N.E.R.D Recruit Female Singer for New Album

The Toronto native, who has a background in classical singing, was linked to the band through a mutual friend and auditioned via Skype before she got the official thumbs up to join the crew. "Musically, we're just somewhere else [with her]. The music is now very 3-D. It's something you have to hear," Pharrell said. "But you'll see. We're definitely somewhere else. I want to leave that impact moment for when you purchase your download and you purchase your CD. The music is very three-dimensional. We're just really excited. We feel like N.E.R.D. has always been the punks of hip-hop and the outcasts of alternative music -- just a little different. But this time, we're taking no prisoners."



Pharrell explained that despite her teeny size, Rhea's powerful vocals allow the band to open up their musical range and experiment further. "Now you have this little Tinkerbell that's just stepped in and has been amazing," he said. "It's made it a fun process. We can go in so many more directions, because we have the vocal support."

'Instant Gratification,' is slated for a 2010 release and N.E.R.D. will join Jay-Z on his 'Blueprint 3' tour beginning next week.