Pharrell Williams Defends Album Cover

Pharrell Williams has defended the cover of his new album G I R L after it sparked racial controversy.

The "Happy" hitmaker received criticism for the artwork, which features him stood next to three women, because critics assumed they were all white and thought he should have included a black woman on the cover.

"What really disappointed me is that, man, [the critics] jumped the gun 'cause the woman I'm standing closest to is black and she's a black girl from Wisconsin I used to date over 10, 12 years ago. That must suck for people to just look at something and assume they know what's going on..." he said.

The 40-year-old singer, who is now married to Helen Lasichanh, also praised black women, in particular 12 Years a Slave star Lupita Nyong'o: "I told her two weeks ago at the Oscars luncheon her skin was flawless, I love her skin, my god."

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Pharrell Williams Streams ‘G I R L’ for Free

Pharrell Williams is streaming his new album G I R L online for free.

The "Get Lucky" hitmaker says he is "happy to share" an early preview of his second studio album, ahead of its official release on March 3, and all the tracks have been made available to listen to on iTunes radio.

Taking to Twitter, Pharrell wrote, "Thankful for the opportunity to share my new album with everyone [sic]."

The ten-track follow-up to Pharrell's 2006 debut In My Mind features his Oscar-nominated hit, "Happy," along with a collaboration with Justin Timberlake on the track "Brand New," while Alicia Keys teams up with the star for "Know Who You Are." Pharrell, 40, worked with Miley Cyrus on her controversial #Bangerz album last year she has returned the favor by lending her vocals to his song "Come Get It Bae."

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Pharrell Williams Announces Album Date

Pharrell Williams is set to release his new album G I R L next month.

The "Happy" singer, who is preparing for his performance at the BRITs tonight, will release his new record on Monday, March 3 through Columbia Records.

"When Columbia Records presented me with the opportunity to make an album, three things came to mind. One was the sense of overwhelming honor that I felt when I realized that they were interested in partnering with me on the album that I had always dreamed of making. Two, it would have to feel festive and urgent. And three, I instantly knew it would be called G I R L," he said, adding, "I hope you like it."

G I R L is Pharrell's first record in eight years and is set to be released earlier than planned after the success of his single "Happy," and insiders have described it as "incredible."

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