Dude can sing.. i mean he ain't hot shit on the vocals, but he got omarion...


Pharrell: In My Mind
“More Than Just Beats” An Album Review By Nfared
Dr. Dre is one of the few producers out there that is actually an astute
lyricist. Jermaine Dupri has had a lot of success but is much better behind the
boards than behind the mic. Then there is Diddy who has claimed to produce
tracks that he only heard and approved, and has the lyrical acumen of a Doberman
Pincher. Pharrell, who has proven himself a beat master-mind, actually has a lot
more to prove with his long awaited solo debut in the booth, “In My Mind”.
Forget the sophomore album curse, there is something more to be said about the
failed producer turned rapper curse.

“Raspy Shit” is all about approach, or more so how people approach Pharrell,
as he begins, “Ma the way you huggin on me/is a problem/the fuck you tryin to
end up in a gossip column?” He intertwines his questioning of intentions with
assertive humor, “…spit that shit to me I would ask you have you showered”. He
pours out his heart on “Best Friend”. He is clever and thoughtful, starting out,
“My best friend say I’m bottled up I need a fuckin therapist/but I can’t think
of nobody I want to share this with.” He tugs at the heart without being overly
depressing (imagine a rapper doing that) as he speaks to loosing both parents
and meeting Chad. As the chorus drops, the beat switches, and he summarizes, “My
best friend told me/you be acting tough sometimes/but the weight of the world
can really crush one’s mind so let it out P.” The introspective and somewhat
encouraging “You Can Do It Too” is one of those “nothing is impossible” songs.
He is materialistic, but more in the
sense of personal amazement then of bragging as he remembers his past, “I was
in marching band/I was a skateboarder/Jesus made wine/I couldn’t make water.”
His philosophy on life is powerful, though stated with something of a twist;
“Life’s got a fat ass/trust me imma fuck full steam.” He is inclusive though
wanting to spread the message that success does not only belong to him as he
says “I did it/you can do it too.” Yes, he also sings as on the
on-the-beach-somewhere production of “That Girl”. Even the toughest of tough are
susceptible to cupid’s arrow as Pharrell, well, croons, “There’s something bout
this girl/from around my way/ever try to hold back your feelings/but I just
wouldn’t say…” Still on the singing note, he is very Prince like on “Angel”. His
falsetto is slightly funny yet hard to not take serious as he quips, “She got a
ass is like a loaf of bread/that you wanna slice…” Does R&B have a new King?
Maybe, maybe not, but the smoothness of “Take It Off” may
have a few male artist looking over their shoulder. If he is not a seasoned
singer, he plays the part, beginning as if he has written a classic love song
line, “We’ve just been laughin/chattin but nothing’s happened…” Perhaps his
album should not only be limited to the Rap section of the local music store.

Needle Meter Somewhere between his first beat and this album, Pharrell has
morphed into a talent conglomerate as he produces, raps, sings (and writes his
own lyrics for both- check the album credits) and brings the world of
skateboarding to the studio. Can’t forgot to mention that part about him being a
fashion icon (though he has denies it saying he just “wears what I like”. “In
My Mind” is an engaging, riveting mixture of everything that is Pharrell. His
talent is timeless and his vision is inspiring. Dr. Dre has met his match.
Five Needles! Classic Album!















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