Coachella 2014: Pharrell Brings Out Gwen Stefani, Busta Rhymes & Nelly: Watch

Christina Lee | April 13, 2014 9:07 am

When Pharrell emerged as one half of the Neptunes in the mid-90s, they and producer Timbaland helped establish Virginia Beach as an unexpected Southern hip-hop capital as they revamped pop with spaced-out, stripped-down sound. They all boasted a singular vision but certainly didn’t act alone, as Pharrell proved through his star-studded Coachella set on April 12.

Before he closed with the ever-ubiquitous “Happy,” Pharrell kicked off his set with breakout solo hit “Frontin’” before guests popped up to perform their Neptunes-produced and -featured hits: Nelly for “Hot In Herre,” Snoop Dogg for “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” Busta Rhymes and Puff Daddy on “Pass the Courvoisier Pt. 2” and the biggest surprise of all, Gwen Stefani — who Pharrell simply addressed as “Queen” — for “Hollaback Girl.” (Watch his full set after the jump.)

(Skip to 12:55 for Nelly, 15:10 for Busta Rhymes and Puff Daddy, 26:38 for Snoop Dogg and 37:20 for Gwen Stefani.)

At one point, Pharrell pointed out that Lorde and Beyonce (who would later pop up during sister Solange‘s set) was in the crowd. Diplo would pop up on stage, while throughout, Tyler, the Creator can be seen dancing and moshing in the photo pit below — and it’s impossible to blame him. Pharrell may look as ageless as ever, and he may have been deemed Hitmaker of the Year in 2013, but trust – he’s been dropping rump shakers for quite some time.

Get an eyeful of even more pop music coverage, from artist interviews to exclusive performances, on Idolator’s YouTube channel.