Pharrell Williams on growing up in Virginia Beach

The hugely-successful music producer-singer-songwriter looks back at his youth, his schools and his neighborhoods, and how he grew up seeing life "in a colorless way."

[@KelzBernard]

It's crazy to hear him mention places like Mount Trashmore when it's literally right next door to me. Lol I'm new to VA Beach, and it's cool that a lot of celebs are from here.

[@BoredVAChick]

I love Mt. Trashmore! The dog poop on the jogging path, not so much, lol.

[@789Moonlight]

Them Pokemon Go stops though

[@iamladylegasus9083]

I'm new to VA Beach too! Go to Mt Trashmore a lot, never had to deal with dog poop on the path though lol

[@JeniferCornell]

KELZUS1 its duck/geese poop

[@GoatOng]

Kelsey Bernard my dad made ms elliots house

[@revan3836]

that's exactly how us beach boys came up mad diverse

[@marxoflife9001]

TRIPPLE M I.C.U yes sur

[@Toni-id2pv]

The 757! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@mattsheezy5469]

Southeastern VA is a wonderful place to grow up, with the ocean on one side, the mountains on the other, plus Busch Gardens & a bunch of other crap. I love it here.

[@jawuanhart8540]

You triggered my nostalgia card. 757 🔥🔥🔥

[@geobean4092]

Mr. Williams deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. He has provided an opportunity for all the world to be free and happy if only for a few minutes. Our world needs this; thank you Pharrell!

[@Bishop0313]

Still remember our crazy conversations at lunch and after music appreciation class at PA. So glad you do your thing and haven't changed much.

[@queensenyahyisrael9931]

I GREW UP WITH HIM WHEN HE WAS COMING OUT TO ALANTIS APARTMENTS MY MUM KNOWS THE FAMILY REAL GOOD PHARRELLI KNOW YOUR GRANDMA PROUD OF YOU MAY SHE REST IN HEAVEN MY MUM WITH HER

[@joshdosesomthing6678]

Hampton roads for life my dudes. I live in Chesapeake it's fun here.

[@reagansecrist902]

JOSH DOSE SOMTHING so do I born and raised here

[@Robert-xz3bd]

Same

[@Toni-id2pv]

I love him ..I'm from NY lived in Newport news for 5 years early 2000s now I'm moving back to Live in Virginia beach.. The Seven cities 757 Majority Military So it very versatile!!💕💕🔥🔥🔥

[@heru-tehutire1329]

Awesome!...I experienced the same also in my 17 years living in Hampton Roads (1976-1993)...I lived in Hampton and went to school in Newport News, later in Williamsburg...I lived in Williamsburg from 1981 to 1993...I remember the rap and hip-hop scene back then...

[@JeffChurch_Daddy]

757..Grew up in Newport News ( the peninsula ) and it was color blind EXACTLY the way he described it. Proud to have grown up in Tidewater ( VA Beach , Norfolk, Newport News, Hampton, ... )

[@tialindsay3541]

VA’s own. So proud of Pharrell. #2up2down

[@christinec.2372]

I would drive past the old Windmark Studios behind Independence blvd, I would see Chad Hugo & Pharell ride bmx bikes and skateboards. Way back in the day, when No Doubt was in the studio with them. I met Pharell in a restaurant after hearing him ask the waitress "do you want to be in my video"? she said No. Nice guy, very kind. an honor to meet him. SweetPea The Boxer, I met and Teddy Rileys' family in Church Point. I delivered pizza as a young kid. lots of talent in Va back in the day.

[@MrJoeybabe25]

Cool! We lived across the interstate from Mount Trashmore in Thalia Garden Apartments. I could see Mount Trashmore from our balcony. I went to Princess Anne High School. Where did Pharrell go to school. Hello to anyone who was around there!

[@ennui_cherub]

"they came to mt trashmore" EYYYY

[@Shayesbel87]

YESSSSS

[@shittylee1]

kempsville, va beach stand up

[@joshdosesomthing6678]

Z-Dub I live in chesasepeak but I go to Virginia beach alot.

[@freedamerican5243]

Z-Dub representing!!!!!

[@Zyxw-xg1tk]

I live in Virginia beach

[@juliaabbott297]

Virginia Beach is still the same as he describes it. VA born and raised

[@marygrace2981]

RIGHT HEREEEW

[@corycooper5387]

Sk8ers were everywhere in Va Beach in the day.

[@spaqheeti]

him and breezy put on for VA. Richmond stand up!!!

[@bloodywest2404]

dem nickas don't put on for va dey put on for dey self

[@spaqheeti]

+Bloody West cb do put on for VA Hell u talkin bout

[@slimeliferay]

@@bloodywest2404 On bro They put on for they self Yayo bout to put up for the city

[@allisongirl100]

I really love Pharrell and especially the outlook he has on life. I too see colorless and look at the presentation of how a person presents himself/herself. If we could group all humans into one who feels like Pharrell does, it would be a wonderful world to live in. I commend you Pharrell.

[@BR-ex9xp]

This man has been at it for years! I remember the Neptunes were huge and that was so long ago and he’s still relevant.

[@RadioactiveVomit]

My neighbor was a good friend of him. I wonder if he remembers her name. Virginia Beach Pride!

[@RickAmesdaGod]

I grew up in VB. Went to high school at Kempsville and Green Run in the early 2000s. This summarizes the experience perfectly.

[@kaidenscanlon8068]

doing us proud!!! im to excited watching this video

[@williecopelandjr9584]

Wasnt born here. But grew up here . Cant let this place go. Made me who i am, gave me street knowledge. #beachbum #757pride

[@consmath1400]

Theres nothing street about Va.Beach...try Norfolk

[@hammydammy123]

CONS MATH yeah. I live really really close to Norfolk but va beach is really nice. Its great in the summer

[@aidanfava8448]

@@consmath1400 uhh he grew up in VA beach his mom taught at my school

[@boujiness8948]

Same

[@reggienixon9440]

Va beach all day this is my home lived here all my life.....god I am soooo bored...... lol

[@brandonmurpgt648]

Cool story bro

[@asgharakram]

Moving from the small town of Deltaville,Va to Portsmouth, Va after high school So much was going on in Va beach

[@Midwayfan356]

Went to Salem High School from 2008-2012, but live near Princess Anne High School as a kid.

[@katherineharrington3200]

Midwayfan356 kellam in the 80's

[@vistel6695]

i live 2 minutes away from salem high

[@minns5515]

Big shout out from Salisbury MD

[@blackdragon176]

pharrel stay strong brother. I'm just now getting into you. you're all good.

[@GeorgeWashingtonX]

What Pharrell is saying about guys growing up in '80s-90s Windsor Woods, Thalia, Malibu, etc is true, there was a big skating culture centered around nearby Trashmore.. it's also true there really wasn't racial tension in that era @ PA. But there was a lot of cultural separation between Black kids who were listening to stuff like Public Enemy contrasted with White skaters who were listening to the Misfits, punk & metal etc. I believe him when he remembers his circle of friends appreciating cultural crossover, but that would've been an exception at that time/place. Williams is kind of retrofitting the culture of late 80s-early 90s VB with a 21st century desire. /peace

[@WriterandPhotographer]

I don't agree.........I lived there at the time and had half white clients and half black clients. I remember everyone getting along just fine. I think that maybe because the military is so integrated that the natural acceptance in the military spilled over into the larger culture at the beach at the time. I think what might have introduced some tension was the Freaknick or Greekfest crowds. I remember two or three of those guys walking over the hood of my car when I was stuck in traffic on Pacific. Crowd surrounded my car. Made me move.

[@petebowling1668]

Local man made good we love you.

[@liimajors4976]

Shoop Park right here - Norfolk V.A !!!!

[@tiffanyharrell757]

Lii Majors Roberts park and Grandy park right here

[@r6s_god50]

Used to be Roland park

[@Lavender_Cordle]

Pharrell/Timbaland/Missy E: the 757 trio 💚

[@dawncrawford-peebles757]

Born and raised in VA BEACH! ❤️

[@krystinsjourneytohell2684]

hometown ♡

[@LMiraculous]

Norfolk over here lol

[@clarkkent3730]

no way! i used to live there years ago and i used to go to mount trashmore skate park in virgina beach and skate with tony hawk and christian hosoi and steve caballero....back in the 80s when i was a kid....how cool...

[@TheDigit23]

I'm moving to Virginia from South Africa

[@dnap2526]

well I live here so lets meetup...did you move yet

[@erinvlogs5457]

Tilla Coetzee my mom is from Durban South Africa

[@WriterandPhotographer]

I completely agree with Pharrell....there was far less racial tension back in the day. I had the same experience that he is talking about. Also, I seem to remember that his mom, Dr. Williams, was a client of mine at the beach back in the day. Probably also walked right past Pharrell many times at Mt. Trashmore never realizing he would be a big star some day.

[@pringlesgirl102572]

Back then Gus Parker a mixed guy that went to Ferguson High school was 1 of the best skaters around here. Loved to watch him.

[@qwammienewsome1357]

FHS c/o '90 here!!

[@Artbyhurricanyounot]

My English teacher hung out with him like twice while in high school (and has a picture). It was impressive.

[@queensenyahyisrael9931]

HE WAS IN PRINCESSANN HIGH AND GRADUATE THERE AS WELL

[@chrissyboo2000]

ayee va represent

[@Universalpest]

We love our local stars!!

[@RealBradMiller]

I miss all the Haunted Houses, and the old Beatles museum. I got to go in their first ever tour van, and hang out in the replica 1960's room. Ahh. Memories.

[@smartiesniffer1433]

He used to go to my school when he was a kid oop. His old classmates are my teachers and he visited last June and I saw the top of his hat in the hallway and started freaking out

[@gerrimiller6607]

Pharrell has a beautiful soul

[@Twysthor]

It shows on the outside

[@Prodby_duke]

Was just at va beach for the 1st time yesterday. Probably a lot different now then it was back when Pharrell used to be there

[@blusheep2]

Not all that different. A little more run down then back then. The trees are bigger. :) I grew up there during the time Pharrell and his partner Chad were just making a name for themselves. Went to school with Chad and hung out with him occasionally. Didn't know Pharrell. When I go home it doesn't seem like it has grown much. Still the same city with the same things to offer.

[@dougsmith7908]

Good guy he bought a house off Inlet Rd when he hit it big . Back in the day ,Great Neck point on the the Lynhaven inlet....with a indoor skateboard ramp. Lol bought a skateboard from my ex roommate .

[@lynchstan9745]

Kempsville!

[@shaunjones6343]

You were a cool person,Our High School was awesome! Good ole Mt. TRASHMORE❤

[@_dreamscape]

Love this representation. I grew up on Pharrell and missy elliott’s music as a local

[@emotionalglooms]

indeed and clipse

[@_dreamscape]

can’t forget blackstreet either now

[@emotionalglooms]

@@_dreamscape and timbaland and magoo and lil tracy gbc

[@emotionalglooms]

@@_dreamscape you got ig?

[@pringlesgirl102572]

If "Happy" Doesn't make you move... you don't have a pulse. I was born in 72 in downtown Newport News, been here all my life. I wouldn't change growing up here for anything. I agree on everything you said about the melting pot, and the I believe it was possible because of all the military around us. It made a special blend. We were HAPPY, good times and yes Music was king Mtv.

[@qwammienewsome1357]

I lived on Shell Rd til '79, then moved to 16th St (Stuart Gardens) til '87. In the Hampton Rds area, we heard all kinds of music which could be heard on one station for the most part back in the 70's to mid to late 80's, especially.

[@ryanspringer8768]

Live in Sandbridge, it’s home

[@CraftyShawn]

Classic

[@indothenarga7011]

my mom went to highschool with him. he dated one of he best friends. the used to sneak behind the 7-11 to meet him! she said he was always making beats. she said after lunch he would beat on the window seal.

[@brandonmurpgt648]

Semantics

[@sanzhane]

oh wow that’s cool, he and my mom were friends too! there’s pictures!

[@scb0421]

Sill

[@lanas935]

my dad went to highschool with him too, lol

[@loganweisman5558]

AYYE KEMPSVILLE REP FOR LIFE

[@MAURICEBURWELL]

I remember him in high school back in 1990 he was a cool dude those was some good times and some sad times back at Princess Anne High School i always wondered how's everyone is doing this photo my profile is my class photo at Princess Anne High school 1990 if everyone is on here back then reply

[@marygrace2981]

BRUH I WAS JUST AT MOUNT TRASHMORE SKSSKSKSK

[@the_glitter_is]

Him wearing a tux with shorts is the most vb thing a vb person has ever done.

[@gmoney4561000]

ive lived in chicks beach my whole life...this is my city

[@JustinSTeam2]

cool

[@GoatOng]

Bro I go to mount trashmore too

[@gwendolynlisboafernandes8634]

VB PAHS Cavaliers ❤️ class of 2013!!

[@katherineharrington3200]

Gwendolyn Lisboa Fernandes kellam knights

[@shanaleah6757]

That har is a icon

[@GVonzo]

I gotta uncle in VA in the NAVY.

[@brandonmurpgt648]

Cool story bro

[@throwitup111]

My cuzzin

[@anotherasian3514]

My friend lived next to him.

[@lilmikeforever18]

#VA

[@philu5008]

I live right next to his fucking bigass house.

[@otisfloyd1404]

Pharrell seem like a cool dude

[@kelseylynn9]

he went to school with my dad

[@dragonspiralgaming4451]

And mine

[@brandonmurpgt648]

I wish he went to my dads school but I don't have a dad I have two moms :(

[@aprilcherry3542]

Kelsey Ewell OMG lucky! I'm like two or three hours away from VA beach. I remember someone saying that she has been across the street from where he used to live or something like that

[@woabeatz9717]

Brandon Murpgt -nice joke...

[@vordt4139]

Went to High School with his brother Psolomon Williams.

[@sarahandtiana6206]

My uncle went to school with him

[@hammydammy123]

True story, I go to the same middle school that Ferrell went to.

[@aaronf1541]

PA squad

[@Skibbidyboobop]

Straight love. I want this mentality to pervade everyone. Myself included.

[@jaredfirst1489]

my aunt went to school with him😆

[@Blaznguy36]

Damn..I did the same...

[@mjbinthecommunity6217]

Listen, Pharrell is straight speaking another language to this guy. Rakim, EPMD lol

[@boujiness8948]

My 5th grade teacher knew him lol

[@RadioactiveVomit]

He was a skater?

[@okyouknowwhatever]

What a crime. I bet he rode bicycles too. :|

[@MerkhVision]

Till this day some people still call him "Skateboard P", Ive heard numerous shoutouts to him on various songs for years before I realized who they was talkin bout lol

[@chrisphares4092]

he was a skater for like a day or so, fell off, quit, he and chad hugo used to hang out frequently with music, introverts, but good to see he prospered

[@hoytarchery5302]

Love mount trash more skated there a lot, yeah I live in that part of Virginia and yeah we are in the south but like he said there are more people that have melting pot vibes then there are racist bigots in Virginia.

[@simonphoenix2307]

Comments section: shouting out VA

[@cayden114]

hey i live there, mt trashmore is so great

[@HainyRioscorpion]

My Realy Naam is VIRGINIA! !!

[@mikestein1024]

Grew up there went to rosemont middle his parents must had money

[@_tsl]

My cousin uncle is his cousin lol

[@mimiharvill1577]

Funny, I didn't know he was so grown-up!

[@lindseywest1974]

Princess Anne fam going up

[@americanskeptic1559]

757

[@ParmaJohnIV]

#VAbeach

[@thanos2271]

Bruh the highschool he went to is so nice and soft, I went to the school next to his and it mine ghetto asf

[@cudfamily6700]

Did his high school have an entrance exam? Or was it normal just enroll?

[@Gabriel-Reyes]

Who’s here after the shooting?

[@inthenow8077]

I have a friend named Oreo . He black but like Pharrell said white on the inside lol

[@Mardocius]

Shame he's talking about VB 20-25 years ago, when it was smaller, cooler and much more culturally tolerant. Just like most of the rest of the US, it has become less so in recent years.

[@mikesanchez7460]

i never knew he grew up here

[@khalidmostafa2055]

Mike Sanchez FLCL XD

[@jamesnicholson5179]

Percy Harvin went to Green Run High School...My Mom and Dad said he was a a$$hole... and my Mom said when she brought me to lunch he held me as a baby...

[@darkmeatrises]

Plaxico Burress

[@artsncrafts4662]

Can I get likes because I'm a Virginian and guess what, my mom went to high school with him, she knew Pharrell Williams.

[@stalkingkills5790]

child protection news in Virginia Beach @

[@johnfranco7784]

What's up with his goofy hat

[@jhayrcoching6831]

dont disrespect the sorting hat like that

[@reynaa3205]

i hate that hat sm

[@marks7654]

...acting just like a typical Virginia Beach residence....sounds like he is trying to put a positive spin on his actions, but it was all negative in reality.

[@xavierwilliams2228]

va beach boys lame...norfolk shark city stand up

[@amharawilliams2429]

VA beach, Norfolk, Suffolk, Newport News, Williamsburg, Portsmouth, Chesapeake...its all trash