Get the latest gossip

Billboard’s Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century: No. 4 — Drake

Drake is one of our Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century for leading hip-hop's takeover of pop in the late 2010s.

And while he may have never had the same sort of larger-than-life persona that pop star peers like Kanye West or Lady Gaga had — he can’t quite match their iconic Grammys or Video Music Awards moments, for instance, or their ability to make headlines with their public statements (fashion, political or otherwise) — Drake found other, more 21st century ways to ensure his cultural impact was always felt. While he smartly declined to chase after big crossover features — even his one teamup with fellow Canadian superstar Justin Bieber, 2012’s “Right Here,” was relegated to deep cut status — he found success hopping on remixes to buzzing singles from up-and-coming hitmakers like Fetty Wap (“My Way”), Migos (“Versace”) and iLoveMakonnen (“Tuesday”). It quickly snowballed into a four-quadrant smash, attracting even more remixes and covers than “Marvins Room,” and absolutely took over the internet — particularly after its accompanying music video, featuring a number of adorably awkward Drake dance moves, became meme fodder for the rest of the year; by late 2015, even certain presidential candidates were singing along and parodying the visual.

Get the Android app