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DJ Khalil - The Secrets to a 5x Grammy Award Winning Career as a Music Producer

May 18, 2023

Anyone within the hip-hop scene knows the name, DJ Khalil. He gained popularity for both his music-producing and DJing skills. The other day, Sonical.ly had a chance to sit down and talk with DJ Khal

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Ed Sheeran Successfully Defends Himself in Copyright Trial

May 7, 2023

Copyright infringement cases are very much on the rise in the music industry. Recently, Ed Sheeran was on the receiving end of one. Fortunately for him and the music industry as a whole, he won. Who

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How AI Technology Impacts Artists’ Rights

April 28, 2023

Artificial Intelligence (aka AI) is not a new thing. It has been used for various purposes like social media algorithms and Siri on your phone. However, for the first time, AI is being used in

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Who is Kiana Ledé?: The Story Behind the “Jealous” Singer

April 28, 2023

From Kidz Bop idol to R&B and pop singer, Kiana Ledé has fully planted herself within the music industry. The release of her latest single “Jealous” featuring Ella Mai adds to her growing achievements

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Breaking The Silence: A Look At Mental Health In The K-pop Industry

April 23, 2023

In the past few years, the K-pop culture has experienced a number of suicides, which has devastated the Korean entertainment industry. Sulli from f(x), Jonghyun from SHINee, Goo Hara from KARA, and

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Breaking Down The Genius of SZA’s Album ‘SOS’

April 20, 2023

Since SZA has released her latest album ‘SOS’, it has made a lot of buzz in the music industry. The album has received positive reviews for its combination of R&B, pop, and hip-hop and featured.....

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Korean Indie/Pop Rock Bands You Need To Know: Day6, The Rose, & HYUKOH

April 20, 2023

With K-pop bands like BTS, BLACKPINK, TWICE, and SEVENTEEN, Korean music has been on the rise over the past ten years. But Korea’s music culture doesn’t stop there....

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Show Me The Money: South Korea’s No. 1 Rap Competition

April 10, 2023

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WONHO: Rising Success After Departure From Monsta X

April 8, 2023

In October 2019, member of the K-pop group Monsta X, WONHO, faced allegations of drug usage, resulting in his departure from the group. Fans were disheartened by the news of him leaving and wondered..

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BMI’s Court Case Win Helps Songwriters in the Live Music Industry

April 1, 2023

Songwriters, composers, and publishers have long been underpaid when it comes to the live concert industry. However, a successful court case may be the first step to changing that.....

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How Has Social Media and Music Platforms Influenced and Evolved Music Creators?

March 28, 2023

Society has always placed a high value on music. As technology starts to become more part of our lives, social media and music platforms have become more and more prominent in the music business....

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The 24th Annual Latin Grammy Awards Put The Spotlight On Songwriters

March 28, 2023

The Latin GRAMMY Awards are changing it up this year for songwriters! On March 21, 2023, The Latin Recording Academy released a press release announcing various additions and changes to the awards...

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Taylor Swift Named No. 2 on Billboard’s Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century List

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Taylor Swift has once again cemented her legacy in the music industry, earning the number two spot on Billboard’s Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century list. This recognition celebrates Swift's extraordinary impact on the world of pop music, solidifying her place among the most influential artists of the past two decades.  

A Legacy of Reinvention and Domination  

Since debuting in 2006, Swift has continuously reinvented her sound and image, transitioning from a country music darling to a global pop icon. Her discography spans multiple genres, from the synth-heavy beats of 1989 to the introspective indie-folk sound of Folklore and Evermore. Albums like Midnights and her record-breaking re-recordings, including Red (Taylor’s Version) and Speak Now (Taylor’s Version), showcase her versatility and her ability to dominate the charts with every release.  

Swift's influence extends beyond music, shaping cultural conversations with her storytelling, activism, and business acumen. Her songwriting prowess, often autobiographical in nature, has resonated deeply with fans worldwide, earning her numerous accolades, including 12 Grammy Awards and multiple Artist of the Decade honors.  

A Polarizing Ranking  

While many fans celebrated Swift’s high placement on the list, the announcement also sparked debates. Some argued that Swift’s unparalleled success, especially in the past few years with the Eras Tour breaking records and her dominance on streaming platforms, warranted the number one spot. Others speculated that Beyoncé, known for her own groundbreaking career, would take the top position when the full list is revealed.  

The discussion underscores the enduring impact of both artists, each of whom has redefined the pop music landscape in unique ways. Swift’s ability to pivot between genres and her unmatched connection with her fanbase have set a new standard for what it means to be a pop star in the 21st century.  

Billboard’s Apology  

Adding a layer of controversy, Billboard faced backlash after including a snippet of Kanye West’s 2016 song “Famous” in a video honoring Swift’s placement on the list. The clip referenced a longstanding and publicized feud between the two artists, drawing ire from Swift’s fans, who viewed it as unnecessary and disrespectful.  

Following widespread criticism on social media, Billboard removed the clip, reposted the video without the controversial segment, and issued a public apology. The incident reignited discussions about the media’s portrayal of Swift and her history of navigating public scrutiny with resilience and grace.  

Swift’s Unstoppable Momentum  

This recognition from Billboard comes during a historic period in Swift’s career. Her Eras Tour, which celebrates every era of her music, has become a global phenomenon, smashing box office records and generating an estimated $4 billion in economic impact in the U.S. alone. Meanwhile, her re-recorded albums continue to dominate the charts, with 1989 (Taylor’s Version) debuting at number one on the Billboard 200.  

Swift’s influence also extends to the film world, with her Eras Tour concert film becoming one of the highest-grossing concert films of all time. Additionally, Swift’s directorial debut, a feature-length film currently in production, has fans eagerly anticipating yet another artistic venture.  

A Pop Icon for the Ages  

As the pop music landscape evolves, Taylor Swift remains at its center, continually breaking barriers and setting records. Her placement on Billboard’s list is a testament to her enduring influence, but it is also a reminder of her ability to adapt, innovate, and connect with audiences on a deeply personal level.  

Whether or not she claims the number one spot, one thing is certain: Taylor Swift’s impact on the 21st century is unparalleled, and her legacy as one of the greatest pop stars of all time is secure.