When it comes to creating a career, there are few people more important than the artist. With so many different fields to choose from, it can be hard for those who aren’t exactly known for their artistry to make a mark. But with so much competition, it is not enough to just produce quality work. An outstanding artist must have the potential of impacting a generation and giving back something back. That is why an entire industry caters to artists — and that is why some of these artists have become household names over the course of their career. From Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers to Kendrick Lamar , music has always featured some big-name star players in charge of marketing their respective industries. But what if these musicians were also part of something more? What if they had been among the 10 most influential artists of the 21st century?istrate historians say that Kendrick Lamar was born in 1955 and would go on to influence generations of people through his creative output and leadership roles in prominent music labels such as 50 Cent and Drake . What if they were also one of two other musics icons — Akon & Rihanna — who were borns during the same year? Well then you’ve got your answer — this article about ten most influential artists of the 21st century takes you through the list with everything from biographies to careers, tour dates and interviews with key figures. So here we go:
Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys was one of the first modern Motown stars. Back in the 1960’s, when Motown Records was a top-selling recording label, she was already one of the most popular female stars in the country. With hits like “Schizophrenia” and “What’s My Age Again?”, Keys established herself as one of the label’s most recognizable artists during the disco era. During the 1980’s, Keys was once again one of the biggest hits on the charts, this time with her smash “Last Tango In Paris”, which became the first number one single on the Billboard Hot 100. Key’s presence on the charts, along with that of other pop stars like Lisa Loeb, Donna Summer and Whitney Houston, helped establish the New York City as a cultural and musical center.
Grace Jones
In her early 30’s, Grace Jones became one of the most iconic and respected actress-singer-actresses in history. Jones won an Academy Award for her role in Gretta , and in that role she became one of the most widely recognized and respected actresses of the 20th century. As one of the most successful mainstream singing and performing acts of the 1950s, Jones and Fleetwood Mac were among the most recognizable names in rock history. But when she was in her 50’s, Jones found success in a variety of different arts, including film and television acting and producing. Her best-known role was as the brilliant but complicated regent of an alternate reality in the TV series, Once Upon a Time . It was her Broadway performance that was perhaps her most significant, as it sparked a lasting career and led to her songwriting and performing credits including “It’s Not Right, It’s Not Just That” and “What My Heart Will Will”.
Beyoncé
Known for her stunning looks and impressive vocal talent, Beyoncé was one of the most successful pop artists of all time. Her first solo studio album, 1996’s Only Built 4 incentr, was a critical and sales success, and her second album, 2005’s Bouquet of Flowers, topped the charts in both the U.S. and United Kingdom. By 2012, when her third album, 2014’sxs—featuring the smash hit “Drunk in Love”—entered the charts, her legacy as one of music’s most iconic stars was well established. Her success in music is exponential, extending to popular marketing campaigns and charitable donations, as well as investments and business endeavors. Her wealth of experience in the business world has made her a valuable source of information for fans and musicians alike, as well as an inspiration for new and upcoming artists.
Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar was one of the most successful and well-known rappers of all time. Initially signed to the independent label, N.W.A., the Compton-born rapper quickly established himself as a major player in the hip-hop industry. With 2000’s Them, Lamar became one of the most highly respected and popular rappers of all time, selling more than 100 million records worldwide and earning several awards including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. In his later years, he made guest appearances on various television shows and movies, but remained associated with the music and character he cultivated as a young man.
Lady Gaga
Known for her stunning beauty and sultry voice, Lady Gaga was an international pop star from 1994 to 2017. Her early work as a pop star was produced by George Clinton and helped establish her as a leading artist of the new wave of American music. Her breakthrough single “Ding ding, the new rock star arrives” became the first song to top the U.S. charts and has remained a major hit ever since. Her songwriting credits also include “The Power Of Good”, “The Second Rose Of Sunshine”, and “Million Reasons To Celebrate”. Her philanthropic works include the construction of the world’s first e-lined building, the $1.5 billion ARRIS Dome in Los Angeles, and the $1.6 billion ARRIS Medical Complex in Las Vegas.
Bruno Mars
In his 20’s, Bruno Mars was one of the most successful rappers of all time. With hits like “24/7/7”, “Hi hi ho” and “Back to base”, the Miami native became an instant hit in his home country of Brazil. By the end of the decade, he was one of the most successful artists of all time in both the U.S. and Latin America, selling millions of records and winning multiple awards. At the same time, his music and visuals have received widespread critical acclaim and praise, making him perhaps the most relevant and impactful artist of the 21st century.
Jay-Z
Known for his bold, spoken-word work, Jay-Z was one of the most successful and creative rap artists of all time. With raps like “Weight Lifting”, “The Black Keys” and “396”, he became one of the most recognizable and intelligent actors of our time. Like many of the other figures on this list, his success in music was very uneven in its early years. At first, he wasphonespeaking in New York City bars, where he quickly became a local favorite. But his success continued at the same time as he toured America, playing arenas across the country. By the end of the decade, he had established himself as one of the most popular and successful artists of all time.
Gwenodden
Gwenodden was a groundbreaking American artist. Born in 1944 and raised in South Australia, Gwenodden is perhaps best known for her hit single “Scream”, which became one of the first ten million songs to reach No. 1 on the U.S. charts. She was also a leading force in the development of electronic music, her hit singles “Nu-Yo”, “Uptown Funk” and “Stayin’ Alive” all retaining a special importance in the history of digital music.
Ariana Grande
Known for her sultry, chocolatierlike beauty and charming, childlike voice, Ariana Grande became an instant hit in the 2000’s with her hit singles “ HA HA HA ”, “ Puff Puffpuff”, and “ randomly selected character”. Her large number of pre-order and online presales helped her achieve critical and commercial success, and in turn, she became one of the most successful artists of all time. Her success continues today, with her successful tour and film ventures.
Desiree United
A rising young artist from the 1980’s, Desiree United was one of the most popular and successful female singers of the era. First released as an artist in 1987, her debut album, 1996’s I Believed, sold more than a million copies in her native United States alone, and helped establish her as an icon of grunge. Her second album, 1999’s All for You, became an international hit and brought her even more success, selling more than three million copies