Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, the renowned duo behind the influential production group The Neptunes, are now embroiled in a legal dispute that has taken them to court. Hugo has filed a lawsuit against Williams, alleging that he has been excluded from their company and claims that Williams owes him approximately $1 million stemming from the 2017 N.E.R.D. album “No One Ever Really Dies.”
The lawsuit, which was submitted on January 23, outlines serious allegations from Hugo regarding Williams’ conduct, including claims of “self-dealing” and the concealment of essential information. Hugo’s attorney, Brent J. Lehman, asserts that Williams has diverted revenues that should rightfully belong to him. According to the filing, Hugo has not received his fair share of royalties related to The Neptunes and N.E.R.D. album sales, touring income, and various merchandising deals.
In addition to the current lawsuit, this isn’t the first time the pair has faced legal challenges regarding their business relationship. In 2024, Hugo also pursued legal action against Pharrell over allegations he was seeking sole control of “The Neptunes” name, a case that remains active in a federal trademark tribunal.
During their collaboration, Williams and Hugo produced an impressive catalog of hits for a range of artists including Nelly, Snoop Dogg, Britney Spears, Jay-Z, and Kelis, solidifying their status as leading figures in music during the 2000s and 2010s. They were also integral members of the hip-hop/rock group N.E.R.D, known for their chart-topping albums and singles.
In the latest lawsuit, Hugo’s legal team indicates that he has not received revenue from a merchandising partnership since 2023 and estimates he is owed between $325,000 and $575,000 from the “No One Ever Really Dies” project, with potential damages ranging from $750,000 to $1 million. Lehman stated via email that Hugo was left with no choice but to seek justice through the courts, expressing optimism about presenting evidence and achieving satisfactory legal relief.
As their legal saga unfolds, fans of The Neptunes and N.E.R.D. can only hope for a resolution that might allow the talented duo to focus on their craft, reigniting their creative partnership.