In honor of Pharrell Williams’s 44th birthday, Genius looks back at the signature four count start he’s used throughout his decades long career. The beat pickup measure, which simulates a record skipping, has kicked off plenty of songs he’s worked on. Kelis' “Milkshake,” his 2003 Jay Z collab “Frontin'” and 2004’s Snoop Dogg hit “Drop It Like Its Hot” are just a few of the many examples.

Peep the video above and catch up on all of Pharrell’s songs on Genius now.