N.E.R.D. returns with a wild, second single, “1000,” in advance of their comeback album, ‘No One Ever Really Dies.’ Future provides the assist.

The return of N.E.R.D. seemed to come out of nowhere.  N.E.R.D. had been out of the picture since 2010 – seven long years. The Pharrell Williams fronted rap-rock-urban collective has always been known for its wild, “left of center” music.  Fierce first single from comeback album No One Ever Really Dies (arriving December 15), “Lemon,” featuring Rihanna, reminded us of just how creative and wild the collective can be. On the second single from No One Every Really Dies, “1000,” the genre-bending collective enlists Future for the assist.

There’s lots to like (or love) about “1000.” The production is signature Pharrell Williams through and through: wacky synths, hard beats, and forward-thinking.  In addition to the backdrop, following a random intro, Williams delivers a nutty verse, led by the repetition of the phrase, “Holy shit it’s working.”

“Holy shit it’s working, we all got in / Holy shit it’s working, now look at my friends / Holy shit it’s working, it’s bitter to the taste / Holy shit it’s workin’, we dancin’ in place.”

He follows up his ‘holiness’ with an equally odd chorus, which includes the titular lyric, “1000.”  Future follows with a flex-fest for a second verse, fitting to the nth degree.

“My girl don’t wear shoes unless they cost over a thousand / Brand new coupe cost couple hundred thousand.”

Pharrell delivers another nutty verse and chorus, while Shay Haley offers up the bridge, if that’s how you wish to characterize the section.  The sections of “1000” are odd, but that fits the band and the vibe.

Final Thoughts

What seems clear about this current edition of N.E.R.D. is that its more rap-oriented. “Lemon” and now “1000” fits that characterization.  Ultimately, “1000” is another wild, creative ride that only Pharrell Williams could pull off.  Future feels like the right collaborator for this one.  It’s definitely unlike anything on radio and quite enjoyable.

N.E.R.D. • No One Ever Really Dies • Columbia • Release: 12.15.17

Photo Credit: Columbia