Drake, known for his rap prowess, has officially been ranked as one of the top pop stars of the 21st century by Billboard, placing him at No. 4 on their highly anticipated list. This spot puts him ahead of iconic artists like JAY-Z, Kanye West, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, and Britney Spears, sparking mixed reactions from fans and critics alike. While some praise the honor, others question the rapper’s placement in a “pop star” category, especially above some of the genre’s longtime icons.
A Controversial Spot for a Multi-Genre Powerhouse
Drake’s supporters, particularly his loyal OVO fan base, were quick to highlight his impressive chart statistics in defense of his ranking. With nearly 80 Top 10 singles, Drake has consistently dominated Billboard charts, earning comparisons to top athletes like LeBron James for his sustained impact. One fan wrote, “Numbers-wise he’s outta here,” while another emphasized Drake’s achievements: “Drake deserves to be top 2. The hate against him is unreal after everything he has achieved on Billboard plus his longevity.”
However, not everyone agreed with Billboard’s decision to classify Drake as a pop star. Critics argued that his place on the list ahead of pop legends like Britney Spears and Lady Gaga was undeserved, with one person writing, “Drake being above Britney and Gaga on the list for the greatest 21st-century POP stars is nasty work.” Some fans emphasized that Drake’s music roots are primarily in rap, calling the ranking into question for a list focused on pop.
A Record-Breaking Legacy
Despite the debate, Drake’s chart history undeniably bolsters his spot on the list. Billboard highlighted that Drake’s achievements—13 Hot 100 No. 1 singles and 13 Billboard 200 No. 1 albums—are unmatched by any other artist of this generation. Only The Beatles, whom Drake famously had tattooed on his forearm after surpassing one of their Billboard records, come close to his level of chart success. With 338 career Hot 100 entries, Drake holds a record that seems insurmountable for any artist in the near future.
What’s Next for Billboard’s Top Three?
As fans speculate about the top three spots yet to be revealed, many agree that Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Rihanna are the likely contenders. Each of these artists has left a lasting impact on pop music, both commercially and culturally, making them strong candidates for the highest rankings on Billboard’s list.
A New Era for Drake: 100 GIGS Release and Recent Performances
Following his recent rap beef with Kendrick Lamar, Drake took a brief hiatus before returning with 100 GIGS, a massive release featuring hours of unreleased footage, studio sessions, and new music. Among the tracks on this ambitious project are collaborations like “It’s Up” with Young Thug and 21 Savage, and “Housekeeping Knows” featuring Latto, a track he performed live in Toronto to the excitement of fans. Drake’s constant evolution and drive to innovate continue to cement his status as a major force in both rap and pop.
Whether fans agree or disagree with Drake’s position on the list, there’s no doubt that his influence on music is undeniable. With each release, he adds to a legacy that keeps reshaping the boundaries of genre and blurring the lines between rap and pop.
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