TIME Magazine has published its 2013 list of the world's most influential artists, politicans and newsmakers and Jay-Z, Miguel, Frank Ocean, Beyonce and President Obama are among those names. Find out more about the list inside...
Hip Hop moguel Jay-Z, who just nabbed a major spot as one half of the music's first billionaire couple, lands on one of seven covers for the TIME Magazine TIME 100 issue. In its tenth year, the magazine announces its choices for the most influential people in the world and this year includes numerous Black artists, politicians and public figures. Among the surprise notables this year are the well-deserved singers Frank Ocean and Miguel. That's BIG.
Inside the magazine, TIME recruited a different celebrity writer to give their thoughts on each individual chosen for the list. Here are the highlights:
On Jay-Z, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg writes…
[Jay-Z's] an artist-entrepreneur who stands at the center of culture and commerce in 21st century America, and his influence stretches across races, religions and regions. He’s never forgotten his roots — “Empire State of Mind” was a love song to our city — and as a co-owner of the NBA Nets, he helped bring a major league sports team back to Brooklyn, not far from his old neighborhood. In nearly everything he’s tried, he’s found success. (He even put a ring on Beyoncé.) And in doing so, he’s proved that the American Dream is alive and well.
On Frank Ocean, John Legend writes…
How fitting that he released his “declaration” on Independence Day. I think Frank’s career will be defined by his fearlessness and his artistic freedom. He has the talent, the ability and the brilliance to have an impact for a long time. He will follow his muse wherever it goes — he’s not the kind of artist to adhere to everyone else’s schedule. That’s what makes him special.
On Miguel, critic Douglas Wolk writes…
The survival of the black pop tradition isn’t just a matter of preserving its history — although Miguel does that too: the soul seducer’s Grammy-winning hit single “Adorn” ingeniously evokes Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing” and “Let’s Get It On”. What has nourished that tradition over the past 70 years, though — what has kept it not just alive but thriving — is what makes Miguel’s recent music so special: constant innovation, formal daring, unexpected sources of inspiration, and emotional directness.
On Beyoncé, director Baz Luhrmann writes…
She and Jay Z are the royal couple of culture, and she is the queen bee. She’s gone beyond being a popular singer, even beyond being a pop-cultural icon. When Beyoncé does an album, when Beyoncé sings a song, when Beyoncé does anything, it’s an event, and it’s broadly influential. Right now, she is the heir-apparent diva of the USA — the reigning national voice.
On Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton writes...
President Obama is working to create broader prosperity at home and become more competitive abroad by investing in our people, modernizing our infrastructure, building a new energy future and managing our long-term fiscal challenges. That’s the course for a better future.
Other YBF notables on the list are Senior Advisor to the POTUS Valerie Jarrett, producer Shonda Rhimes, NBA champ LeBron James, Attorney General Kamala Harris, Nigerian actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, superstar Beyonce Knowles Carter and FLOTUS Michelle Obama.
A fabulous accomplishment for all involved. Congrats!
See the full list here.
The Randomness:
1. Luke James has been chosen to once again open for Beyonce on the Mrs. Carter Show world tour. He begins on April 24th at the Paris stop.