Nerd - Nothing Ever Really Dies - Brief Article

Thrasher Magazine, Oct, 2002 by Martine Kelsch

IF YOU'VE NEVER HEARD OF NERD (Nothing Ever Really Dies), you need to haul ass to a record store, get a copy of In Search Of and throw it into the nearest stereo playing at the highest volume. The group consists of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo (both of the Neptunes), and their long-time friend Shay. The Neptunes are the kings of production in the music industry today, working with Jay-Z, Mystikal, Kelis, and Ol' Dirty Bastard. There is no category to stick these guys in. The NERD album is a mad variety of genres, mixing hardcore rock with hip hop, new wave, and psychedelic sounds. With a band backing them up, their live show is surprisingly on point. Who knew three guys from Virginia could make such an impact in this bling-bling bitnez? --Martine Kelsch

You've been quoted assaying that the new NERD album is like a "life soundtrack" of the last few years. Can you explain this?

It's been influenced by our lives and what it is we've been through, kind of documentary-like. There is no real crazy ingenious significance or anything like that, just cool music.

Who is the band that backs you up?

The band is a band we signed called Spymob--we had them play all of our instruments, and over that we programmed. The new album we are working on now, we're playing it all live ourselves.

While growing up in Virginia, did you know you were going to be a rock star?

We didn't know we were going to be stars. I still don't know if I am going to be a star and that album summarizes how a lot of high schoolers think. A lot of kids in high school don't just listen to hip hop, they don't just listen to rock and roll, they listen to everything.

The album is entitled In Search of What are you searching for in life?

I am searching for love and a family of my own. The right girl, having beautiful children, and just taking care of them.

How old are you?

I'm 29.

When you were discovered in the seventh grade by producer Teddy Riley, what were you performing?

We met at a high school talent show and I was on drums.

And you used to rap?

A little bit.

How come you didn't pursue that?

It's alright. I'm thinking this way one day and I'm thinking that way the next--sort of nomadic, going from spot to spot in life and just learning things. Using what it is you learned along the way to further your journey.

First record you ever bought?

Tribe Called Quest.

Who are your musical influences?

From Stevie Wonder to Steely Dan, and from Steppenwolf to Stereolab.

Who was the first big star you worked with?

It was all big, but the first one was Blackstreet.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

What drives me crazy is when people say they are going to do something and then you can't get in contact with them.

What does it feel like to be walking around and people just recognize you everywhere?

Thankful.

Does it get annoying?

Hell no. They buy your records. They keep you alive for the most part financially, and spiritually they keep you alive. These people, they see you and reflect the light of however you have inspired them. They go to the shows and they know every punctuation. You can't replace that. Fuck the lyrics, they know every punctuation, every accent. That's the most amazing feeling.

Who is the brain behind NERD?

We all create.

What is your best truth or dare story?

Four girls at once on a dare.

Was that before or after you got famous?

Before. I was always just cool wit' the girls and I could just get them to do it. If you are a slick talker, you can make it happen. I'm not really a groupie-type of dude though.

What is the first expensive thing you bought once you made some real money?

Cars.

Who is "Bobby James?"

In every town there is a small population of kids that could answer to that name. If they know the song they can identify.

Who else are the Neptunes working with?

Fred Durst. We did a gang of songs on Justin Timberlake's album, a duet with Britney.

Is she hot?

Yeah. We are going in with POD, Saliva, and I am finishing up some skit with Korn.

What is a lyric that describes the future of hip hop?

"Continuing to change."