Some days ago, I was reading “20 Minutes” (a French free newspaper) in the subway when I discovered an article about the new album of N.E.R.D.: “Nothing”. One of the tracks that will be released on it, has been produced by the Daft Punk. The new single from N.E.R.D. “Hypnotize You”, produced by music legends Daft Punk, has leaked online just before the release of this album. Indeed, Pharrell Williams’ band first unleashed the collaboration when they played it on David Letterman’s chatshow some days ago. Now, a studio version has hit the net, featuring Daft Punk’s minimal dance production.

 N.E.R.D. - Hypnotize You (Produced by Daft Punk)

Daft Punk are always where we do not expect them. There are always surprises with Daft Punk. If Daft Punk has recently been finishing the soundtrack to the Disney movie “Tron Legacy”, which will be released at the beginning of December, they are now producing a downbeat song - taken from N.E.R.D’s forthcoming album “Nothing” that features Pharrell crooning over a bass heavy synth-led beat.
 
Although Pharrell (as the Neptunes) previously remixed the French duo (i.e. Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger), “Hypnotize You” is certainly the first time they’ve ever produced for an American artist officially. Nevertheless, they were of course at the origins of the famous sampled song by Kanye West “Stronger”, notably known for the fantastic Grammys Awards live they’ve done together.

The video you can watch below is the "Late Show With David Letterman". You will see a troupe of very sexy models. 2 of them are dancing and most of them are just sitting there motionless and expressionless. Chad Hugo wears a knit ski mask that is maybe a subtle reference of the iconic Daft Punk robot helmets. Subtle but realist I think.

Concerning the music, it evolves more in a N.E.R.D. atmosphere than a Daft Punk’s one. It is quiet easy with a down tempo beat, so not dynamic and even lethargic for some parts of it. Honestly we have some difficulties to indentify the French touch of the Daft Punk in this music.

The new N.E.R.D. album “Nothing” which is due November 2 on Star Trak/Interscope, has also a crazy cover up as you can see above.

BONUS - Daft Punk ft. Kanye West - Stronger (Live Grammys 2008)