Williams often provided backing vocals and music video appearances on the duo's productions, while Hugo remained behind the scenes.

Since their inception, the Neptunes have produced songs for several music industry artists, including Clipse, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Kelis, N.O.R.E., Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Nelly, Ludacris, T.I., Robin Thicke, Gwen Stefani, and Snoop Dogg, among others.

[5][6] Upon entering a local talent contest in 1991, the Neptunes were competing with childhood friends Missy Elliott, Timbaland & Magoo, which led to the duo to be discovered by record producer Teddy Riley, whose studio was close to Williams' school.

[6] They also worked with Riley's group Blackstreet, co-writing the single "Tonight's the Night" from their self-titled debut album.

The Neptunes have received three Grammy Awards: Producer of the Year, Non-Classical, Best Pop Vocal Album for Justified and Best Rap Song for "Money Maker".