Pharrell Williams Sued by Neptunes’ Partner Chad Hugo

Chad Hugo is suing Pharrell Williams, his former production partner in the Neptunes, claiming that Williams owes him $1 million in unpaid royalties. The lawsuit focuses on earnings from their final album as NERD, titled "No One Ever Really Dies," which was released in 2017. This legal action highlights ongoing tensions between the two producers, who were instrumental in shaping the sound of pop music during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The Neptunes, consisting of Hugo and Williams, are known for their significant contributions to the music industry, producing hits for a variety of prominent artists, including Kelis, Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Clipse, and Justin Timberlake. They released five albums as NERD, with "No One Ever Really Dies" being their last. The lawsuit suggests that financial disagreements have arisen regarding the distribution of royalties from this album. In a previous legal matter, Hugo claimed that Williams attempted to gain sole control of the Neptunes name, indicating a history of conflict between the two. The current lawsuit adds another layer to their complicated partnership, as Hugo seeks to recover the alleged unpaid royalties from their collaborative work. The outcome of this legal battle remains to be seen, as both parties navigate their professional relationship and financial disputes. This dispute underscores the complexities of their partnership, which has defined a significant era in pop music. The Neptunes have been credited with shaping the sound of the genre, and their ongoing legal issues may impact their legacy and future collaborations.