Billboard has been unveiling its list of the 25 Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century, and now it’s Eminem’s turn to shine. Ranked at No. 12, he is recognized not only for his explosive early success but for maintaining his presence and impact over two decades.
Eminem’s commercial peak at the start of the century remains unmatched in the rap world. Billboard’s tribute to his career highlights his monumental rise, where he went from underground battle-rapper to a global sensation within just a few years. At a time dominated by pop stars and nu-metal bands, Eminem stood out, pushing boundaries both musically and culturally. His influence extended beyond hip hop, shaping a new generation of artists across various genres.
Here’s how Billboard reflects on his legacy:
“At the peak of the TRL era, Eminem’s commercial dominance and sheer cultural presence made him the biggest artist of the time. The numbers he put up were jaw-dropping, and even though his later career hasn’t quite matched the ferocity of his early 2000s reign, no other rapper has come close to replicating his impact”.
You can read a complete and detailed account of Eminem’s career on the magazine’s website.
While Eminem’s golden era may seem like a distant memory to some, his imprint on music remains clear, influencing stars like Juice WRLD, Kendrick Lamar, and even pop singers like Ed Sheeran and The Weeknd. His presence today is not just a reminder of past glory — it is an ongoing force. In 2024, he continues to break records, receiving two MTV VMAs this year and debuting his latest album at No.1 on the Billboard charts for the 11th time in a row.
Billboard has highlighted Eminem’s Achievements in the 21st Century:
– 15 Grammys
– 17 Billboard Music Awards
– 14 MTV Music Awards
– 11 Billboard No.1 albums
Here are the artists added to Billboard’s Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century list so far:
No. 13 Nicki Minaj
No. 14 Justin Timberlake
No. 15 Miley Cyrus
No. 16 Jay-Z
No. 17 Shakira
No. 18 The Weeknd
No. 19 BTS
No. 20 Bruno Mars
No. 21 Lil Wayne
No. 22 One Direction
No. 23 Bad Bunny
No. 24 Ed Sheeran
No. 25 Katy Perry
