Pharrell Williams has teamed up with Voices of Fire to collaborate on a new song. “Joy (Unspeakable)” is a collaboration between Williams and the renowned gospel choir, who hail from Hampton Roads, Virginia—Williams’ home state. The choir’s founder, Bishop Ezekiel Williams, is Pharrell’s uncle. Listen to “Joy (Unspeakable)” below (via Columbia/Sony).
“Working with Pharrell is always an amazing experience that not only inspires you, but drives you to dig deep within yourself for the best you have to offer,” Bishop Ezekiel Williams said in a press release. “When the dream team finally came together on this song—Pharrell, Voices of Fire, Pastor Larry George, and yours truly—I knew that moment in the studio was one of destiny.”
The Voices of Fire were recently the subject of a self-titled Netflix documentary series that chronicles their origin story. The members of the nontraditional gospel choir were selected by Bishop Ezekiel Williams following a string of auditions in Hampton Roads.
Williams’ teased a snippet of “Joy (Unspeakable)” on social media earlier in the week. The musician and producer is currently gearing up to unveil his debut collection for Louis Vuitton menswear later this month. He took on the role of creative director for the luxury fashion house in February to replace Virgil Abloh, who died in November 2021. Williams recently unveiled a new ad campaign for the brand, which includes a giant billboard in Paris featuring a pregnant Rihanna hauling multiple Louis Vuitton leather bags—and a takeout coffee.
Last month, Williams appeared on the Kaytraminé track “4eva,” marking his first musical collaboration of the year. In 2022, he jumped on songs with Tyler, the Creator and 21 Savage (“Cash In Cash Out”), Calvin Harris, Justin Timberlake, and Halsey (“Stay With Me”), and Travis Scott (“Down in Atlanta”).
This past April, the final day of Williams’ Something in the Water 2023 music festival was canceled due to severe weather.
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