Kendrick Lamar Tops Billboard’s Greatest Pop Stars of 2024
Kendrick Lamar has been officially named the No. 1 Pop Star of 2024 by Billboard in their annual “Greatest Pop Star by Year” list. Known for his unparalleled artistry and cultural impact, Lamar claimed the top spot over prominent contenders such as Sabrina Carpenter at No. 2 and Taylor Swift at No. 3.
The list, curated by Billboard’s editorial team, also featured Beyoncé at No. 8, with Drake earning an honorable mention. Rising artist Shaboozey was recognized as the Rookie of the Year for 2024.
A Year of New Heights
Billboard’s Andrew Unterberger lauded Lamar for redefining his legacy in 2024.
“What made Kendrick Lamar’s 2024 so remarkable was that he didn’t just remind us of all the reasons why he was so big at his commercial and cultural peak – he showed that he could do things we’d never even seen from him before,” Unterberger noted.
Lamar demonstrated his ability to create cultural milestones with immense historical significance, resonating across streets, charts, and global stages. In doing so, he solidified his place as a dominant force, not just within hip-hop but across all genres of popular music.
A Snub at the Awards?
While Lamar was celebrated as Billboard’s Greatest Pop Star of the Year, the 2024 Billboard Music Awards painted a different picture. Despite his outstanding achievements, Drake was awarded Top Rap Artist over Lamar earlier this month, reigniting debates about the two rap titans’ influence.
Kendrick Lamar’s 2024 journey not only cements his reign as a global icon but also highlights his ability to break boundaries and inspire a generation. His continued evolution keeps him firmly at the center of the cultural zeitgeist.
