Pharrell Performs "I See A Victory" & "Runnin'" w/ Middle School Band
Photo via New York Daily News
Pharrell made a surprise appearance at a Manhattan middle school, where he proceeded to perform alongside a group of kids for their concert.
The multi talented producer and songwriter went to The Equity Project (TEP) Charter School earlier this morning (Friday), and snuck up onstage as the band was performing. After embracing the children he accompanied them on two of his latest songs, "I See A Victory" and "Runnin'" from the soundtrack of the upcoming drama film Hidden Figures.
"It's amazing because you're hearing the next generation who are being mentored and being taught by a school whose sole purpose is to build a future one lesson at a time," Pharrell said in an interview with the Daily News.
According to The Equity Project's arts director Alan Davis, the students had rehearsed the music for three weeks. "The emotional intensity that I saw on that stage, I don't remember seeing before in my life," Davis said. "It was really special."
Prior to his stop at The Equity Project, Pharrell (accompanied Kim Burrell) served as the musical guest on last night's The Tonight Show. Backed by a full band a choir the two performed their collaborative Hidden Figures track "I See A Victory."
Pharrell also makes an appearance in the recently released documentary 808. Although the film debuted about two years ago at the 2015 SXSW Film Festival, 808 is currently an Apple Music exclusive until December 9, but will be available for rental and download on iTunes on December 19.
The documentary is narrated by Zane Lowe of Beats 1 and features appearances from Questlove; Rick Rubin; Diplo; Beastie Boys; A-Trak; Fatboy Slim; Damon Albarn; Strafe; Phil Collins; Felix Da Housecat; Lil Jon; and many others.
Check out video of Pharrell surprising the students below and purchase the Hidden Figures soundtrack, which is already available on iTunes, here.
