Saturday, January 15, 2005

Producer now Ghent store partner

BY JON ALLEGRETTO, Hampton Roads Daily Press
January 15 2005

Virginia Beach hit-maker Pharrell Williams - aka a stylish musician in the group N.E.R.D. - has become the third partner in Commonwealth, a new clothes-and-shoes boutique in Norfolk's Ghent neighborhood, co-owner Larry Incognito said.

"The instant he came in, he loved it and wanted to be a part of it," said Incognito, who co-founded Commonwealth with Omar Quiambao. "Three partners is kinda much, but he's going to help us open other stores."

The trio hopes to open stores in Miami; Washington, D.C.; and elsewhere, Incognito said.

Williams, who couldn't be reached Friday, is best known as a musician and producer (The Neptunes), earning multiplatinum sales with his work with some of today's biggest rap and hip-hop artists. His current single, alongside Snoop Dogg, "Drop It Like It's Hot," is on radio and MTV. Williams also joined Sting, Vince Gill and Dave Matthews to play The Beatles' "I Saw Her Standing There" during last year's Grammy awards.

"We are out to make it more of a movement," Incognito said.

The store - which opened in September at 727 W. 21st St. in Norfolk - also conducts art exhibits and other events. "It's all tied together: fashion, art, music and architecture."

Commonwealth carries Williams' Ice Cream line of footwear. Other brands include Billionaire Boys Club, Zoo York, Stussy, Creative Recreation, Sneaker Freaker and Callous.

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