The Greatest Musical Artists Of The 2010s
From Kanye West and Taylor Swift to Bruno Mars and Janelle Monáe, we're ranking the best artists of the decade. This list of the top 2010s artists includes some of the most popular musicians, bands, and singers in pop, rap, country, EDM, rock, R&B, and more. The 2010s decade was filled with so many good songs and albums, but which artists stood out from the rest?
Vote up the best artists of the 2010s, and add your favorites if they deserve to be on this list.
- 1Hip hop
A master storyteller and lyricist, this rapper took the world by storm with his thought-provoking narratives on race and society that resonated with listeners far beyond the confines of hip-hop. His technical prowess and ability to switch between rapid-fire delivery and smooth melodies helped him become one of the most respected artists in the game. As a multiple Grammy winner and Pulitzer Prize recipient, he undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the 2010s musical landscape.
- 2Hip hop
Already an established force in hip-hop prior to the 2010s, this controversial figure continued to push boundaries and redefine the genre throughout the decade. His innovative production techniques and ability to blend elements from various musical styles have made him one of the most influential artists of his time. Despite frequent media scrutiny and polarizing antics, he remained at the forefront of music with several critically acclaimed albums under his belt.
- 3Pop, Contemporary R&B, Funk
A multi-talented entertainer known for his electrifying performances, this artist consistently delivered chart-topping hits infused with elements of funk, soul, R&B, and pop throughout the 2010s. His undeniable charisma, vocal range, and impressive dance moves have earned him comparisons to iconic performers like Michael Jackson and Prince. With countless awards under his belt and numerous collaborations with other top artists, he's proven himself as an unstoppable force in music.
- 4R&B, Pop, Hip hop
This Barbadian beauty quickly became a pop culture icon with her ever-evolving sound, bold fashion statements, and unapologetic attitude. Her versatility as an artist is showcased in her wide-ranging discography, which includes dancehall-infused hits, sultry R&B ballads, and infectious pop anthems. With millions of albums sold, numerous awards, and a successful foray into the worlds of fashion and beauty, she's solidified her status as a true queen of the 2010s.
- 5Contemporary R&B, Hip hop, Pop
This enigmatic R&B singer catapulted to fame with his dark, moody, and mysterious sound, which quickly garnered a cult following. His falsetto voice and seamless blending of genres like pop, electronic, and hip-hop have made him a mainstay on the charts while also earning critical acclaim. Throughout the decade, he collaborated with some of the industry's biggest names, solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with in modern music.
- 6Pop, R&B, Soul
This powerhouse vocalist became a global phenomenon thanks to her soulful ballads and raw emotional honesty that struck a chord with listeners worldwide. With her rich, velvety voice and exceptional songwriting skills, she effortlessly bridged the gap between classic soul sensibilities and contemporary pop appeal. Her record-breaking album sales and numerous awards only further cemented her status as one of the defining artists of the decade.
- 7Country, Pop
This country-turned-pop superstar dominated the charts with her catchy melodies and relatable lyrics that captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Her undeniable songwriting talent allowed her to transition seamlessly between genres while maintaining her signature storytelling style. As one of the best-selling artists of all time, she's garnered numerous accolades along with a fiercely loyal fan base that has followed her every move throughout the decade.
- 8R&B, Pop, Hip hop
Already a household name before the start of the decade, this iconic singer only continued to soar to greater heights with her groundbreaking visual albums and show-stopping performances. Her unmatched vocal prowess and commanding stage presence have solidified her status as one of the greatest entertainers of all time. As an artist who consistently uses her platform to address social issues and uplift marginalized voices, she's left an indelible impact on both music and culture.
- 9Pop, Dance, Electronic
This theatrical pop sensation continued to make her mark on music throughout the 2010s by constantly reinventing herself and pushing creative boundaries. Known for her powerful vocals, avant-garde fashion, and unapologetic individuality, she's inspired countless fans to embrace their own uniqueness. From chart-topping hits to a successful acting career and numerous philanthropic endeavors, she's proven herself as a true force in entertainment.
- 10Alternative hip hop, Contemporary R&B, Pop
A visionary in modern R&B, this enigmatic singer-songwriter captivated audiences with his introspective lyrics and atmospheric soundscapes that defy categorization. His ability to blend soulful crooning with experimental production techniques has earned him both critical acclaim and commercial success. Despite his reclusive nature and limited output during the decade, he remains one of the most influential artists in contemporary music.
- 11Pop, Contemporary R&B
From Nickelodeon starlet to pop princess, this pint-sized powerhouse has become one of the most recognizable voices in modern music thanks to her impressive vocal range and whistle tones reminiscent of Mariah Carey. Her catchy tunes and ability to blend genres like R&B, pop, and trap have helped her amass a loyal fan base and numerous chart-topping hits. Through her resilience in the face of personal tragedy, she's become an inspiration to many and a symbol of strength.
- 12Baroque pop, Dream pop, Folk
This sultry chanteuse captured the hearts of indie music lovers with her nostalgic sound that evokes old Hollywood glamour while still feeling fresh and modern. Her breathy vocals, poetic lyrics, and cinematic production have made her a unique voice in contemporary pop music. Throughout the decade, she consistently released critically acclaimed albums that showcased her growth as an artist while maintaining her enigmatic persona.
- 13Pop, Funk, Hip hop
Already a successful producer and musician prior to the 2010s, this multi-faceted artist experienced a career resurgence during the decade thanks to his infectious hit "Happy" and numerous high-profile collaborations. His unique production style, which combines elements of pop, hip-hop, and electronic music, has made him one of the most sought-after talents in the industry. As a cultural icon with an extensive body of work and a keen eye for spotting new talent, he's left an indelible mark on modern music.
Pharrell Williams, born on April 5, 1973, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, represents an influential figure in the entertainment industry. His multifaceted talents include singing, songwriting, and producing which have earned him recognition and accolades globally. His journey to fame began in high school where he formed a band called 'The Neptunes' with Chad Hugo, his childhood friend. The duo's unique fusion of hip-hop and pop music significantly influenced the sound of popular music during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Pharrell's relentless creativity led him to co-found Star Trak Entertainment, a record label, in the early 2000s. Around this time, he also created N.E.R.D., a band that explored rock, funk, and hip hop genres. As a producer and artist, Pharrell has collaborated with industry heavyweights including Jay-Z, Britney Spears, and Daft Punk. In 2013, Pharrell's artistry shone brightly as he released the hit single "Happy," a song that not only topped charts worldwide but also earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. Beyond music, Pharrell ventured into fashion and design by launching two successful clothing lines: Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream. His influence in the fashion world is unmistakable, with his unique style setting trends globally. He's also known for his philanthropic work, notably his establishment of the charity foundation "From One Hand To AnOTHER" (FOHTA), aimed at providing educational support for underserved youth. Undoubtedly, Pharrell Williams embodies the essence of a true artistic powerhouse, constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity, while simultaneously inspiring generations with his message of positivity and individuality. - 14Hip hop, R&B, Pop
This Canadian rapper became one of the most dominant forces in music throughout the 2010s with his genre-bending sound that seamlessly blended hip-hop, R&B, and pop. His introspective lyrics, catchy hooks, and relatable themes resonated with fans across the globe, earning him countless awards and record-breaking streaming numbers. With numerous successful albums and collaborations under his belt, he's undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the industry.
- 15Pop, Contemporary R&B, Hip hop
Already an established pop icon prior to the 2010s, this former boy band member-turned-solo star continued to make his mark on music during the decade with his infectious blend of R&B, pop, and electronic influences. Known for his smooth falsetto vocals and impressive dance moves, he consistently delivered chart-topping hits while also pursuing a successful acting career. As one of the most versatile and enduring talents in entertainment, his impact on both music and pop culture remains undeniable.
- 16House, Techno, Electro House
This Swedish DJ and producer revolutionized electronic dance music (EDM) with his innovative approach to blending various genres like folk, pop, and country into infectious dance tracks. His melodic compositions and ability to craft memorable hooks made him one of the most sought-after talents in the industry. Tragically passing away in 2018, he left behind a lasting legacy that will continue to influence EDM for years to come.
- 17Pop, Folk
This British singer-songwriter captured the hearts of millions with his heartfelt ballads, infectious pop tunes, and impressive guitar skills. His raw talent for storytelling coupled with his unique blend of folk-pop and hip-hop elements quickly propelled him to superstardom. As one of the best-selling artists in history, he's also earned numerous accolades while collaborating with some of the biggest names in music.
- 18Hip hop
Already a legendary figure in hip-hop before the 2010s, this iconic rapper continued to prove his relevance with several successful albums and collaborations throughout the decade. His rapid-fire delivery, intricate wordplay, and unapologetic honesty have made him one of the most respected lyricists of all time. Despite facing various controversies and personal struggles, he remained a prominent figure in music and further solidified his legacy as an influential artist.
- 19Hip hop
This introspective rapper quickly gained a dedicated following with his thought-provoking lyrics and soulful production style that harkened back to the golden age of hip-hop. With his ability to tackle complex social issues while still delivering catchy hooks, he became a leading voice for conscious rap within the mainstream. As both a successful solo artist and the founder of his own record label, he's proven himself as a true force within the industry.
- 20Alternative hip hop
A provocative figure in modern hip-hop, this rapper-producer began as a controversial artist known for his shock value but evolved into a highly respected musician over time. His experimental production style and introspective lyrics have garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Throughout the decade, he continued to push boundaries both musically and stylistically, solidifying his status as a truly innovative force in the industry.
- 21Alternative hip hop, Electropop, Indie Pop
This genre-defying duo captured the attention of alternative music fans with their unique blend of rock, pop, electronic, and hip-hop elements. Known for their confessional lyrics and energetic live performances, they've amassed a passionate fan base that has propelled them to worldwide success. Throughout the 2010s, they released several critically acclaimed albums that showcased their versatility and growth as artists.
- 22Alternative rock, Pop rock
As one of the most enduring bands in modern music history, this British quartet continued to captivate audiences throughout the 2010s with their anthemic sound and heartfelt lyrics. Their ability to evolve and experiment with various genres while maintaining their core identity has earned them both commercial success and critical acclaim. With multiple chart-topping albums, sold-out world tours, and numerous awards, they've solidified their status as a truly iconic band.
- 23Electro, House, Pop
These enigmatic electronic music pioneers remained at the forefront of innovation throughout the 2010s with their genre-blurring sound that melded house, funk, disco, and pop influences. Their groundbreaking album "Random Access Memories" not only earned them numerous awards but also introduced their signature sound to a new generation of listeners. Despite their elusive personas hidden behind robot helmets, they've managed to leave an indelible mark on music history.
Daft Punk is a French electronic music duo formed in Paris in 1993 by Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter. They achieved popularity in the late 1990s as part of the French house movement combining elements of house music with funk, techno, disco, rock and synthpop. They wear ornate helmets and gloves to assume robot personas in public appearances since 1999 and rarely grant interviews or appear on television. In 2013, Daft Punk released their fourth album, Random Access Memories, to acclaim; lead single "Get Lucky" reached the top 10 in the charts of 32 countries. Random Access Memories won five Grammy Awards in 2014, including Album of the Year and Record of the Year for "Get Lucky." In 2016, Daft Punk gained their first number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with the song "Starboy," a collaboration with The Weeknd. As of 2015, Daft Punk had sold over 12 million albums worldwide. - 24Synthpop, Electronic music, Dance-pop
This pop juggernaut dominated the charts throughout the 2010s with her catchy tunes, colorful visuals, and larger-than-life persona. Known for her powerful vocals and ability to craft memorable hooks, she became one of the best-selling artists of all time while also earning numerous accolades. With her undeniable impact on pop culture and her continued dedication to philanthropic causes, she remains an influential figure in both music and society.
- 25Hip hop, Pop, R&B
This genre-blurring artist skyrocketed to fame with his unique fusion of hip-hop, rock, and pop elements that appealed to a wide range of listeners. Known for his distinctive voice and memorable melodies, he consistently delivered chart-topping hits throughout the decade. Despite facing criticism from some corners of the hip-hop community, he remained undeterred in carving out his own path within the music world.
- 26Pop, Alternative Rock
This long-standing pop-rock band continued to thrive throughout the 2010s with their infectious melodies and radio-friendly sound that appealed to a wide range of listeners. Known for their catchy hooks and charismatic frontman, they consistently delivered chart-topping hits while also adapting to the ever-changing musical landscape. Their undeniable impact on pop culture was further cemented when they headlined the Super Bowl halftime show in 2019.
- 27Indie rock, Psychedelic pop
This Australian psychedelic rock project led by multi-instrumentalist Kevin Parker quickly gained a devoted following thanks to their immersive soundscapes and genre-defying approach to music. Merging elements of rock, pop, and electronic music, they have consistently pushed boundaries and challenged the conventions of modern music. Throughout the decade, they released several critically acclaimed albums that showcased their evolution as artists while influencing a new wave of musicians.
- 28Hip hop, Pop, Contemporary R&B
This Trinidadian-born rapper quickly became a force to be reckoned with in the early 2010s thanks to her rapid-fire flow, colorful visuals, and larger-than-life persona that transcended the world of hip-hop. Known for her unique voice, impressive lyricism, and ability to switch between various styles with ease, she's consistently delivered chart-topping hits while also breaking numerous records for female rappers. With her undeniable impact on both music and pop culture, she's solidified her status as one of the most influential artists of her time.
- 29Indie pop, Electronica
This New Zealand-born singer-songwriter took the world by storm with her mature, introspective lyrics and atmospheric sound that defied expectations for someone so young. Her unique blend of pop, electronic, and indie influences quickly garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. Throughout the 2010s, she released two highly praised albums that solidified her status as one of the most exciting voices in contemporary music.
- 30Pop rock, Electropop, Pop
This Las Vegas-based band burst onto the scene in the early 2010s with their anthemic blend of alternative rock, pop, and electronic influences that resonated with listeners worldwide. Known for their emotive lyrics and high-energy live performances, they quickly became one of the most successful bands of the decade. With multiple chart-topping hits and sold-out tours under their belt, they've proven themselves as a force to be reckoned with in modern music.
