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BEYONCÉ has been named the greatest pop star of the 21st century by Billboard, the music charting site has announced as part of an ongoing series.
“Beyoncé tops our staff-chosen editorial list based on her full 25 years of influence, impact, evolution,” Billboard’s Andrew Unterberger wrote.
In their analysis, the publication wrote that Beyoncé’s place at the top of their list stems from the record-setting Grammy winner being a performer and creator, “whose commitment to innovation, evolution and all-around excellence has made her the bar against which all other pop stars this century have long been measured” over the past 25 years.
Beyoncé is the most Grammy-winning artiste, with a record 32 wins and — after earning 11 more nods for her 2024 album “Cowboy Carter” — is expected to scoop up more trophies come January.
The “Texas Hold ‘Em” singer has a deep history on Billboard’s charts as well.
She has nine number one songs and 24 top 10 songs on the Hot 100.
Eight of her albums have claimed the number 1 spot on the Billboard 200 album’s chart, starting with her 2003 debut solo album “Dangerously in Love”.
After previously dominating the airwaves as part of girl group Destiny’s Child, 11 of Beyoncé’s solo albums have charted in Billboard’s top 10.
Since August, Billboard has been ranking their staff picks for the top 25 pop artistes of the past 25 years.
The publication’s picks are artistes whom they believe have defined pop stardom most and have “exemplified pop greatness” since the turn of the millennium.
Last week, Taylor Swift was announced Billboard’s number two pick, with Rihanna claiming the third spot.
Adele, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga and Drake round out the top 10.
At number 25 is Katy Perry, with other pop artistes, including Bad Bunny, The Weeknd, One Direction, Miley Cyrus, Eminem and Usher, ranking in between. — Wires
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Eminem’s mother dies
Debbie Nelson, the single mother of rapper Eminem, whose rocky relationship with her son was known widely through his hit song lyrics, has died.
She was 69.
Eminem’s long-time representative, Dennis Dennehy, confirmed Nelson’s death in an email on Tuesday.
He did not provide the cause of death, although Nelson had battled lung cancer.
Nelson was born in 1955 at a military base in Kansas. Her fraught relationship with her son, whose real name is Marshall Mathers III, has been no secret since the Detroit rapper became a star.
Eminem has disparaged his mother in songs such as the 2002 single “Cleaning Out My Closet”.
He sings: “Witnessin’ your mama poppin’ prescription pills in the kitchen . . . My whole life I was made to believe I was sick when I wasn’t.”
In lyrics from his Oscar-winning hit “Lose Yourself” from the movie “8 Mile”, his feelings seem to have simmered, referencing his “mom’s spaghetti”.
The song went on to win best rap song at the 2004 Grammy Awards.
Nelson brought and settled a pair of defamation lawsuits over Eminem’s statements about her in magazines and on radio talk shows.
In her 2008 book, “My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem”, she attempted to set the record straight by providing readers with details about the rapper’s early life, writing that Eminem had forgotten the good times they had.
“Marshall and I were so close that friends and relatives commented that it was as if the umbilical cord had never been cut,” she wrote. — Wires
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Nadia Nakai’s heartfelt tribute to AKA
Nadia Nakai recently touched hearts when she shared a picture of herself holding a pair of Kiernan “AKA” Forbes’ new SneAKA 2.0 sneakers.
This latest release from Reebok, in collaboration with the late rapper’s brand, celebrates AKA’s legacy as one of Mzansi’s most influential sneakerheads.
The sneakers have caused quite a frenzy in South Africa, with the Megacy queueing outside stores to grab a pair.
Within just two days, most sizes were sold out, leaving fans begging Reebok to restock. It is no surprise the collection is flying off shelves — AKA’s influence on fashion and music has always been legendary.
Nakai’s gesture of proudly showing off her pair adds a personal touch to the story.
An image of the rapper holding the iconic sneakers, reminding everyone of the close bond she had with AKA, was shared.
The post read: “Nadia Nakai received her pair of AKA’s new Reebok sneakers, a special tribute to the rapper’s legacy.”
The SneAKA 2.0 is a way for fans to celebrate AKA’s life and keep his memory alive. It also shows how brands and collaborators can honour the legacies of those who have left a huge mark on South African culture.
From his timeless music to his iconic style, AKA’s impact continues to inspire his fans.
Earlier this year, Nakai opened up about her grief and how the loss of her partner has been incredibly difficult. — Wires
Online Reporter