Pharrell, Timbaland Engage In Friendly Debate Over Better-Produced JAY-Z Records

JAY-Z’s catalog is debated regularly, especially the hierarchical rankings of his albums or songs within them. Pharrell and Timbaland went a different direction with that argument and instead went back and forth over who has produced better records for Hov.

In a genre built off of inherent competition and pride, one may assume that the Virginia luminaries were defending their own work. However, they were actually advocating for each other. Footage surfaced online showing that they both were present at Swizz Beatz’s birthday party a few weeks ago and took the time out to exchange flowers with one another.

“‘Dirt Off Your Shoulder!'” the Neptunes producer said, in reference to the Timbaland-produced hit from the Brooklyn rapper’s 2003 LP Black Album. “What are we doing? ‘Dirt Off Your Shoulder’!” The 51-year-old producer responded, saying, “I gotta think about you, because you’ve done so many.”

“You know why you stuck?” Pharrell asked. “Because you’ve done so many classics, you’ve done so many classics that you’re just going through your Rolodex right now.” Timbaland wouldn’t budge, saying, “Nah, I’m going through your Rolodex! It’s so many.”

The “Say Something” artist still couldn’t name one specific record to counter Skateboard P, which led to the “Happy” artist saying “The greatest JAY-Z records? Timbo, the king.” Timbo made a last-ditch effort and incorporated alliteration by saying, “Pharrell the prince!”

The Verzuz co-founder may have checkmated himself though, as the new Louis Vuitton creative director quickly retorted, “You heard what he said? And that’s why I’m gonna go ahead and drink my Sancerre. He said ‘prince,’ ’cause he’s the king.” The entire table erupted in laughter as Timbaland realized what had just taken place before they all did a cheers and sipped their drinks. Check out the debate above.

Pharrell and Timbaland weren’t the only celebrities in attendance at Swizz Beatz’s birthday party. His wife, Alicia Keys, sat at the table during the debate along with Lil Durk and his girlfriend India Cox. Footage surfaced online of the Almost Healed rapper and his partner welcoming Swizz and Keys onto their private jet as a birthday gift. Check out the moment above.

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