve Carrell , Jason Segel, Julie Andrews and Miranda Cosgrove, in some ways the soundtrack and music to the film is just as much of an interesting story. The music to the film was composed by Heitor Pereira and Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes and N.E.R.D.. Heitor Pereira is known for his work playing with various famous musicians like Simply Red, Elton John, K.D. Lang, Rod Stewart, and Jack Johnson. Pharrell Williams is best known for his work co-writing and producing hit records as a member of The Neptunes with his production partner, Chad Hugo. The Neptunes are known for being the master minds behind songs like “Hot In Herre” by Nelly, “I’m A Slave 4 U” By Britney Spears and countless hits by the likes of Jay-Z, Ludacris and Mystikal in the early 2000s. The Neptunes are also credited in helping reshape Justin Timberlake’s sound and image as an R&B artist, as well as relaunching the career of Robin Thicke when he signed to their label Star Trak Entertainment.
This marks the second motion picture sound track t0 be released by Star Trak/Interscope Records following 2009’s Fast and Furious soundtrack, that was also distributed by Universal Pictures, part of Star Trak’s parent company, NBC Universal. Pharrell has stated in interviews, that his unique level of participation with Despicable me was inspired from watching the 2006 animated feature Curious George. Thanks to music loving movie execs like Kathy Nelson then of Universal Pictures, the Classic children’s character was backed musically by the distinct laid back and playful stylings of singer songwritter, Jack Johnson when brought to the big screen. Watching the film, Pharrell relished at the creative freedom that Jack had and reached out eagerly to do something similar with what tunred out to be Despicable me. “I was so envious of Jack Johnson for getting that project.” Pharrell told blacktree.com.
“I thought it was so cool. I was like, man, he did such an amazing Job. I was like man, if I were to be given the opportunity man, I would really, you know, I would really, bust my butt to just make the best stuff.”
That enthusiasm earned him a meeting with Illumination studios, where he was granted the executive rights on the film’s soundtrack, and from that point on, “bust his butt,” is exactly what he did. Excluding already established hits featured in the film, “Boogie Fever” by The Sylvers, and “You Should be Dancing” by the Bee Gees that consequently made the track list, Pharrell had a hand in writing and producing every single original song. He teamed up with the likes of Hans Zimer of famous movie scores like The Lion King, and nail the Curious George finger print from partner Heitor Pereira, who was one of its principle producers.
Bringing something uniquely his own, Pharell appeared a performer on 5 of the album’s 11 total tracks. He also consciously spotlighted Star Trak Entertainment recording star and Clizbeats Featured Artist, Robin Thicke, who is featured in the film with his song “My Life”, an upbeat R&B tune written by Thicke and Williams. Check out some soundtrack samples, as well as Pharrell and Robin at work in the Studio creating “My Life.” in the viral video below.
Pharrell Williams
“Despicable Me Theme”
Star Trak/Interscope Records
Pharrell William’s & Robin Thicke
Producing “My Life” For Despicable Me
Star Trak/Interscope Records