Pharrell Praises Frank Ocean, Calls Mac Miller A 'Case Study'

Pharrell Williams is one of hip-hop’s few Renaissance Men. He does everything from making hit records to scoring films to pushing something called Qream (it’s a liqueur). So not shockingly, The Hollywood Reporter ranked him No. 16 on their Hitmakers list. The producer/style guru sat with THR and talked about his film mentor Hans Zimmer, while also praising the work ethics of Miley Cyrus, Frank Ocean and Mac Miller.

Check the pull quotes below:

On working with Frank Ocean
He really embraces the term “singer-songwriter.” The kid just has this thing. He just wants to tell stories, more so than being seen as an R&B singer. I’ve referred to him as the black James Taylor. I love people who tell stories—Stevie [Wonder] was like that, too.

On Mac Miller’s business mentality
We’re almost done [with the album]. I like that he understands his pocket, his demographic. To me, it was a case study: I felt like a reporter going on a case, getting an understanding of his world. His skill set and acumen go hand-in-hand. That’s what’s interesting: When you’re listening to his songs, you’re listening to his business.

On working with Miley Cyrus
I have this theory about Disney artists: They have the best work ethic ever. She had inquired about working with me, but I had inquired about looking for her—we found each other at the same time… We talked a lot before we did anything. She’s very clear on what she wants to do. She’s not confused at all. And she hears a hit like a baseball coming off a bat. She gets it.