The inclusion of 50 Cent, Cardi B, and Doja Cat as honorable mentions in Billboard’s list of the best pop stars of the century is a testament to their impact on the music industry. While they may not have made the final cut for the top 25, their contributions to the genre cannot be overlooked.
Starting with 50 Cent, his rise to fame in the early 2000s with hits like “In Da Club” and “21 Questions” solidified his status as a rap icon. However, after a publicized sales battle with Kanye West in 2007, his career took a bit of a downturn. Despite this, 50 Cent continued to release music and explore other ventures such as acting and business investments. Although he may not have had the same level of chart-topping success in recent years, his impact on hip-hop and pop culture as a whole is undeniable.
Cardi B burst onto the scene in 2017 with her breakout hit “Bodak Yellow,” which quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Her debut album, “Invasion of Privacy,” further solidified her status as a major player in the music industry. While Cardi has continued to release hit songs and collaborate with other artists, her mainstream breakthrough came later in the quarter-century time frame that Billboard’s list covers. Despite this, her influence on the pop music landscape cannot be denied.
Doja Cat is a more recent addition to the music scene, but her unique blend of pop, R&B, and hip-hop has garnered her widespread acclaim. Hits like “Say So” and “Kiss Me More” have solidified her as a force to be reckoned with in the industry. While she may not have the same level of longevity as some of the other artists on the list, her impact on pop music in the past few years is undeniable.
In conclusion, while 50 Cent, Cardi B, and Doja Cat may not have made the final cut for Billboard’s list of the best pop stars of the century, their contributions to the music industry are still worthy of recognition. Each artist has had a significant impact on the genre in their own unique way, and their inclusion as honorable mentions is a testament to their talent and influence.
