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"Is Drake's Music Really 'Pop'? Mos Def Thinks it's "Shopping'' Music

January 14, 2024

Yasiin "Mos Def" Bey stirred up the hip-hop community recently with his candid remarks about Drake's music, stating, "Drake is pop to me." The acclaimed lyricist did not mince words...

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"American Dream: 21 Savage's Solo Odyssey and the Big Drake Question"

January 13, 2024

Noteworthy is the absence of Drake, sparking questions about the collaboration that never materialized. While the album showcases collaborations with artists like Doja Cat and Lil Durk, Drake's....

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Jay-Z x D'Angelo's Collaboration on 'I Want You Forever' for 'The Book of Clarence' Soundtrack"

January 12, 2024

Breaking new ground, Jay-Z and D'Angelo have united for the first time, giving birth to the enchanting single, "I Want You Forever."

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BTS's Jung Kook Victorious as Artist of the Year at the 2024 Circle Chart Music Awards

January 10, 2024

In a triumphant moment that left the global music community buzzing with excitement, the multi-talented Jung Kook of BTS secured his place as the Artist of the Year at the Circle Chart Music Awards...

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Metallica - A Thrash Metal Band Like No Other

December 26, 2023

However, a few thrash metal bands broke through this barrier and became very popular. This article will discuss the history of one such band: Metallica, which is arguably...

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Sleep Token’s ‘New Era’ Unveiling of their wild new masks

December 22, 2023

In an enormous climax to their breakout year, Sleep Token, the anonymous alt-metal sensation, marked their journey with a massive headlining sold out show at the OVO Arena Wembley in London, U.K...

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Bad Omens ‘Just Pretend’: Ironic Parody to NO.1 Radio Rock Hit

December 21, 2023

Bad Omens' alt-metal breakout, "Just Pretend," has transcended its origins as an ironic parody to become a genuine No. 1 radio rock hit...

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Juice WRLD's Legacy Continues with Eminem Collaboration 'Lace It'

December 20, 2023

In tribute Eminem is featured on a new single called "Lace It," which is a moving homage to the late rapper Juice WRLD, whose 25th birthday was only two weeks ago...

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Elton John - A Musical Icon

December 20, 2023

In 1967, Elton John responded to an advertisement put out by Liberty Records and was asked to compose a song for a set of lyrics written by Bernie Taupin, another young musician...

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Timbaland Hails Kanye West as a Visionary

December 18, 2023

In a series of recent interviews, legendary music producer Timbaland has expressed profound admiration for fellow artist Kanye West, likening him to a "Greek god" and lauding him...

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Nicki Minaj Shatters Records with 'Pink Friday 2': A New Era in Hip-Hop

December 18, 2023

In an astounding display of musical dominance, Nicki Minaj's latest release, 'Pink Friday 2,' is reshaping the landscape of hip-hop and music charts worldwide...

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Artist of the Week: Jay Z - The Blueprint of Success

December 16, 2023

In a world where musical legends come and go, Jay Z stands as a towering figure, a testament to enduring talent and entrepreneurial genius...

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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.