Pharrell looks Yankee Doodle dandy in the cover art for N.E.R.D.’s upcoming fourth album Nothing, dropping Nov. 2. By sticking patriotic feathers in his combat helmet, Pharrell appears to be doing more than just showing us his peacock — but what’s the bold statement? It it an anti-war declaration? Or is he just trying to match headdresses with the ladies in N.E.R.D.’s “Hot N’ Fun” video? Regardless, the recent Gucci-and-Nicki collaborator once again proves he can be provocative and still bring the party. See the full-size image and a behind-the-scenes video below.

We are a little curious when this was shot. In this behind-the-scenes video of an early Nothing cover shoot, N.E.R.D.’s Chad Hugo and Shay Haley are clearly present, and there’s no sign of feathers anywhere. What happened?