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Questlove to Direct Documentary for Saturday Night Live’s 50th Anniversary

December 25, 2024

Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, the Grammy and Oscar-winning musician and filmmaker, is set to direct a music documentary celebrating the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live. Known for his...

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Blondie Announces New Album for 2025 with Producer John Congleton

December 25, 2024

Blondie, the legendary new wave band that has defined decades of music, has officially confirmed their next album, set to release in 2025. The iconic group is teaming up with renowned producer...

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The Kid LAROI: From Rising Star to Global Sensation

December 25, 2024

At just 20 years old, The Kid LAROI has already cemented his status as one of the most exciting and influential young artists in the music industry. Born Charlton Kenneth Jeffrey Howard in Sydney...

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Clairo: Redefining Pop Music with Vulnerability and Innovation

December 25, 2024

Clairo, born Claire Cottrill, has emerged as one of the most authentic and innovative voices in contemporary music. The 25-year-old singer-songwriter first gained attention in 2017 with her viral...

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Tyla: The South African Star Making Waves on the Global Music Scene

December 25, 2024

In 2024, amidst the dynamic world of popular music, few artists have made waves quite like Tyla. Emerging from Johannesburg—fondly called “Joburg” by locals—the South African singer has transformed...

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The Legacy of King Von: A Rising Star Gone Too Soon

December 25, 2024

In the realm of modern hip-hop, few artists have managed to leave as profound an impact in as short a time as Dayvon Daquan Bennett, better known by his stage name, King Von. Born on August 9, 1994...

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Adele’s ‘Million Years Ago’ Ordered Off Streaming Platforms Amid Plagiarism Allegations

December 25, 2024

A shocking turn of events has rocked the music industry as a judge has ordered Adele’s hit song “Million Years Ago” to be removed from all streaming platforms globally. The decision comes after a...

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Unheard Michael Jackson Tracks Discovered in Abandoned Storage Unit

December 25, 2024

In a surprising twist worthy of a thriller, previously unheard Michael Jackson music has been unearthed from an abandoned storage unit. The discovery, which has sent shockwaves through the music...

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The Complex Genius of Future: Chaos, Influence, and Emotional Alchemy

December 24, 2024

Over the past decade, Future has built a legacy that defies convention. Narcotized, addled, and tender by turns, his music is a kaleidoscope of trap ballads, twerk anthems, trippy blues, and...

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Billie Eilish: A Record-Breaking Year and a Bold New Era

December 24, 2024

Billie Eilish, the multi-Grammy-winning artist and Gen Z icon, has once again proven her dominance in the music world. In August, the 22-year-old singer-songwriter became Spotify’s most-streamed...

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Maroon 5: A Legacy of Pop-Rock Excellence

December 24, 2024

For over two decades, Maroon 5 has remained a prominent name in the music industry, captivating audiences with infectious pop-rock hits, smooth vocals, and an ability to evolve with the times...

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GloRilla and Kehlani Bring Holiday Vibes with New Single ‘Xmas Time’

December 24, 2024

GloRilla and Kehlani are spreading festive cheer with their brand-new holiday track, Xmas Time. The unexpected collaboration between the rising rap star and the R&B powerhouse delivers a fresh...

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Songs That Kick Started Careers

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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.