Kendrick Lamar Crowned No. 1 Pop Star of 2024 by Billboard

Kendrick Lamar has claimed the top spot as the No. 1 pop star of 2024 on Billboard’s annual “Greatest Pop Star by Year” list, marking a remarkable year for the rapper. The list, curated by Billboard’s editorial staff, features some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Beyoncé at No. 8, Drake as an honorable mention, and Shaboozey, named Rookie of the Year. But it was Lamar who emerged as the leader of the pack, surpassing Sabrina Carpenter at No. 2 and Taylor Swift at No. 3.

Billboard’s Andrew Unterberger highlighted what made Kendrick Lamar’s 2024 so special. While Lamar’s previous work had already cemented his place in hip hop history, his 2024 output proved that he was capable of taking his artistry to new heights. “He showed that he could do things we’d never even seen from him before,” wrote Unterberger, emphasizing how Lamar pushed the boundaries of what was possible for a rapper in today’s music scene.

Lamar’s success wasn’t just a reminder of his past achievements but a demonstration of his ability to create monumental cultural moments. His music continued to dominate the charts and the streets, with the rapper achieving a level of influence and visibility that seemed to surpass any of his contemporaries. As Unterberger noted, Lamar’s 2024 accomplishments showed his capacity to dominate both commercially and culturally, emerging victorious not only against his direct peers but across the broader landscape of popular music.

Despite Lamar’s dominance in Billboard’s rankings, the 2024 Billboard Music Awards presented a different narrative. There, Drake emerged as the winner of Top Rap Artist, besting Lamar and other heavyweights like Future, Metro Boomin, and Travis Scott. Drake also secured the awards for Top Rap Album and Top Rap Male Artist, with his album For All the Dogs topping releases from 21 Savage, Future, Metro, Nicki Minaj, and Rod Wave. However, Lamar did not leave empty-handed—his diss track “Not Like Us” won the Top Rap Song award, marking a significant victory in the ongoing rivalry between the two rap titans.

While Billboard’s awards are based on chart performance, Kendrick Lamar’s recognition as the greatest pop star of 2024 reflects his unparalleled influence and artistry, which transcend traditional boundaries of genre. This honor underscores Lamar’s ability to maintain cultural relevance and artistic innovation, securing his place at the forefront of contemporary music.