Pharrell's genre-hopping adventures are as likely to touch upon ‘70s soul and golden age hip-hop as they are chart-conquering pop. The Neptunes' thumping percussion recalls Eric B. & Rakim's punchy drums, while those tight, funky licks he's fond of tap into Stevie Wonder's snappier side. His evolution from genius producer into solo showman really took flight when he lifted Michael Jackson's infectious grooves and danceable synths.