Another year of music has almost passed us by with artists and musicians doing nothing short of entertaining us as the decade closes. The year began with memorable moments, such as Maroon 5’s ill-received Super Bowl performance with Travis Scott and Kacey Musgraves’s shocking win for Album of the Year at the Grammys. Also, unforgettable songs like Lil Nas X’s record-breaking 17-week chart-topper “Old Town Road” dominated radios and streaming─whether or not we liked it.

Newer artists have been at the center of attention in the music industry this year. Billie Eilish, 17-year-old breakout star, is the subject of many conversations as well as many playlists. Her popularity steadily increased over the past years, especially due to her new studio album, “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?,” and her innovative SNL performance. 

“I think her voice is really nice. I don’t really listen to her, but I think with her being so young and really putting herself out there, that’s really big,” Trinity Chism (12) said.

Other breakout stars include Lil Nas X, who captured the hearts of many listeners with his country-hip hop fusion, and Lizzo, who is what fans call the embodiment of empowerment for women and self-love.

Of course, sometimes, even acclaimed artists don’t do so well. Kanye West shocked the world with his sudden advocation of  Christianity when he released “Jesus is King”, a gospel-rap fusion.

“I think everybody expected this really big thing, a transition in Kanye’s life… but I honestly think that it’s kind of just a phase. I think the hype is kind of played out a little,” Chism said. 

Although Kanye’s album didn’t fare well, hip hop and rap themselves are doing extremely well. Newer artists like Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion are in high demand these days, and more established artists like Drake and Migos continue to dominate charts. In fact, hip hop, specifically the trap subcategory, is so dominant these days that it influences pop music. For example, Ariana Grande’s “7 Rings” became popular for the trap fusion now common in her music.

“It’s [hip hop] having a big influence on singers. It’s definitely coming up. You can’t deny it, and it’s not a bad thing at all,” Libiya Gray (11) said.

Many genres had their time to shine this year: from pop, to EDM, to now hip hop; but alas, we must say goodbye to 2019. With 2020 around the corner, it seems we can only expect more great music and fresh artists.