Hip Hop/ Rap
Pharrell Williams Sued by Chad Hugo Over Alleged Lost N.E.R.D. Earnings
According to Williams, the lawsuit is “premature,” and there may ultimately be no dispute at all. If the review determines that money is owed, Williams’ team says payment will be made, emphasizing that the artist has acted in good faith and respects Hugo’s role in their shared legacy.
Pharrell Williams is facing fresh legal trouble after being sued by his longtime collaborator and Neptunes partner Chad Hugo, who claims the global superstar owes him up to $1 million in unpaid earnings linked to their final N.E.R.D. album. The lawsuit has reignited scrutiny over one of pop music’s most influential partnerships and the business disputes that allegedly simmered beneath decades of hitmaking.
A Legendary Partnership Under Legal Fire
Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, childhood friends from Virginia, formed The Neptunes in the 1990s and went on to define the sound of an era. Together, they produced chart-topping hits for artists such as Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Kelis, Clipse and Snoop Dogg. Beyond production, the duo also co-founded N.E.R.D., releasing five albums that blended hip-hop, rock and funk.
According to the newly filed lawsuit, Chad Hugo alleges that Williams withheld royalties and revenue shares from music sales, touring income and merchandising tied to N.E.R.D.’s 2017 album No One Ever Really Dies. His legal team estimates the unpaid earnings could exceed $750,000 and potentially reach $1 million.
Claims of Withheld Royalties and Missing Records
Chad Hugo’s lawyers accuse Pharrell Williams of breaching their operating agreement by failing to provide transparent financial records. The lawsuit alleges repeated requests for royalty statements, books and accounting documents were ignored or met with incomplete disclosures, preventing Chad Hugo from understanding what he was owed.
The complaint further claims Pharrell Williams engaged in “self-dealing” and a “systematic denial” of Hugo’s rights as a partner, allegations serious enough to warrant punitive damages if proven in court.
Pharrell’s Response: “Premature” Lawsuit
A representative for Williams has pushed back strongly against the claims, stating that a standard accounting review is already underway. According to the statement, the lawsuit is “premature,” and there may ultimately be no dispute at all. If the review determines that money is owed, Williams’ team says payment will be made, emphasizing that the artist has acted in good faith and respects Hugo’s role in their shared legacy.
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A History of Disputes Between the Neptunes
This is not the first legal clash between the former partners. In 2024, Hugo accused Williams of attempting to gain sole control of The Neptunes’ trademark, a matter that remains under review by a federal trademark tribunal. Williams’ representatives have previously said they intended for both men to share ownership and administration of the iconic name.
The dispute also revives broader conversations about artist royalties and transparency. Past collaborators, including Kelis, have publicly criticized the Neptunes over royalty issues, adding context to Hugo’s claims.
As the lawsuit moves forward, the case could reshape the legacy of The Neptunes and N.E.R.D., highlighting the high-stakes business realities behind creative partnerships. Whether the dispute ends in settlement or courtroom drama, it marks a dramatic chapter in one of pop music’s most successful collaborations.
