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Forbes
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
How To Plan The Perfect Weekend In Barcelona For Primavera Sound
The 2025 edition of Barcelona's iconic Primavera Sound music festival is taking place June 5-7. Some say it is one of the top music festivals in the world. Others call it the best weekend of the year in Barcelona. What is undeniable is that Barcelona's iconic Primavera Sound is one of the most exciting annual events for music lovers, famed for championing diversity, with an eclectic lineup that sees big-name legends performing alongside edgy indie acts, top DJs and the hottest rising stars of the international music scene. It is also one of Barcelona's largest annual tourist draws. No other festival can compete with Primavera Sound's urban beachfront location. Unlike other festivals that involve camping in a field that inevitably transforms into a mud-fueled frenzy (looking at you, Glastonbury), Primavera Sound is almost always sunny. Add an enviable waterfront setting on the edge of central Barcelona and plenty of dry, clean, air-conditioned hotels just a short cab ride away, and you'll begin to see the appeal. With headliners including last year's breakout star, queer pop princess Chappell Roan, alongside fan favorites Charli XCX and Sabrina Carpenter, supported by acts like Troye Sivan, LCD Soundsystem, and Jamie XX, it will come as no surprise that all the tickets for the 2025 edition sold out five months ahead of time. If you happen to be one of the lucky 100,000 or so ticket holders (last year's event was attended by 130,000 unique visitors), here's the skinny on how to make the most of what is arguably the best weekend of the year in Barcelona. Primavera Sound: "From Barcelona to the world". Unlike other music festivals, you don't need to take a coach or know how to pitch a tent to attend Primavera Sound. The El Maresme | Fòrum metro stop (take the L4/yellow line from Passeig de Gràcia or from El Borne/the Gothic Quarter at Jaume I) is a short walk from the Parc del Fòrum festival space (although the Selva de Mar stop may be a better bet at busy times). Getting back is trickier. The metro stops running at midnight on weeknights and 2 a.m. on Fridays–although it operates throughout the night on Saturday–and the line for taxis seems endless, but your best bet is still to get in line and wait. Night buses also operate from Fòrum to Plaça Catalunya every night until around 5 a.m. Walking is not advised unless you are staying nearby. "Midwest Princess" Chappell Roan is one of the most anticipated acts at Primavera Sound 2025. The first rule of Primavera Sound is this: wear comfortable shoes. No matter how cute your outfit, the festival area is huge and nobody wants to see you do 20,000-plus steps in anything other than your comfiest sneakers. You can bring your own food into the festival area, but no drinks. Although, with vendors selling everything from burgers to pizzas, Spanish omelettes, dumplings, and açaí bowls–with lots of veggie options on offer too–there really is no need. More importantly, don't forgot to pack sunscreen, a sweater in case it gets chilly after dark, and a power bank. There are two main stages at Primavera Sound: Estrella Damm and Revolut. This is where you will want to base yourself if your musical tastes are more mainstream. Over the three days, these two stages will host the likes of FKA Twigs, Jaime XX, Charli XCX and Troye Sivan on Thursday 5 June, Wolf Alice, HAIM and Sabrina Carpenter on Friday 6 June, and Chappell Roan and LCD Soundsystem on Saturday 7 June. Troye Sivan, seen here performing at Primavera Sound in 2024, will be back again this year. (Photo by Xavi Torrent/Redferns) The Amazon Music stage, with performances from Parcels, Stereolab, Carolina Durante, and Turnstile, will preside over the entrance esplanade. Under the solar panel, another iconic Parc del Fòrum photo opportunity, the Trainline and Schwarzkopf stages will take turns delivering more than twelve hours of music every day. Kelly Lee Owens, The Dare, The Jesus Lizard, Los Campesinos! and Yung Beef will perform here. For electronic music buffs, the brand-new Plenitude by Nitsa stage can be found en route to the main stages. At the bottom of the amphitheater, the Cupra stage is back in its traditional location by the sea, ready to close each one of the three main days with acts including Armand Van Helden, Amelie Lens and Danny L Harle. This year will see the debut of the new CUPRA Pulse stage, a club within the festival, that reinforces Spanish automotive brand CUPRA's commitment to the most cutting-edge sounds on the planet, with performances from LSDXOXO, DJ Playero, Crystallmess, La Chat, DJ Caio Prince, and Big Ang, among others. Primavera Sound is famous for its eclectic lineups, and for championing diversity and inclusivity. Additional stages include The Levi's Warehouse, home to some of the festival's most elusive sounds; The Levi's Plaza, a new space that will mix international and local talent; The 501 Club, a new musical mystery to be solved; an invitation to dance by Revolut Club; and the Barcelona Sona by Estrella Damm and Aperol Island of Joy stages, featuring concerts and DJ sets on the Primavera Sound promenade. Primavera Sound has long been a champion of diversity and sustainability, as it continues to work according to the Nobody is Normal protocol, which stands against sexism, transphobia, homophobia, lesbophobia, and any other attempt to influence the festival experience of any attendee. The protocol was first implemented in 2019 , the year Primavera Sound set a precedent with the first gender-equal lineup in its history. Further, up to seven stages at this year's festival will be powered by clean energy thanks to the technology of Plenitude, Primavera Sound's sustainability partner, while sustainable mobility will be facilitated thanks to an agreement with TRAM Barcelona, a shuttle bus service and a free bicycle parking rank next to the venue. You can't visit Barcelona without going for a swim in the Mediterranean. The Primavera Sound action is not restricted to the three main days at Parc del Fòrum. Alongside the main programming, Primavera a la Ciutat program offers a series of concerts and DJ sets taking place around the city throughout the week, in venues such as Razzmatazz, Apolo, and 62. Some require advance ticket purchase, while others are free to attend. All this before grand finale on Sunday, June 8, at the Parc del Fòrum: an open-air, beachfront, daytime dance floor brought to you by Primavera Bits x Nitsa. But there is more to Barcelona than music. While in the Catalan capital, you won't want to miss an opportunity to check out the progress at la Sagrada Família (allegedly on track to be completed in 2026), hike up the green hill of Montjuïc to the Joan Miró museum and Mies van der Rohe Pavilion, go for a swim in the Mediterranean, indulge in some retail therapy in Passeig de Gràcia, get lost in the winding alleyways of El Borne and gorge yourself on tapas and cava. Barcelona is one of the world's top eating and drinking destinations and, while bookings for the world's best restaurant, Disfrutar, sell out faster than Primavera Sound tickets, you can still bag a table at the current number three bar in the world, Sips, or one of the hottest new restaurants in town, serving everything from tapas to paella to Mexican-Catalan fusion food. SLS Barcelona is the place to see and be seen this summer in Barcelona If you are in Barcelona for Primavera Sound and want to avoid the inevitable public transport and taxi chaos at the end of the night, your best bet is to stay near Fòrum. In the past, that meant choosing one of the rather tired high-rise hotels that dominate this neighborhood but, as of this year, there is a brand-new hotel in town and it's less than a five-minute walk from the festival area. Open since April 2025, SLS Barcelona is upping the glam factor in this part of town. Colorful, quirky and full of fun, this new urban resort is home to no fewer than 471 rooms and suites, three swimming pools, six brand-new food and drinks venues—including Kyara, a retro-futuristic cocktail lounge, Lora, a superb Mediterranean restaurant and grill, and L'Anxova Divina tapas bar (the latter two of which are great options for anyone looking to enjoy a top-notch lunch or dinner before heading to the venue). Opening later this summer, Cósmico, will be the hotel's rooftop playground, complete with a pool, bar and nightclub. At the time of writing, you can still snag one of SLS Barcelona's last Primavera Sound packages: a spectacular waterfront suite with VIP access to the festival included.
Black America Web
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Childish Gambino: A Genius Shaped by Diverse Influences
Source: Phillip Faraone/VF24 / Getty Donald Glover, better known by his stage name Childish Gambino, is an artist defined by his versatility and relentless ambition. Whether it's acting, writing, or making music, Gambino's work reflects a complex web of influences that spans genres and generations. From hip-hop legends like OutKast, Eminem, and Kanye West to funk and soul trailblazers such as Funkadelic and Sly & The Family Stone, and even the shimmering beats of LCD Soundsystem, Gambino's artistry is a melting pot of inspirations. This collision of styles and sounds has given birth to some of the most innovative projects in modern music. A standout example of these influences coming to life is his critically acclaimed album Awaken, My Love! , which wears its funk and soul inspirations on its sleeve while offering a distinctly modern twist. The Funkadelic Spark Behind Awaken, My Love! Full albumbelow. Released in 2016, Awaken, My Love! marked a dramatic departure from Gambino's earlier projects, trading sharp raps for soulful crooning and psychedelic funk arrangements. The album channels the raw energy and emotional depth of 1970s funk, heavily inspired by artists like Funkadelic and Sly & The Family Stone. Glover himself has credited these pioneers as integral to the album's creation. RELATED | Childish Gambino Surprise Drops New Album 'Atavista' & Announces World Tour Growing up, his father played records like Funkadelic's Maggot Brain , which Glover described as both 'sexual and scary' in an interview with Billboard . Sly Stone's ability to blend political messaging with groovy, genre-defying sounds also had a lasting impact on Gambino's vision for Awaken, My Love! A prime example of this influence is the track 'Redbone.' Its falsetto vocals and hypnotic bassline evoke Bootsy Collins-era Funkadelic while maintaining a contemporary edge. The haunting yet seductive tone of the song mirrors the visceral feelings Glover recalled experiencing when hearing Funkadelic as a child. Beyond its funk roots, 'Redbone' became a cultural anthem, finding renewed fame in the Oscar-winning film Get Out . See the scene in the movie below where Redbone is playing: One of the most fascinating connections between Gambino and his influences is the thread tying his work to artists like OutKast. Known for their fearless innovation and unapologetic eccentricity, OutKast opened doors for hip-hop to venture into uncharted territories. Their influence is particularly evident in Gambino's commitment to constantly reinventing his sound. Take 'Me and Your Mama,' the opening track of Awaken, My Love! It fuses the operatic grandeur of OutKast's The Love Below with the wild experimentation of vintage funk, proving that Gambino, much like Andre 3000, thrives in defying expectations. Similarly, LCD Soundsystem's electronic landscapes helped shape Gambino's earlier works, particularly in his album Because the Internet . Full album below. Tracks like '3005' incorporate the layered synths and emotional vulnerability reminiscent of James Murphy's best works. The fusion of electronic and emotional storytelling laid the groundwork for the soul-baring moments found later in Awaken, My Love! A Legacy in the Making Childish Gambino's artistry is a testament to how inspiration can be both a tribute to the past and a springboard into the future. By channeling the poetry of OutKast, the rawness of Funkadelic, and the intricacies of LCD Soundsystem, he has created a body of work that feels timeless yet refreshingly original. What makes Gambino's craft so compelling is not just the influences he draws from, but how he transforms them. He doesn't merely mimic; he reimagines. With Awaken, My Love! , the artist took the funk and soul soundscapes of the '70s and introduced them to a modern audience, ensuring that the music that inspired him lives on in new and vital ways. Childish Gambino's evolution proves that no genre or era exists in isolation. Instead, music flows across time, offering endless roots and rhythms to inspire the artists of tomorrow. Take a look below at some of the music from artists Childish Gambino has been influenced by. Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Portola Reveals 2025 Lineup With LCD Soundsystem, Chemical Brothers, and The Prodigy
The post Portola Reveals 2025 Lineup With LCD Soundsystem, Chemical Brothers, and The Prodigy appeared first on Consequence. San Francisco's Portola has unveiled its 2025 lineup led by LCD Soundsystem, The Chemical Brothers, Underworld, The Prodigy, Moby (performing his album PLAY in full), Christina Aguilera, Peggy Gou, and Dom Dolla. Get LCD Soundsystem Tickets Here Organized by Goldenvoice, the San Francisco-based dance and electronic festival returns to Pier 80 on Saturday, September 20th and Sunday, September 21st. Other notable acts featured on the 2025 lineup include Anti Up (Chris Lake & Chris Lorenzo), Dev Hynes' Blood Orange, Mau P, The Rapture, Arca, Caribou, Duke Dumont, 2manydjs b2b Erol Alkan, The Blessed Madonna b2b Tiga, Magdalena Bay, Rico Nasty, The Dare, Brutalismus 3000, Bob Moses, Kelly Lee Owens, Boy Harsher, Kreayshawn, and Ravyn Lenae, among others. Plus, DESPACIO, the high-powered sound system and immersive audio experience designed by LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy and David and Stephen Dewaele of 2ManyDJs, will be on site at Portola for its San Francisco debut. A ticket pre-sale for Portola 2025, including 2-Day GA ($starting at $399.95); VIP ($649.95); and VIP XL ($1,599.95), as well as one day passes, will go on sale beginning Wednesday, May 14th at 12:00 p.m. PT. A public ticket on-sale will follow on Thursday, May 15th at 12:00 p.m. PT. Layaway payment plans will be available. Visit the festival's website for more information. Editor's Note: If you're planning to attend Portola 2025, you can save 15% off travel and accommodations through Sign up for our weekly live music email digest for the latest tour and festival announcements, pre-sale ticket codes, and more. 1tbsp 2manydjs b2b Erol Alkan Anti Up (Chris Lake & Chris Lorenzo) Arc De Soleil Arca Bad Juuju Blawan Blood Orange Bob Moses Bolis Pupul Boy Harsher Brutalismus 3000 Caribou Chris Stussy Christina Aguilera Confidence Man Dabeull Live Band Despacio DJ Gigola Dom Dolla Duke Dumont Dylan Brady HAAi Hamdi Haute & Freddy Horse Meat Disco Jazzy b2b KILIMANJARO Kelly Lee Owens KI/KI Kreayshawn Kumo 99 LCD Soundsystem Loukeman Magdalena Bay Malugi Maribou State Marie Davidson Mau P MOBY LIVE nate sib NEIL FRANCES presents CLUB NF Nick León Noga Erez Oppidan Peggy Gou Prospa b2b KETTAMA Ravyn Lenae Rico Nasty salute SHEE Ski Aggu SKIIS Swimming Paul The Blessed Madonna b2b Tiga The Chemical Brothers (DJ set) The Dare The Hellp The Prodigy The Rapture Underworld Villager X CLUB. ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U Zack Fox Popular Posts Drummer Chris Adler Opens Up on What Led to Firing from Lamb of God Stephen King's The Long Walk Movie Gets Long-Awaited Trailer: Watch Jazz Pianist Matthew Shipp Derides André 3000's New Piano Project: "Complete and Utter Crap" Say It in Ghor: How Andor Brought a Brand New Language to Star Wars Metallica Perform "Enter Sandman" at Virginia Tech Stadium 25 Years After It Became School Tradition: Watch Nicolas Cage Says He Is "Mistaken" for Nick Cave Almost Every Day Subscribe to Consequence's email digest and get the latest breaking news in music, film, and television, tour updates, access to exclusive giveaways, and more straight to your inbox.
Telegraph
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Self Esteem, A Complicated Woman, review: deserves to be heard live
'Be very careful what you wish for.' Rebecca Taylor, who performs as Self Esteem, begins her third album almost in medias res, with spoken word that picks up the thread of 2021's I Do This All The Time. That lightning-in-a-bottle single, and its parent album Prioritise Pleasure, won over a generation of women and sent Taylor skyward: Mercury and Brit nominations, casting in the West End as Sally Bowles in Cabaret and another West End run of five sold-out theatrical performances of her new album, one of which saw Madonna in the audience. No wonder that A Complicated Woman's opening track is more stage monologue than pop song, given her recent experience treading the boards. 'I'm not complaining, I'm whinging in a new way,' she tells us, examining the trappings of fame. Fame, for 38-year-old Taylor – who found recognition in her mid thirties, which is unusual for this youth-obsessed industry – has been complicated. 'Call me anything you want,' Taylor sings. 'Time's not on my side.' She finished A Complicated Woman at the height of Brat summer last year, and felt self-conscious about making such an earnest album at the opposite end of her thirties to 32-year-old Charli XCX. Tracks such as Mother, Lies, and 69 — a roll call of favourite sex positions — lean into that clubbier sound, but it's clear Taylor doesn't need to pretend to be a messy party girl to win accolades. On Self Esteem albums, the message, though a vital one — exposing the contradictions of being a woman in your thirties — tends to outshine the music. Take away the empowering lyrics of lead song Focus Is Power, and what's left might sound like a corny charity single. Taylor aimed for 'sing-along stadium tropes' on this new album, mainly achieved via a sizeable chorus who lend their lungs to many of its tracks, often to rousing effect: the chorus bolster guest Moonchild Sanelly's cry of 'what the f— you want from me?' on In Plain Sight, and add sway to alcohol dependency ode The Curse: 'I wouldn't do it if it didn't f—ing work / but it really works / and that's the curse.' Occasionally, the voices cloy. 'If you know, you know,' they croon on What Now: the kind of platitude that only Lana Del Rey can get away with. Despite the choral boost, Taylor's music only really unleashes its full power on stage — it deserves to be experienced live. Just listen to The Deep Blue Okay, the final track on A Complicated Woman: its exultant, urgent piano chords that build and build — like those of LCD Soundsystem's All My Friends — beg to be danced to with all your friends, in a room full of people who feel the same way. Kate French-Morris Best New Songs By Poppie Platt Addison Rae, Headphones On With her debut album set for release on June 6, pop's hottest new star and former TikTok mega-influencer Addison Rae goes for full-blown glamour in her new video… by strolling around Iceland. I don't get it either. But Headphones On is another banger: a deliciously nostalgic hybrid of Janet Jackson and prime-era Britney. Future Utopia (featuring Lava La Rue), The Pleasure Trap Producer to the stars Future Utopia – who has worked with Adele and grime veterans Stormzy and Dave – teams up with rising British star Lava La Rue on this infectiously trippy, synth-heavy anthem. Lorde, What Was That She wrote pop masterpieces Royals and Ribs when she was just 16, released one of the 21st century's finest albums with 2017's Melodrama, and last year broke the internet with her feature with Charli XCX on Girl, So Confusing. Lorde is, usually, one step ahead of the curve; a singularly interesting pop star. Which all makes her hotly anticipated new single What Was That even more disappointing. There's cringey discussion about mainlining MDMA and idolising cigarettes that make her sound like a Christian youth camper trying to be rebellious. It'll probably be the biggest hit of the summer regardless. Pearl Charles, Just What It Is A gorgeously wistful Americana track about forgiving your past self and accepting the dark elements of your past from one of LA's rising stars. PinkPantheress, Stateside Another garage-influenced slice of Y2K euphoria from PinkPantheress, her whispery, deliberately cutesy vocals offering welcome respite from the frantic bass. Charli XCX collaborator and indie darling The Dare co-produced. Sam Fender, Tyrants Not content with having scored another Number 1 with his third album, People Watching, North Shields' answer to Springsteen finally drops this searing, guitar-led fan-favourite that was previously only available on vinyl and is now sure to storm up the charts.
Forbes
12-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
35 Top Bands And Musical Artists Of The 2000s
Eminem is one of the top artists of the 2000s. The 2000s marked a transformative period for music, but not through the emergence of entirely new genres; rather through the evolution of those established in the '80s and '90s. Unlike previous decades, where a couple music movements dominated the industry, the 2000s saw a more diverse sonic landscape than ever before. Pop, hip-hop, rap, R&B and rock reached new heights thanks to not only groundbreaking artists but new and innovative production techniques. New advancements in music technology also played a crucial role in shaping the sound of various sub-genres that emerged, from electronic-dance music to nu metal. Ultimately, the 2000s became a decade of experimentation and reinvention, setting the stage for the musical trends for the following decades. Everything from rap, R&B, pop, alt-rock and metal were prominent throughout the 2000s. While there were a litany of festivals and traditional media outlets like MTV that helped expose up and coming artists at the time, festivals such as Lollapalooza and Vans Warped Tour played a huge role in exposing many of the decade defining artists, including Eminem, Paramore, Linkin Park and so many more. Given the wide range of exceptional and influential artists from this era, the criteria for this list was straightforward: critical reception, mainstream popularity at the time and the lasting impact the artist made during the decade. James Murphy and LCD Soundsystem performs at the El Rey Theatre, May 15, 2005 in Los Angeles. By blending dance-punk, electronic and indie rock in an unprecedented fashion, LCD Soundsystem were at the forefront of electronic music in the early 2000s. The group was founded by the co-founder of DFA Records, James Murphy, and produced some of the most cherished and innovative albums of the decade with their 2005 self-titled debut and 2007's Sound of Silver. LCD Soundsystem's influence has since stretched beyond the 2000s, with hits like 'All My Friends,' 'Someone Great' and 'Daft Punk Is Playing at My House.' Avenged Sevenfold perform at Leeds Festival, 2008. Combining groovy and intricate songwriting with the attitude of metal and hard-rock greats like Guns N' Roses and Pantera, Avenged Sevenfold quickly became one of the most influential and acclaimed bands of the 2000s. With albums City of Evil and Avenged Sevenfold, they produced hits like 'Bat Country,' 'Almost Easy' and 'A Little Piece of Heaven' among many others. Today the band remains one of the most popular modern metal acts around, and their musical output continues to shine and push boundaries within the genre. Ben Goldwasser (left) and Andrew VanWyngarden of MGMT pose during Bonnaroo on June 12, 2008 in ... More Manchester, Tennessee. Despite their career kicking off toward the end of the 2000s and into early 2010s, MGMT's debut LP Oracular Spectacular (2007) is still their most acclaimed work. The multi-instrumentalist duo, consisting of Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser, made an everlasting imprint on pop culture with their quirky, yet often thought-provoking songwriting. Hits like 'Electric Feel,' 'Kids' and 'Time to Pretend' have become timeless anthems, but are particularly significant in how they helped shape the sound of late-2000s alternative and indie music. Hayley Williams and Taylor York of Paramore performing on stage. Blending frenetic pop-punk and emo rock, Paramore quickly became one of the most beloved acts of the early 2000s Vans Warped Tour era. The Franklin, Tennessee, band has gone on to explore a variety of different styles, blending catchy pop hooks with emo and alternative rock, but their multi-platinum albums Riot! (2007) and Brand New Eyes (2009) are what propelled them to the mainstream. Hit songs 'Misery Business,' 'The Only Exception' and 'All I Wanted' still resonate within the rock and alternative genres, solidifying Hayley Williams as one of the most important songwriters and vocalists in modern rock. MF DOOM performs during the Pitchfork Music Festival at Union Park on July 18, 2009 in Chicago. The masked rapper and producer, Daniel Dumile, better known as MF DOOM, released some of the most critically acclaimed rap albums of the 2000s. Between 2004's Madvillainy and MF DOOM's signature flow and samples continue resonate with listeners today. While Dumile passed away in 2020, the British-American rapper's legacy continues to carry on as millions discover his iconic hits like 'Rapp Snitch Knishes' and 'One Beer.' Dominic Howard, Matt Bellamy and Chris Wolstenholme of Muse. Amalgamating progressive rock, electronic and alternative influences made Muse one of the most innovative bands of the 2000s. With 2003's Absolution and 2006's Black Holes and Revelations, the UK outfit rose to become one of the most celebrated rock bands of the century. Today, tracks 'Supermassive Black Hole,' 'Knights of Cydonia,' and 'Hysteria' remains some of the most well respected rock epics of the 2000s. Nelly in concert at Madison Square Garden, April 15, 2005 in New York City. Nelly's unmistakable fusion of hip-hop, R&B and pop helped him reach far and beyond most artists from the 2000s. Hits 'Dilemma,' 'Hot In Herre' and 'Ride Wit Me' greatly influenced the sonic landscape at the time, and they turned the crossover rapper into a household name. Furthermore, Albums Country Grammar (2000) and Nellyville (2002) remain some of the most celebrated albums of the 2000s. The Red Hot Chili Peppers pose backstage at the "ReAct Now: Music & Relief" benefit concert at ... More Paramount Studios on September 10, 2005 in Hollywood. The infectious grooves and quirky melodies of the Los Angeles funk-rock powerhouse, Red Hot Chili Peppers, are still unmatched to this day. Bassist Flea, vocalist Anthony Kiedis, drummer Chad Smit and guitarist John Frusciante are considered one of greatest supergroups in rock, having produced hits 'Can't Stop,' 'By the Way' and 'Snow (Hey Oh)' among many others throughout the '90s and 2000s. Today they continue selling out stadiums worldwide, and their music remains a constant inspiration for thousands of up and coming bands and musicians. Kanye West performs at the 50th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on February 10, 2008. While arguably much of his legacy has been tarnished due to several controversies in the following decades, Kanye West undeniably had one of the most successful and critically acclaimed musical outputs during the 2000s. The producer and rapper won over millions of fans with seminal albums The College Dropout (2004), Late Registration (2005) and Graduation (2007). Despite his persona and musical direction drastically changing over later decades, the sonic impact Kanye West had on the 2000s was without a doubt revolutionary. David Keuning, Brandon Flowers, Ronnie Vannucci, Mark Stoermer of The Killers. The melancholic angst of The Killers' hits 'Mr. Brightside,' 'When You Were Young' and 'Somebody Told Me' will forever be some of the most revered anthems of the 2000s. The Nevada quartet brought a unique spin to the already oversaturated post-punk and alt-rock genres with their now multi-platinum albums Hot Fuss (2004) and Sam's Town (2006). You'd be hard pressed to find many acts from the 2000s that blended droning synths, rock guitars and catchy pop melodies as successfully as The Killers did. Nate Mendel, Taylor Hawkins, Dave Grohl and Chris Shiflett of The Foo Fighters arrive to the 2005 ... More MTV Movie Awards at the Shrine Auditorium on June 4, 2005 in Los Angeles. Dave Grohl might be second to none when it comes to musicians that have had the biggest impact on modern rock. Between drumming for Nirvana and then fronting Foo Fighters, Grohl's musical output is unmatched. While the band already saw great success in the late 90s, after producing hits 'Time's Like These,' 'Best of You' and 'The Pretender,' Foo Fighters proved they were a preeminent rock band of the 2000s. Rapper 50 Cent at the Beverly Hills Hotel in November of 2005. 50 Cent's Get Rich or Die Tryin' (2003) is easily one of the defining albums of the 2000s. The grit, groove and catchy flow showcased on tracks 'In Da Club,' 'P.I.M.P.' and '21 Questions' established 50 Cent as one of the decade's most revered and innovative rappers. Furthermore, with 2005's The Massacre, the New York rapper would go on to become an icon of the rap and hip-hop genres. Top Row: Mark Lanegan and Josh Homme; bottom row from left Nick Oliveri, Dave Grohl and Troy Van ... More Leeuwen. The early 2000s rock scene was dominated by nu-metal and post-grudge acts, but songwriter Josh Homme managed to bring something wholly original to the oversaturated scene with Queens of the Stone Age. The California based rock outfit blended old school hard-rock and punk songwriting from the likes of Led Zeppelin and Black Flag with a unique desert-rock sound. To this day the band's 2002 LP Songs For The Deaf is hailed as a masterpiece in the genre producing hits 'No One Knows,' "You Think I Ain't Worth A Dollar, But I Feel Like A Millionaire' and 'Go With The Flow,' among others. Daft Punk performs at the Coachella Music Festival on April 29, 2006 in Indio, California. Daft Punk has had an immeasurable influence on electronic music and music production altogether. The French duo consisting of Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo kicked off their electronic music revolution in the late '90s, but with their 2001 LP Discovery, they completely redefined what was possible within the genre and with music sampling. While the duo would go on to even greater success in the following decade, hits 'One More Time,' 'Robot Rock' and 'Harder, Better, Faster' showed the groups knack for amalgamating electronic music, rock, and disco styles. Tom Delonge, Travis Barker and Mark Hoppus of blink-182 at MTV's First Annual Super Bowl Tailgate ... More Spectacular. Pop-punk was one of the most fashionable rock sub-genres throughout the late '90s and early 2000s, and that's a direct result of the massive success seen by the California trio, blink-182. With their multi-platinum albums Take Off Your Pants And Jacket (2001) and blink-182 (2003), Travis Barker, Mark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge reinvented punk music for an entire generation. Today the band is hailed as one of the all time greats of the pop-punk genre, with hits 'I Miss You' and 'First Date' continuing to connect with new fans. Portrait of the band System of a Down at the Metro in Chicago, May 3, 2005. Nu metal was at the forefront of the early 2000s metal scene, and the Los Angeles outfit System Of A Down certainly contributed to its rise in popularity. However, the band's mix of thought-provoking, socially and politically charged songwriting, coupled with a distinct Armenian influence separated them from every other act at the time. SOAD would go on to become one of the most widely known bands of the entire metal genre, and they've since accumulated billions of streams on hits 'Chop Suey!' and 'Toxicity' off their 2001 masterpiece, Toxicity. The Strokes during Rolling Stone Magazine's 1,000th Issue celebration. Is This It (2001) remains one of the most genre-defining albums of the 2000s, and it launched The Strokes into international stardom. While the debut LP kickstarted their rise, the decade also brought standout releases like Room on Fire (2003), featuring hits such as 'Reptilia.' Based on their 2000s output alone, The Strokes are essential to indie rock and stand as one of the most critically acclaimed acts of the decade. Justin Timberlake performs at HP Pavilion on June 14, 2003 in San Jose, California. After his breakout success with the vocal group NSYNC, Justin Timberlake's solo career would take him to new and unprecedented heights. 2002's Justified showed Timberlake's knack for writing infectious hooks like 'Rock Your Body' and 'Cry Me a River,' which he only further developed on 2006's FutureSex/LoveSounds. Timberlake's ability to brilliantly cross genres and remain at the top of pop culture made him not only one of the most successful artists from the 2000s, but one of the most significant. Meg White and Jack White of the White Stripes performing at Madison Square Garden on July 24th, 2007 ... More in New York City. The raw garage rock energy forged by duo Jack White and Meg White still reverberates across sports stadiums to this day. Albums White Blood Cells (2001) and Elephant (2003) helped set the standard for the 2000s' robust rock scene, and they're still hailed as some of the best rock LPs from the decade. Despite the group breaking up in 2011, their fist-pumping hits 'Seven Nation Army' and 'Icky Thump' have since gone on to become some of the most recognizable songs of the 2000s. Mike Dirnt, Billie Joe Armstrong and Tre Cool of Green Day. Green Day was at the forefront of pop-punk's foundational years in the '90s, but the California trio rose to global stardom with their albums American Idiot (2004) and 21st Century Breakdown (2009). Songs 'American Idiot,' 'Wake Me up When September Ends' and '21 Guns' were pivotal to shaping the sound of rock and pop-rock throughout early 2000s. The band's rebellious energy is carried through the millions of fans and the bands that they continue to inspire, and as far as punk-rock music goes, Green Day is second to none in what they've accomplished on a global scale. Usher in concert in Germany. Simply put, Usher dominated the 2000s with his signature blend of R&B and brilliant melodies, not to mention his impeccable dance moves. With 2004's Confessions Usher rose to fame with anthemic hits like 'Yeah!' and 'Burn.' Whether it's him electrifying audiences at the Super Bowl halftime show, or his music pouncing in clubs across the globe, Usher has continued to prove he's one of the most significant artists to come out of the 2000s. Timbaland during "The Heart of the City" tour at American Airlines Arena on March 22, 2008 in Miami. 'The Way I Are,' 'Carry Out' and 'Apologize' are classics that instantly transport you to the 2000s, and with that feat alone Timbaland, a.k.a., Timothy Zachery Mosley, is automatically one of the most important artists from the 2000s. As a songwriter and producer, Timbaland collaborated with a variety of prominent artists from the decade including Missy Elliott, Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado. His albums Shock Value (2007) and Shock Value II (2009) would go on to become multi-platinum records, and his genre-defying beats, rich with layered rhythms and futuristic soundscapes at the time, would help shape the sound of the 2000s. Slipknot circa 2000. While their debut album came out in 1999, Slipknot would take the world by storm starting in the early 2000s. Their mix of bouncy nu-metal riffs with frantic extreme metal instrumentals turned the masked, nine-piece Iowa band into a sensation. With their sophomore LP Iowa and 2004's Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses) which produced hits 'Duality' and 'Before I Forget,' Slipknot's redefined what extreme music was in the eyes of pop-culture. Since the early the 2000s, Slipknot has gone through a few lineup changes, but that's not stopped the band from continuing to produce No.1 charting albums and sold-out world tours. Britney Spears performs with a snake draped over her shoulders at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards on ... More September 6, 2001, in New York City. After her sensational 1999 debut …Baby One More Time, Britney Spears proved she was destined to take over the 2000s. Between 2000's Oops!…I Did It Again and 2008's Circus, Britney Spears took over the charts with hits 'Oops!…I Did It Again,' and 'Womanizer,' not mention In The Zone's (2003) 'Toxic.' Without a doubt, there are few pop-stars, let alone artists, from the 2000s that saw the same success and acclaim as Britney Spears, and today her legacy continues to be cherished by a number of generations. Missy Elliott at her home in April, 2005, in Miami. Missy Elliot revolutionized the rap, hip-hop and R&B genres in the early 2000s with her innovative production and the uniques styles she blended together. Miss E…So Addictive (2001) and Under Construction (2002) broke boundaries and challenged cultural norms with tracks like 'Work It,' and 'Get Ur Freak On' among others. Since then Missy Elliot has not only become one of the most influential and revered artists of the decade, but she holds the most platinum records by a female rapper to date with six. Alicia Keys performs during MTV's Total Request Live at the MTV Times Square Studios October 11, ... More 2005 in New York City. As a piano prodigy, Alicia Keys was destined to shakeup pop culture when she entered the scene in the early 2000s. With albums Songs in A Minor (2001), The Diary of Alicia Keys (2003) and 2007's As I Am, Keys blended soul and pop in an unprecedented manner. Songs 'Fallin,'' 'If I Ain't Got You' and 'No One' have since become anthems of the decade, and they continue to appreciate alongside other iconic songs from this century. Alicia Keys managed to capture both mainstream audiences and critics throughout the 2000s, and as a result her powerful songwriting will forever remain as some of the best of the decade. Andre 3000 and Big Boi at the The Tabernacle in Atlanta. The hip-hop duo from Atlanta reinvented the genre with their unique blend of funk, soul and rock in the 2000s. OutKast members André 3000 (André Benjamin) and Big Boi (Antwan Patton) produced some of the most recognizable and celebrated songs with 2000's 'Ms. Jackson' and 2003's 'Hey Ya!' among many others. While OutKast is no longer active as a group, both members have gone on to have successful solo careers in the following decades. Jay-Z at his 40/40 Club on W. 25th St. in Manhattan. As one of the most significant and influential rappers of all time, Jay-Z's commercial and artistic success during the 2000s was in a league of its own. With Albums The Black Album (2003) and The Blueprint 3, the Brooklyn rapper produced meteoric hits like 'Run This Town,' '99 Problems' and 'Empire State Of Mind,' which helped lay the sonic blueprint for rap and hip-hop in the years to come. On top of his success as an artist, Jay-Z's other ventures in the entertainment industry would help him become the first hip-hop billionaire in the late 2010s. Left to right are Joe Hahn, Chester Bennington, David "Phoenix" Farrell, Mike Shinoda, Rob Bourdon ... More and Brad Delson of Linkin Park in 2001. Linkin Park's 2000 debut Hybrid Theory, changed what many thought was possible within hard-rock and alterntative music. The band's vocal duo Chester Bennington and Mike Shinoda combined the aggression and angst of hard-rock and hip-hop genres in a way that propelled Linkin Park to becoming the face of rock music at the turn of the century. With global hits 'Numb,' 'In The End' and 'What I've Done,' Linkin Park has since amassed billions of streams worldwide. While the band was questionably over after Chester Bennington death in 2017, Linkin Park's 2024 revival has since shown they're still one of the biggest and most beloved rock acts of this century. Rihanna arrives at the 2009 American Music Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on November 22, 2009 in ... More Los Angeles. Rihanna broke out in the early 2000s as a pop newcomer, but she quickly rose to becoming a global megastar. Her albums Music of the Sun (2005) and A Girl Like Me (2006) proved she was a hitmaker, but with 2007's Good Girl Gone Bad she had reached icon status. 'Umbrella,' 'Don't Stop The Music' and several of her hits from the decade continue to echo throughout pop-culture today, proving she's one of the most exceptional artists to come out of the 2000s. Guy Berryman, Will Champion, Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland of Coldplay. Breaking out as a part of the alternative-rock scene in the late '90s, the UK's Coldplay has since gone on to become one of the most recognizable and successful acts of this century, let alone the 2000s. Their 2000 debut Parachutes was one of the most successful debut LPs of the decade, and it's gone nine-times platinum thanks to its melancholic anthems 'Yellow' and 'Sparks.' Later in the decade, Coldplay would reach even further heights with more pop sensible albums A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002), X&Y (2005) and Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008). There were a number of exceptional bands that debuted in the 2000s, but's it's hard to pinpoint any other band that has had the same gargantuan size impact on mainstream music that Coldplay did throughout the decade. Amy Winehouse performing at Lollapalooza. The haunting masterpiece that is Back to Black (2006) turned the UK singer Amy Winehouse into a global superstar. Combining elements of jazz, R&B and soul, Winehouse's vulnerable songwriting connected with audiences in way that was unlike any other songwriter from the decade. Her hits 'Rehab,' 'Back To Black' and 'Valerie' continue to resonate with audiences today, and following her death in 2011, Back To Black briefly became the UK's highest selling album of the 21st century. Radiohead in Concert at the Hammersmith Apollo in London. Only a few bands share the same the robust discography as the UK's Radiohead, specifically their streak of masterpiece albums throughout the '90s and 2000s. Between Kid A (2000) and In Rainbows (2007), Radiohead have some of the most experimental and critically revered musical works of the 2000s. Tracks 'Everything In It's Right Place,' 'How to Disappear Completely' and 'All I Need' offer a taste of the band's captivating soundscapes and songwriting, but upon listening to these albums front to back the band's brilliance is fully realized. Beyonce performs at Staples Center on July 13, 2009 in Los Angeles. Coming off the heels of her success with Destiny's Child, Beyoncé's transition into her solo career marked a meteoric rise to fame that was unlike any other pop-star before her. Blending elements or R&B, pop and hip-hop, Beyoncé was able to captivate a myriad of music fans throughout the decade with monumental albums Dangerously in Love, B'Day (2006), and I Am… Sasha Fierce (2008). Hits 'Halo,' 'Crazy In Love' and 'Irreplaceable' have carved their place into pop-culture and they're still some of the most revered and cherished songs of the decade. Simply put, what Beyoncé was able to accomplish in the 2000s cements her as not only one of the greatest artists of the decade, but as one of the greatest solo artists of all time. Eminem. With rap taking off in the late '80s and '90s, much of the genre wasn't fully realized until the early 2000s when artists like Jay-Z, Missy Elliot and Eminem broke through. And among rappers and musical artists from the 2000s, there's a strong case for calling Detroit rapper Eminem the most influential and significant artist of the 2000s. With albums The Marshall Mathers LP (2000), The Eminem Show (2002), and Encore (2004), Eminem captured audiences on a global scale and became one of the highest selling and critically praised artists of the decade. It's tough to argue whether Eminem is the greatest rapper of all time, but given the influence and critical success he's had while being uncompromising in his music, Eminem is certainly one of, if not, the greatest artist from the 2000s. Bottom Line All things considered, the 2000s were a monumental period for a myriad of music genres. Between rock, rap, pop, indie and R&B, the 2000s saw some of the most sensational acts the world has ever seen from the likes of Slipknot, Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Eminem and so many more. However, when it comes down to having the most significant musical impact, relevance and critical success, these are the 35 artists who defined the decade.
