The Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century Podcast: Shakira and Jay-Z
Episode Summary
On this week’s episode of the Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century podcast, we dive into the careers of two enduring all-time greats: Shakira, the Queen of Latin Music, and Jay-Z, the rap GOAT. Host Andrew Unterberger is joined by experts from Billboard Español and Billboard Hip-Hop to explore the journey of these two music icons.
Part 1: Shakira
In the first half of the episode, Unterberger is joined by Isabela Raygoza and Sigal Ratner-Arias from Billboard Español to discuss Shakira’s rise from Colombian rockera to global pop star. They examine what made her a striking presence in early 2000s pop music, her collaborations with American pop icons like Beyoncé and Rihanna, and her ability to emerge victorious from personal turmoil with recent comebacks.
Part 2: Jay-Z
In the second half of the episode, Unterberger is joined by Angel Diaz and Michael Saponara from Billboard Hip-Hop to dissect Jay-Z’s early-2000s run and its impact on hip-hop and pop culture. They explore his relationships with Beyoncé and Kanye West, his retirement and comeback, and his sometimes divisive later work, before wondering if Jay might still have one more classic left in him.
Listen and Catch Up
Listen to the full episode below and catch up on past episodes here. Be sure to subscribe to Billboard’s Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century series wherever you get your podcasts! New episodes will be revealed every Friday, following the publishing of our two new Greatest Pop Star rankings for that week.
Episode Transcript
[Introduction]
Host Andrew Unterberger: Welcome to the Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century podcast. This week, we’re diving into the careers of two enduring all-time greats: Shakira, the Queen of Latin Music, and Jay-Z, the rap GOAT. I’m your host, Andrew Unterberger, and I’m joined by experts from Billboard Español and Billboard Hip-Hop to explore the journey of these two music icons.
Part 1: Shakira
Isabela Raygoza: Shakira’s journey from Colombian rockera to global pop star is really fascinating. What made her such a striking presence in early 2000s pop music?
Sigal Ratner-Arias: I think it was her unique blend of Latin rhythms and rock sensibilities. She was one of the first artists to successfully bridge the gap between these two genres, and it helped her stand out in a crowded pop landscape.
Andrew Unterberger: That’s a great point. Shakira’s music has always been marked by its authenticity and passion. And she’s had an incredible career, from "La Tortura" to "Hips Don’t Lie". But she’s also had her share of ups and downs, including a high-profile feud with Carlos Santana.
Isabela Raygoza: Ah, yes! The whole controversy surrounding her album "Sale el Sol" was really a turning point for her career. But she bounced back with "She Wolf" and then, of course, her recent comeback with "Empire".
Sigal Ratner-Arias: Exactly! Shakira’s been able to adapt and evolve as an artist, which is crucial for staying relevant in the music industry.
Part 2: Jay-Z
Angel Diaz: Jay-Z’s early-2000s run was truly revolutionary. He helped bring hip-hop to new heights within pop music and pop culture.
Michael Saponara: Yeah, and his collaborations with Beyoncé and Kanye West were some of the most iconic of the decade. He was at the center of so many major musical movements, from Roc-A-Fella to the Roc-A-Fella-inspired Jay-Z vs. Nas feud.
Andrew Unterberger: (laughs) Yes, the "Takeover" freestyle was definitely a defining moment in hip-hop history! But Jay-Z’s career hasn’t been without its controversies, including his feud with Nas and his role in the Brooklyn Nets ownership controversy.
Angel Diaz: Absolutely. Jay-Z’s had his share of beefs and public controversies, but he’s always managed to come out on top.
Michael Saponara: And let’s not forget his iconic performances, from "Takeover" to "Dead Presidents" II. Jay-Z’s had an incredible impact on hip-hop and pop culture, and he continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans.
Conclusion
In this episode, we explored the careers of two music icons: Shakira, the Queen of Latin Music, and Jay-Z, the rap GOAT. From Shakira’s early days as a Colombian rockera to her recent comebacks, and from Jay-Z’s early-2000s run to his ongoing influence on hip-hop and pop culture, these two artists have left an indelible mark on the music industry. Tune in next week for our next episode, and be sure to catch up on past episodes here.
FAQs
Q: Who are the experts joining Andrew Unterberger on this episode?
A: Isabela Raygoza and Sigal Ratner-Arias from Billboard Español and Angel Diaz and Michael Saponara from Billboard Hip-Hop.
Q: What’s the main topic of this episode?
A: The careers of Shakira, the Queen of Latin Music, and Jay-Z, the rap GOAT.
Q: Can I listen to the full episode?
A: Yes, you can listen to the full episode on your preferred podcast platform.
Q: How often are new episodes released?
A: New episodes are released every Friday, following the publishing of our two new Greatest Pop Star rankings for that week.