It's been three years since N*E*R*D—Pharrell, Chad Hugo, and Shay Haley—have shared the same stage together, and the celebrated trio made sure their return was a memorable one as they debuted their new album No_One Ever Really Dies on Day 1 of ComplexCon.
The 11-song project boasts A-List guests, including Kendrick Lamar, Future, André 3000, and Rihanna (who is featured on the previously released "Lemon"), among others. Those in attendance were treated to a first listening session, with a stage that featured real cars for props, vibrant lighting, and dozen of dancers keeping the energy up as the album played.
The trio were situated on a van in the back of the stage at the beginning of the show. After a few tracks, Shay joined the dancers to turn up, then later Pharrell. Before "Don't Don't Do It," a collaboration with Kendrick, began, Pharrell explained the inspiration behind the song. He said it was made after the tragic fatal police shooting of Keith Lamont Scott.
"The album’s not coming out tomorrow," Pharrell explained. "We’re giving it to you. It’s yours. You got it before everybody else."
Check out footage of "1000" featuring Future above, a clip of "Don't Don't Do It" with Kendrick below, as well as the tracklist for their new album and photos from the show.
1. "Deep Down Body Thirst"
2. "Lemon" f/ Rihanna
3. "Voilà" f/ Gucci Mane and Wale
4. "1000" f/ Future
5. "Don't Don't Do It" f/ Kendrick Lamar
6. "Kites" f/ Kendrick Lamar and M.I.A.
7. "ESP"
8. "Lightning Fire Magic Prayer"
9. "Rollinem 7’s" f/ André 3000
10. "Lifting You" f/ Ed Sheeran
11. "Secret Life of Tigers"
