Pharrell Williams

Formed the production duo the Neptunes with Chad Hugo after they met as junior-high students in band camp; teamed with Hugo and childhood friend Shae Thornton to form the alternative rock trio N.E.R.D. Fired from three different McDonald's restaurants as a teen. The owner of his own skateboarding team, Williams was nicknamed Skateboard P in high school. Wrote pop producer Teddy Riley's rap verse for Wreckx-n-Effect's 1992 double-platinum single "Rump Shaker." Hired by Sean "Diddy" Combs to produce songs for Total and Mase. Founded the apparel lines Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream. Partnered with Louis Vuitton on sunglasses and jewelry. Has collaborated as a producer, songwriter and vocalist with an elite list of artists, including Britney Spears, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Gwen Stefani, Nelly, Justin Timberlake, Daft Punk, Jay-Z, Adam Levine and Robin Thicke. Established the charity organization From One Hand to Another in 2008, which helps kids ages 7 to 20 meet their potential through music, technology, art and motivation.