Pharrell lent his expertise to aspiring producers, songwriters, and artists at the ASCAP “I Create Music” Expo over the weekend at the Renaissance Hollywood in Los Angeles. The Neptunes hitmaker provided insight into how to build a successful music career, while Fergie discussed music creation along with Cash Money’s Kevin Rudolf.

Jermaine Dupri joined So So Def affiliate Johntá Austin for his Master Session, while Melanie Fiona and “Only Girl (In the World)” songwriter Cri$tyle shared their experiences navigating the music industry.

During the “Deconstructing Drake” panel, producers Boi-1da and Noah “40” Shebib explained how they helped launch one of 2010’s biggest success stories.