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Dave Meyers: The Visionary Behind Pop’s Most Iconic Music Videos

July 16, 2025

In an era where music and visuals are inextricably linked, one name continues to shape the language of modern music videos: Dave Meyers. With a career that spans over three decades, director Dave...

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4 Toronto artists make the Polaris Music Prize short list, but Quebec leads the way

July 16, 2025

This July, the Polaris Music Prize jury unveiled its 10-album shortlist for 2025—a list led numerically by Quebec acts but featuring four shining entries from Toronto. For a city whose scene often...

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Fictional Idols vs. Real Charts: K-Pop Demon Hunters’ Unbelievable Spotify Takeover

July 16, 2025

What happens when a fictional K-pop boy band outsells the real ones? In a twist straight out of a dystopian idol fanfic, the animated groups Huntr/x and Saja Boys—created for Netflix’s explosive...

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Conan Gray’s “Vodka Cranberry” Is a Late-Night Cry for Closure—and a Glimpse Into His Most Vulnerable Album Yet

July 16, 2025

Drunk calls. Crying in the dark. Lingering heartbreak. Conan Gray’s new single “Vodka Cranberry” isn’t just a song—it’s a full-blown emotional unraveling, and fans are already bracing themselves...

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Jinu from K-Pop Demon Hunters Is Actually a K-Pop Legend - Meet Andrew Choi

July 15, 2025

Andrew Choi was already a hidden force in real-world K-pop before becoming Jinu, the soulful lead of the animated boy band Saja Boys, a member of the K-Pop Demon Hunters. Choi co-wrote the quiet....

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Justin Bieber Just Dropped the Swaggiest Album of the Year

July 13, 2025

Let’s be honest: when most pop stars go quiet, we assume they’re recharging in Bali, journaling in silk robes. Not Justin Bieber. Nah, he went into full stealth mode, dropped a random “SWAG”...

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KATSEYE Tickets for their concert tour “Beautiful Chaos,” Vanish Faster Than Eyeliner in a Heatwave — Sold Out & Slayed

July 13, 2025

It’s official: KATSEYE didn’t just sell out, they served out. Every single ticket to their upcoming live shows? Gone. Vamoosed. Snatched like a wig in a wind tunnel.The global girl group, part...

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Backstreet’s Back (Again!): Millennium 2.0 Is the Comeback We Didn’t Know We Needed, but Now Can’t Live Without

July 13, 2025

Cue the frosted tips, cargo pants, and emotional harmonies, because the Backstreet Boys just dropped Millennium 2.0, and let’s just say, everybody (yeahhh!) is losing their minds.Yes, that’s right...

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Tyla’s “IS IT” Hits Different—And It’s Definitely It, Baby!

July 13, 2025

Tyla just slid into our summer soundtrack with her new track “IS IT”, and let me tell you, it is everything. No cap. Straight off the jump, you get those booming amapiano kicks and warped vocal...

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Blackpink Reunite With Explosive New Track “Jump” as Deadline World Tour Takes Off

July 13, 2025

The wait is officially over: Blackpink is back—louder, bolder, and more united than ever. On the opening night of their highly anticipated Deadline World Tour, the global K-pop phenomenon debuted...

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Justin Bieber Speaks Out: Anger, Boundaries, and the Struggle Behind the Spotlight

July 13, 2025

Justin Bieber has never been a stranger to the spotlight—but this time, the glare feels more personal. In a series of emotional posts, the global superstar cracked open the curated image fans often...

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Coldplay Made the Universe Feel Small at Toronto’s Most Unexpected Venue

July 13, 2025

When Coldplay’s Chris Martin looked out into the crowd at Toronto’s brand-new Rogers Stadium on July 8 and joked, “This is a very bizarre stadium a million miles from Earth,” we all laughed—but he...

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Songs That Kick Started Careers

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Photo Source: Getty Images

Shake It Off - Taylor Swift

"Shake It Off" is a smash-hit song by Taylor Swift, released in 2014 as the lead single from her fifth studio album, "1989." The upbeat and infectious track marked a significant shift in Taylor Swift's musical style, transitioning from country to pop. Its catchy melody, fun lyrics, and positive message resonated with audiences worldwide. The song's release was accompanied by a vibrant and colourful music video, further amplifying its popularity. "Shake It Off" received widespread airplay, topping the billboard charts in various countries and earning Taylor Swift numerous accolades. Its commercial success and infectious appeal played a pivotal role in solidifying Taylor Swift's status as a global pop superstar till this day. 

Can't Feel My Face - The Weeknd

The Weeknd's "Can't Feel My Face" was a turning point in his career, catapulting him to mainstream success. Released in 2015 on his album called “beauty behind the madness”, the infectious and upbeat track showcased his unique blend of R&B, pop, and electronic music. With cleverly masked drug-related lyrics, the song received widespread attention , firmly establishing The Weeknd as a major force in the music industry. It placed him on a high pedestal in the mainstream and showcased his versatility as an artist, leading to numerous award nominations.

Slow Jamz - Kanye West

Released in 2004 as part of his debut album The College Dropout, "Slow Jamz" was a pivotal song that kick-started Kanye West's illustrious career. The track, featuring Twista and Jamie Foxx, became a massive hit, reaching the top of the charts and earning critical acclaim. The song showcased Kanye's distinctive production style and clever lyricism, cementing his reputation as a trailblazing artist. 

The Way - Ariana grande

“The Way" is Ariana Grande's 2013 debut single which was also a song on her album “Yours Truly”, featuring the late rapper Mac Miller. This catchy R&B-pop track showcased Ariana's powerful vocals and received widespread acclaim from music critics. Its success catapulted her to stardom, establishing her as one of the most influential pop artists of her generation.

Best I Ever Had - Drake

In 2009, Drake achieved a significant breakthrough when he dropped the mixtape "So Far Gone," featuring the popular single "Best I Ever Had." The release of this mixtape sparked a fierce competition among record labels, leading Drake to sign with Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment, which operates under Cash Money. By the end of the year, the label re-released "So Far Gone" as an EP, making Drake's music a rising success in the music industry.

Good Girl Gone Bad - Rihanna

Incorporating dance-pop elements, Rihanna's third album, "Good Girl Gone Bad" (2007), solidified her position as a prominent icon in the music industry. The Grammy-winning single "Umbrella" not only marked her first prestigious accolade but also propelled her to international fame.

Sign of the Times - Harry Styles

Harry Styles' song "Sign of the Times" marked a significant turning point in his career after departing from the global sensation One Direction. Released in 2017 as his debut solo single, the track showcased Harry's artistic maturity and versatility as a solo artist. The song's epic, anthemic sound and poignant lyrics resonated with audiences worldwide, earning him critical acclaim and widespread recognition. "Sign of the Times" not only solidified Harry Styles' status as a serious musician beyond his boy band origins but also propelled him to become a successful and respected solo artist in his own right.

The careers of these popular artists were undeniably shaped and accelerated by their breakout songs. These songs not only kick-started their careers but also left an indelible mark on the music industry.