stayc main image

Kendrick Lamar's GNX: A Bold New Era

November 24, 2024

Kendrick Lamar has once again captivated the music world with the unexpected release of his sixth studio album, GNX, on November 22, 2024. This surprise drop marks his first full-length project...

Read more
stayc main image

Kendrick Lamar: A Multifaceted Icon of Art, Activism, and Innovation

November 24, 2024

Kendrick Lamar, often celebrated as one of the most influential rappers of his generation, is more than just a hip-hop artist. Born Kendrick Lamar Duckworth on June 17, 1987, in Compton, California...

Read more
stayc main image

How Radiohead Revolutionized 90s Alternative Culture

November 24, 2024

The 1990s saw the rise of many influential bands, but few reshaped the alternative music landscape like Radiohead. With a sound that transcended traditional rock, they pushed the boundaries of the...

Read more
stayc main image

Billie Eilish and Finneas: The Sibling Duo Behind Pop’s Biggest Hits

November 24, 2024

Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas O’Connell have become one of the most successful creative duos in modern music. From chart-topping singles to Grammy-winning albums, their collaborative...

Read more
stayc main image

Sabrina Carpenter Faces Criticism for Embracing Sensuality in Her Performances

November 24, 2024

Sabrina Carpenter has found herself at the center of a debate as critics question her bold embrace of sensuality in her recent performances and music. The singer, known for her evolution from...

Read more
stayc main image

Lil Nas X Drops New Single “Need Dat Boy” and Fans Are Loving It

November 24, 2024

Lil Nas X is back with another hit, and his latest single, “Need Dat Boy,” is already turning heads. Known for his ability to blend catchy beats with bold, unapologetic lyrics, the Grammy-winning...

Read more
stayc main image

Meek Mill: A Force in the Rap Industry

November 24, 2024

The rap industry has seen countless talents rise and fall, but few have left as lasting a mark as Meek Mill. Born Robert Rihmeek Williams on May 6, 1987, in South Philadelphia, Meek's journey to...

Read more
stayc main image

Playboi Carti Sounds Different: Redefines His Sound with Different Vocal Styles

November 24, 2024

Playboi Carti has long been celebrated for his ability to push the boundaries of hip-hop. Known for his high-pitched delivery and unique ad-libs, Carti has become a cultural phenomenon, with his...

Read more
stayc main image

Frank Ocean: Redefining Music Through Emotion and Innovation

November 24, 2024

In a music industry dominated by rapid releases and fleeting trends, Frank Ocean has established himself as an artist who values depth, emotion, and timelessness. Known for his introspective...

Read more
stayc main image

H.E.R: Staying True to Musical Roots

November 24, 2024

In a world of fast-paced trends and fleeting fame, H.E.R. stands as a powerful example of staying true to one’s musical roots while still capturing the hearts of modern audiences. Born Gabriella...

Read more
stayc main image

Cynthia Erivo: A Journey of Talent, Resilience, and Advocacy

November 22, 2024

Cynthia Erivo captured the hearts of Broadway audiences with her extraordinary portrayal of Celie in the 2015 revival of *The Color Purple*. Her groundbreaking performance earned her the 2016 Tony...

Read more
stayc main image

The Unstoppable Rhythm of Chris Brown: Music and Dance as Art Forms

November 22, 2024

As an artist who can mix music and dance into one continuous artistic experience, no one is brighter than Chris Brown. Chris Brown has been in the game for close to 20 years and he has established...

Read more

Songs That Kick Started Careers

stayc main image

Photo Source: Getty Images

Shake It Off - Taylor Swift

"Shake It Off" is a smash-hit song by Taylor Swift, released in 2014 as the lead single from her fifth studio album, "1989." The upbeat and infectious track marked a significant shift in Taylor Swift's musical style, transitioning from country to pop. Its catchy melody, fun lyrics, and positive message resonated with audiences worldwide. The song's release was accompanied by a vibrant and colourful music video, further amplifying its popularity. "Shake It Off" received widespread airplay, topping the billboard charts in various countries and earning Taylor Swift numerous accolades. Its commercial success and infectious appeal played a pivotal role in solidifying Taylor Swift's status as a global pop superstar till this day. 

Can't Feel My Face - The Weeknd

The Weeknd's "Can't Feel My Face" was a turning point in his career, catapulting him to mainstream success. Released in 2015 on his album called “beauty behind the madness”, the infectious and upbeat track showcased his unique blend of R&B, pop, and electronic music. With cleverly masked drug-related lyrics, the song received widespread attention , firmly establishing The Weeknd as a major force in the music industry. It placed him on a high pedestal in the mainstream and showcased his versatility as an artist, leading to numerous award nominations.

Slow Jamz - Kanye West

Released in 2004 as part of his debut album The College Dropout, "Slow Jamz" was a pivotal song that kick-started Kanye West's illustrious career. The track, featuring Twista and Jamie Foxx, became a massive hit, reaching the top of the charts and earning critical acclaim. The song showcased Kanye's distinctive production style and clever lyricism, cementing his reputation as a trailblazing artist. 

The Way - Ariana grande

“The Way" is Ariana Grande's 2013 debut single which was also a song on her album “Yours Truly”, featuring the late rapper Mac Miller. This catchy R&B-pop track showcased Ariana's powerful vocals and received widespread acclaim from music critics. Its success catapulted her to stardom, establishing her as one of the most influential pop artists of her generation.

Best I Ever Had - Drake

In 2009, Drake achieved a significant breakthrough when he dropped the mixtape "So Far Gone," featuring the popular single "Best I Ever Had." The release of this mixtape sparked a fierce competition among record labels, leading Drake to sign with Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment, which operates under Cash Money. By the end of the year, the label re-released "So Far Gone" as an EP, making Drake's music a rising success in the music industry.

Good Girl Gone Bad - Rihanna

Incorporating dance-pop elements, Rihanna's third album, "Good Girl Gone Bad" (2007), solidified her position as a prominent icon in the music industry. The Grammy-winning single "Umbrella" not only marked her first prestigious accolade but also propelled her to international fame.

Sign of the Times - Harry Styles

Harry Styles' song "Sign of the Times" marked a significant turning point in his career after departing from the global sensation One Direction. Released in 2017 as his debut solo single, the track showcased Harry's artistic maturity and versatility as a solo artist. The song's epic, anthemic sound and poignant lyrics resonated with audiences worldwide, earning him critical acclaim and widespread recognition. "Sign of the Times" not only solidified Harry Styles' status as a serious musician beyond his boy band origins but also propelled him to become a successful and respected solo artist in his own right.

The careers of these popular artists were undeniably shaped and accelerated by their breakout songs. These songs not only kick-started their careers but also left an indelible mark on the music industry.