Monarchs and generals might be honoured with lofty statues and plaques – but as a celebration of era-defining innovation, and a phenomenal impact on popular culture, it feels fitting that Pharrell Williams is being immortalised in Lego form, in the unique new cinematic experience, Piece By Piece…

Like the iconic bricks, Pharrell’s work is forever proving that playfulness and profound inspiration often come hand-in-hand. From his early days in Virginia Beach, his groundbreaking musical talent was undeniable – first forming a hip-hop group with his cousin Timbaland, before finding success as one half of the highly influential production and songwriting duo The Neptunes, alongside Chad Hugo, in the ‘90s and ‘00s.

Redefining the hip-hop, R&B and pop worlds forever, the multi-Grammy-Award-winning pair worked with the likes of Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Britney Spears, Kelis, Snoop Dogg and Gwen Stefani – and debuted at No.1 on the Billboard 200 chart with their own 2003 compilation album, Clones. In 2020, the duo were honoured for their major contribution to popular music with a prestigious spot in the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

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Of course, their genre-blending approach didn’t stop with The Neptunes. Pharrell and Chad balanced their work as super-producers with their dazzlingly eclectic side project N.E.R.D., which also featured their high school friend Shay Haley. 2008’s Seeing Sounds – the third of N.E.R.D’s five albums – took its title from Pharrell’s experiences with synesthesia, a condition that has proven central to his creative process. Where someone else would simply hear music, for him, the sound is translated into vivid colours – opening up a vibrant alternative world.

That unique perspective has continued to guide this proud pigeonhole-defier as a producer, songwriter, rapper and singer in more recent years – having garnered 13 Grammy Awards and 10 billion combined streams over the course of a remarkable career.

His music has also carried naturally into the film world. Pharrell received an Academy Award nomination for his original song ‘Happy’, which featured in Despicable Me 2 (2013), as well as a nod for Best Picture, for his work as a producer of Hidden Figures (2016).

Last year, it was announced that Pharrell  – who'd previously made his mark on the fashion world through his streetwear brand Billionaire Boys Club – would be joining Louis Vuitton as its latest Men's Creative Director, further broadening his creative universe, and cementing his status as a global icon.

Ready to dive into this inspiring journey yourself? Witness the evolution of one of modern music's most innovative forces in this entirely new form of biopic, Piece By Piece...

Piece By Piece is in Irish cinemas from November 8. Watch the trailer below: