Kendrick Lamar has achieved a historic milestone by being named Billboard’s ‘Greatest Pop Star’ of 2024, marking a significant moment as only the second rapper to receive this prestigious recognition since Drake’s win in 2018. This achievement comes during a year dominated by his high-profile musical rivalry with Drake, which produced several chart-topping hits including his number one single ‘Not Like Us.’
The announcement coincides with another groundbreaking moment in Billboard chart history, as Mariah Carey’s perennial holiday classic ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ has equaled the record for longest-running number one song on the Billboard Hot 100. The festive favorite now shares this remarkable achievement with Lil Nas X’s ‘Old Town Road’ and Shaboozey’s ‘A Bar Song (Tipsy),’ each having spent an unprecedented 17 weeks at the top spot.
This dual celebration marks a watershed moment in music industry history, highlighting the continued dominance and influence of Black artists across diverse musical genres. The fact that all three record-holding songs for longest-running number one hits are by Black lead artists underscores the profound impact of African American artists on popular music.
Lamar’s ascension to Billboard’s greatest pop star status is particularly noteworthy given his roots in hip-hop, a genre that has historically been underrepresented in mainstream pop recognition. His successful year was largely fueled by his lyrical confrontation with Drake, which captivated audiences and dominated music charts throughout 2024. The beef between these two rap titans generated significant cultural discourse while simultaneously producing commercially successful music, demonstrating hip-hop’s continuing evolution as a dominant force in popular culture.
The achievement places Lamar in an elite category of artists who have managed to bridge the gap between critical acclaim and commercial success. His ability to maintain artistic integrity while achieving mainstream recognition has set him apart in an industry often criticized for prioritizing commercial appeal over artistic quality. The honor from Billboard validates not just his commercial success but also his cultural impact and artistic innovation.
Meanwhile, Carey’s achievement with ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ represents a different kind of milestone. The song’s enduring popularity and its ability to consistently return to the top of the charts during the holiday season speaks to its status as a modern classic. This achievement is particularly remarkable considering the song was released in 1994, proving that truly timeless music can continue to resonate with new generations of listeners.
The parallel between these three record-holding songs – Carey’s holiday standard, Lil Nas X’s country-rap fusion, and Shaboozey’s genre-blending hit – demonstrates the diverse ways in which Black artists have shaped and continue to influence popular music. Each song represents a different genre and style, yet all have achieved the same remarkable level of commercial success.
This convergence of achievements by Lamar and Carey at the close of 2024 provides a fitting commentary on the state of popular music. It highlights both the continuing evolution of hip-hop as a mainstream force and the enduring power of well-crafted pop music to capture the public’s imagination across generations.
As we look ahead, these milestones suggest a music industry that is increasingly recognizing and celebrating diverse voices and styles. Lamar’s recognition as the greatest pop star of 2024 and the historic achievement shared by Carey, Lil Nas X, and Shaboozey point to a future where artistic excellence and commercial success need not be mutually exclusive, and where barriers between genres continue to dissolve.
These developments represent not just personal triumphs for the artists involved but also significant moments in the ongoing evolution of popular music. They serve as powerful reminders of the vital role that Black artists continue to play in shaping and defining contemporary popular culture.
