Pharrell Williams Shares a Heartfelt Moment with Justin Timberlake at the Black Music Collective Event

ByEvan Caldwell January 30, 2026January 30, 2026

Pharrell Williams and Justin Timberlake in Los Angeles on Jan. 29, 2026.
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Johnny Nunez/Getty

Key Highlights

Justin Timberlake made a surprise appearance at the Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective event to honor Pharrell Williams.
At the Los Angeles event on January 29, Williams, the rapper and producer, received the Dr. Dre Impact Award and expressed appreciation for Timberlake, who has maintained a low profile since his tour’s conclusion.
The two artists have enjoyed a close friendship and musical partnership for more than 20 years.

On January 29, 2026, Justin Timberlake surfaced at the Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective event to pay tribute to Pharrell Williams. This marked Timberlake’s first public appearance since wrapping his tour, during which he has been diagnosed with Lyme disease.

The event took place at The Fairmont Hotel in Los Angeles, where Williams, aged 52, was honored with the Dr. Dre Impact Award, recognizing his significant contributions to music, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and cultural influence worldwide, according to the Recording Academy.

Timberlake, aged 44, performed a 15-minute medley featuring some of the duo’s collaborations, including “Rock Your Body” and “Señorita,” before presenting the award to Williams.

Additional songs in Timberlake’s tribute included “I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me)” and “I Just Wanna Love You,” as well as “Beautiful” featuring Snoop Dogg, and Williams’ 2013 hit “Happy.” The performance roster also included appearances by Clipse and Leon Thomas.

Reflecting on their long-standing relationship, Timberlake humorously remarked, “I was thinking about what I was going to say, and Tyler [the Creator] took all that,” as he praised Williams during the award presentation. He added, “Anyone who’s had contact or resonated with Pharrell Williams is changed forever.”

Pharrell Williams and Justin Timberlake in 2017.

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Timberlake expressed heartfelt sentiments about their friendship, stating, “He came into my life at a time when I was finding my own way. You made me feel like I belonged. Your creativity is unmatched. Your energy inspires all.” He further referred to Williams as his “big brother,” adding, “You changed my life, and I will forever be grateful.”

He acknowledged Williams, who currently serves as the creative director at Louis Vuitton, saying, “I don’t know what you have left to accomplish, but you’ve taught me so much—from music to life lessons. I’m proud to know you.” Timberlake closed with gratitude, saying, “Thank you, brother.”

Pharrell Williams and Justin Timberlake in Las Vegas in December 2002.

Denise Truscello/WireImage

When accepting the award, Williams expressed his gratitude towards Timberlake, saying, “You showed your talent tonight! You reminded us all how much love you have for this community and what we mean to you. It’s time to come to Paris, bro.”

Both Williams and Timberlake have forged a strong friendship and collaborative relationship, with Williams’ former production duo, The Neptunes, playing a pivotal role in Timberlake’s debut album, Justified, in 2002. Their collaboration dates back even further to the *NSYNC era, with The Neptunes producing the group’s hit “Girlfriend” in 2001.

Looking ahead, the Grammy Awards will be broadcast live from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 1.