December 05, 2012
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Tyler, The Creator credits Pharrell with changing the trajectory of his career, and he details the moment in the forthcoming Hulu docuseries, Rap Caviar Presents.
Set to premiere on March 30, Rap Caviar provided a preview of the new series in an Instagram post on Tuesday (February 7). Described as being “inspired by the playlist that tackles some of today’s most provocative issues through stories of the Hip Hop visionaries influencing our culture,” the clip features both Tyler and Pharrell recalling the career-defining connection.
“I didn’t have a father. I didn’t have a big brother. I didn’t have a big cousin,” Tyler began. “So as a kid since 10/11, Pharrell is who I looked at.”
“So through that we just developed like, a friendship where he would ask me advice on certain things,” Pharrell added. “And Tyler was talking about where he was and feeling low. He wants that respect.”
“So it’s this European tour we’re doing,” Tyler continued. “Pharrell’s there. He goes to the next city, I go to the next city. We go to the studio and I’m in there and he’s like looking up to me like, ‘You got it n-gga! You just don’t see it. N-gga you got it! You got the shit! You know what Jimmy Iovine told me?'”
“I said, ‘No, I don’t know what Jimmy Iovine told you, Pharrell.’ [Pharrell told me that Jimmy Iovine said], ‘Pharrell, do you like house music?’ And he said, ‘Yeah like it’s got a good genre, good tempo.’ He’s like, ‘No Pharrell. House music. Good music that could buy you a house.'”
Pharrell then followed it up with advice that would change Tyler’s life.
“Make something undeniable and make it equally as infectious,” the legendary producer told him. “Why are you doing music? Is it just because you just want to look cool? ‘Cause that will burn out. When it becomes purpose-oriented, it can be as cool as the flashy shit but it will be much more meaningful.”
With that advice, Tyler went back home and followed it through.
“Oh fuck,” Tyler said of his thoughts after Pharrell’s words. “Okay no more being silly. Music first. And at that moment, we went home. I just wanted to change everything. I just wanted to switch. And the switch fucking happened.”
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