Celebrity Birthdays, April 5: Pharrell Williams and Juicy J

Singer Pharrell Williams and rapper Juicy J are celebrating their birthdays today.

Pharrell Williams, 41

Singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer, musician, and designer Pharrell Williams turns 41 today. In 1994, Williams created the record label, The Neptunes, along with high school friend Chad Hugo. The Neptunes are responsible for numerous successful hits, from Britney Spears' "I'm A Slave 4 U," to Snoop Dogg's "Drop It Like It's Hot." In 2001, Williams, Hugo, and Shay Haley, Williams' childhood friend, joined together to create the music group N.E.R.D.

Williams released his debut solo album in 2006 entitled In My Mind. While working on his own stuff, Williams continued to work with artists like Justin Timberlake, Madonna, Robin Thicke, Shakira, Beyonce, Clipse, Jay Z, Nelly, and Adam Lambert. in 2010, Williams composed the soundtrack to Despicable Me.

Williams has earned seven Grammy awards, two with The Neptunes. His song "Happy," used for the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack, was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song. His second solo album, G I R L, was released last month. It debuted at No. 1 on the UK Albums chart, and No. 2 on the Billboard 200. Williams has recently confirmed that he will be taking over CeeLo Greens judging spot on the next season of NBC's The Voice

Juicy J, 39

Rapper Juicy J turns 39 today. Juicy J, real name Jordan Michael Houston, began his career in 1991 as co-founder of the southern hip-hop group Three 6 Mafia, along with DJ Paul and Lord Infamous. Crunchy Black, Gangsta Boo, and Koopsta Knicca joined the group later. The group collaborated with artists like Justin Timberlake, Gucci Mane, Good Charlotte, and Akon. They became the first hip-hop band to win an Academy Award for their Original song in the film Hustle and flow.

Juicy J and DJ Paul created the production company Prophet Entertainment, which they later changed to Hypnotize Minds after leaving the record label they were with.

Juicy J released his debut solo album, Chronicles of the Juice Man, in 2002, and has since released two more. He is featured in the Katy Perry hit "Dark Horse."

Juicy J has recently announced that he will be dropping another album sometime this year.