Skateboarding and hip hop have shared a close connection for decades, and few artists have been as closely tied to both cultures as Pharrell Williams aka Skateboard P.
READ MORE: Skateboard P Sued by Former Neptunes Partner Chad Hugo Over $1 Million N.E.R.D. Album Dispute
From his work with The Neptunes to his ICECREAM skate shoes, Skateboard P has helped shape music and skate fashion.
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Now, his longtime production partner and fellow skater Chad Hugo is accusing him of trying to erase his contributions to their shared legacy.
The legal dispute between the two musicians is becoming increasingly personal, with Hugo pushing back against Skateboard P’s attempt to dismiss his lawsuit.
According to reports, Hugo accused his former collaborator of trying to “rewrite history” and downplay his role in one of hip hop’s most influential production duos.
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Skateboard P’s legal team argues that Hugo’s complaint lacks enough detail to proceed. They point to EARTHGANG’s “U Gotta” as the only specifically identified track, questioning whether Hugo is claiming rights to the composition, the sound recording, or both. His attorneys have asked a federal judge to dismiss the case.
Hugo argues that the dispute covers much more than one song. His legal team says the case involves material developed during nearly 50 studio sessions between 2019 and 2021.
They also claim Skateboard P and his affiliated companies hold records that could help establish how the music was released and credited.
According to Hugo, “U Gotta” was singled out because he believes his credit was removed, despite the artists acknowledging his contribution.
The lawsuit also raises questions about royalties and access to financial records.
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Hugo claims he requested royalty statements and other documentation several times between 2021 and 2024 but received “almost nothing.”
His original lawsuit, filed in 2026, accused Pharrell and related companies of withholding profits and denying him access to records connected to The Neptunes and N.E.R.D. Later filings expanded the dispute to include copyright ownership claims.
The Neptunes’ production influenced generations of musicians, while their music became part of the soundtrack for skate videos and streetwear culture.
Hugo’s role in that history is now at the center of a legal battle over credit, ownership, and money.
Skateboard P disputes Hugo’s claims, arguing that the complaint does not identify the copyrighted works and contributions at issue with enough detail. No ruling on the dismissal request has been reported.