Bouncin’ around! N.E.R.D provided the upbeat soundtrack to this year’s NBA All-Star halftime show with a career-spanning medley on Sunday (Feb. 18).
During the 12-minute set, the acclaimed trio Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo, and Shay Haley took the court at L.A.’s Staples Center to deliver some their biggest hits, including “Rock Star” and “Lapdance,” while also performing bangers f their latest album No_One Ever Really Dies, including “1000” and “Lemon.”
Future and Rihanna weren’t on hand to guest on the latter tracks, but N.E.R.D had some help elsewhere. Dancer Mette Towley took center stage multiple times, while Migos popped up for a surprise performance “Stir Fry,” a Culture II smash that was produced by Skateboard P.
Given the occasion, N.E.R.D also received some impressive assistance from the NBA for the Staples Center set. Mascots, including the local Clippers’ Chuck the Condor, supported the trio with some levity while dancers performed astounding acrobatics behind them.
N.E.R.D received a much better reception than Fergie, who was heavily chastised for her rendition “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the big game.