2010 marked the end of the first ten years into the new millennium. Although it’s been a crazy ten years, we’ve had some good times and bad times. We’re here to pay homage to those who made 2010 their year, and while some may disagree with the people on this list, you can’t deny that they were all the talk for this year. Some we love, others we loathe. Come take a trip with me as we review some of the top people of 2010.
Oprah
The Queen of Media, one of the most influential individuals of 2010 (or ever), is finally retiring. Since the 1980s, Oprah has been one of the most dominant talk show hosts; if you’re old enough, you can remember the talk show wars of the 1990s and we lost a lot of people then: Ricki Lake, Geraldo, Sally Jesse Raphael, Kathie Lee formerly of Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, and countless others. Those who’ve managed to survive are nowhere close to the success of Oprah.
The only person in my opinion who’s been as recognized as Oprah is Morton Downey Jr. for innovating trash talk shows (which was Jerry Springer before Jerry Springer), but as far as net worth no one’s been anywhere close. You can bet money that if Oprah endorses a product, it’ll move units. Although a great majority of people will be sad to see her go, it’ll definitely be interesting to see who replaces her…if they can. Those are some 100 billion dollar shoes to fill.
Mark Zuckerberg
Millions of people use your product but don’t know who you are… until they make a movie about you. In 2010, a movie is released titled The Social Network which chronicled the trial and triumphs of a college student trying to create the ultimate social networking site back in 2004. This social site would become Facebook and its founder would be a twenty-something Harvard drop-out by the name of Mark Zuckerberg.
Back in 2004, when Mark was attending Harvard, he had a dream to bring people together via the Internet – a place where old friends could connect and meet new ones. Now thanks to Mark and his friends, a great majority of us rely on Facebook for our social networking needs. Mark’s dream allows millions of people to connect with each other on a daily basis, and that earns him a spot in our list of top people of 2010.
Kanye West
It takes a lot to keep this man down. Kanye may be known for his controversial behavior by “telling it like it is” or as he sees fit, but there is no denying his musical genius. He’s brought us great music and with all great talents comes an ego.
This isn’t to say that Kanye doesn’t deserve it; when you produce hit record after hit record, you begin to think highly of yourself (people who aren’t talented tend to do this too). With the release of his latest album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, West addresses his ego and the controversy surrounding him in the song “Power” by stating that “no one man should have all this power.” Let’s not forget how Kanye’s inspiring words affected former President George W. Bush so much so that Matt Lauer had to have a “sit down” between the former President and the rap star. Regardless of what you think of him, Kanye is definitely one of the most famous personalities of 2010.
The Jersey Shore
When I was growing up, the stereotype about Italian-Americans was that they were all in the mafia, but nowadays we have the MTV cast of The Jersey Shore. Snooki, Pauly D, “The Situation” and the rest of The Shore cast mates have completely changed my perspective of Italian-American culture.
The Jersey Shore crew seems to hold no hopes of slowing down since they launched their reality show back in 2009. Drinking, fighting, and hooking up is their MO. We all know of them even if we haven’t seen the show firsthand because people won’t stop talking about them; they’re on all the tabloid newspapers and TV shows it feels like we’ve been a part of the show since it started. A few of the cast members have managed to write books and sell their own individual products. If that isn’t a hallmark of being one of the most influential individuals of 2010, then I don’t know what is.
The Jersey Shore crew is not only one of the most famous personalities of 2010, but they’ve also made an impression on American pop culture that doesn’t seem to be fading away. Some say this show is like The Real World when it first premiered and it has become a landmark of gold for the MTV network. If this is just a passing fad, they are certainly making the best out of it.
Drake
Drake has come a long way since his days on the TV show Degrassi as “Wheelchair Jimmy”. He has managed to successfully step away from that stereotype that has grounded others in the past (Look up Brian Austin Green from the original 90210 series).
With various mixtapes and guest spots, Drake certainly shows why he’s not to be taken lightly. More than just a pretty face, lyrically he’s able to hold his own as he teams up with heavy hitters like Kanye West, Lil’ Wayne, Eminem, Jay-Z, and others. What else can Drake accomplish? At such a young age, he only has room to grow.
Even if you’re not a fan of Lil’ Wayne, you’ve got to respect the business decision to sign Drake to YOUNG MONEY. Speaking on personal family matters, Drake bears his soul to the listeners of tales behind the fame to show that even with success, things aren’t always easier with money. His catchy tunes and smooth hooks aren’t easy to ignore with such songs as “The Best I Ever Had” and “Find Your Love.” And for bringing real Hip-Hop back, we’d all like to thank you now, Drake.
Nicki Minaj
Some people may call her a Lil’ Kim clone, others might just say Barbie, but whatever you decide to call her you can’t underestimate Nicki’s sex appeal and lyrical content. She’s been on mixtapes since 2004, but she just recently dropped her debut album, Pink Friday. Currently the only female signed to Lil’ Wayne’s YOUNG MONEY, she’s able to throw punches just as hard as the fellas.
Her dreams are now a reality and coming from a broken home, Nicki was able to transform that dysfunction into success. She recently had her own MTV special called: Nicki Minaji: My Time Is Now, which featured her triumphs and obstacles in life. People often doubt Nicki’s lyrical ability but no one can say that she instantly popped up overnight.
Her rise to fame has been a long time coming with many obstacles in the way. She’s won various awards for her mixtapes, and even beefing with Lil Kim proves that her style isn’t a fluke. You have to admire the determination of this young woman; if you’re not feeling her sound, then you can always turn it down. But if you happen to like Nicki and her music, you’ll definitely be impressed with how she’s grown as an artist. And that’s why she’s one of our top people of 2010.
Sarah Palin
What started as a gimmick to attract female voters to the Republican Party in the ’08 elections has now taken a life of its own. Sarah Palin, one of the most famous personalities of 2010, is literally the talk of the town, and her town happens to be America’s largest state Alaska. Sarah Palin is the face and voice of what we know as the Tea Party Movement, which plans to take America back to the good ol’ days (no comment!).
Sarah Palin’s daughter appeared in this past season of Dancing With The Stars, and although Sarah wasn’t dancing, they talked more about her than her daughter who was a contestant. Palin’s got her own TV series, a book, and a good chunk of followers. Her popularity may remain a mystery to the astute public but for the rest of them, she’s a rock star and one of the most influential individuals of 2010.
Bruno Mars
The man every rapper wants to sing their hooks. I’m not sure if B.o.B’s “Nothin’ On You” came out first or Travis McCoy’s“Billionaire,” but whatever the case may be, Bruno has capitalized on the music industry with his smooth vocal tones. It’s no doubt that with the rate Bruno is going, 2011 will be his year for sure; but for now, we’ll acknowledge him as more than just an honorable mention. Here’s hoping that Bruno Mars continues to melt our hearts with his voice.
When he isn’t singing the hook on songs, he’s writing with other big names like Cee-Lo Green, Flo-Rida, and K’naan. Bruno also released his debut album in October of this year, Doo-Wops & Hooligans. He’s been nominated for more than a handful of Grammys. Truly, Mr. Mars, the music world has nothin’ on you.
B.o.B
Bobby Ray has had one hell of a year. He’s had hit after hit after hit and he’s just getting started. We fell in love with Hayley Williams as she sang the hook to his song “Airplanes”, Eminem was featured on the remix. Lupe Fiasco, T.I., and a few others stopped by to lend their voices to B.o.B on his debut album B.o.B Presents: The Adventures Of Bobby Ray.
Before B.o.B released his debut album, he was featured on various mixtapes and he’s done a lot of guest stops with too many names to count. You wouldn’t know it without looking through the credits but T.I. was the executive producer on his album, which is far from his usual acts of gangsta rap Young Dro, P$C, and even Yung LA… Grand Hustle is in the name.
Eminem
After a five-year absence from the music game, Eminem came back to bless us with his presence as one of the most famous personalities of 2010. He even teamed up with people we wouldn’t expect to see him perform with (Lil Wayne, Drake, Kanye, B.o.B, Pink, Rihanna and that’s just to name a few).
We are currently witnessing the evolution of Eminem and rap music, every rapper (I know of) dreams of being able to team up with Eminem and that’s what we’re seeing now. As he expands his musical empire, he’s released two new albums: Relapse and Recovery. It’s no secret that Eminem suffered a drug problem after Deshaun Holton a.k.a. Proof of D12 and long-time friend of Eminem was tragically killed back in 2006. We’re all happy to see Em back in full force and we hope that this isn’t the last we hear of him.
Willow & Jaden Smith
I could write a book on Will and Jada’s success alone, but this year was more about their kids, Willow and Jaden. Who would’ve thought these kids would be one of the most influential individuals of 2010?
Jaden starred in a summer blockbuster remake, The Karate Kid, and Willow stunned the world when she released her first single “Whip My Hair” as well as signing with Jay-Z. With one of the most successful couples and parents in Hollywood backing them, we’re all curious to see what this family will take over next.
Lil Wayne
Some of us have tried to deny it for a long time (even myself) but Lil Wayne is now considered to be a hip-hop legend and one of the most famous personalities of 2010. Someone once reported that not since Tupac has another rapper had a top-selling album behind bars which is no easy feat.
Since his days of Ca$h Money, it seems that Lil’ Wayne is the only one still relevant today and selling records. Mixtapes, albums, and Young Money all of which are credited to Lil’ Wayne. While Wayne may have had some legal problems this year, his music continues to sell and that is a true testament to being able to stay ahead of the curve.
T.I. & Tiny
This part is more about T.I. than Tiny but the two have made headlines together and apart. Tameka “Tiny” Cottle was once part of a very dynamic female R&B group in the 90s by the name of Xscape. Years later, she resurfaced on BET’s Tiny and Toya with Lil Wayne’s ex-wife.
T.I. is a multi-platinum-selling rapper who happens to be married to Tiny now. T.I. has had some legal charges stemming from those crazy gun charges back in 2007, and most recently was brought up on drug charges along with his wife Tiny. While we often contribute to being a celebrity with such an excessive lifestyle, it’s no secret that if T.I. isn’t careful, he’ll be doing more time than Shyne and C-Murder; too much time out of the spotlight and we’ll forget why we fell in love with T.I.P to begin with.
Kid Cudi
Mr. “Day ‘n’ Nite” isn’t on here just for his music. He managed to briefly break away from music to star in an HBO series How To Make It In America, which is like the poor man’s Entourage and both happened to be produced by Mark Wahlberg. Cudi took us on a journey of the mind and showed up another side to the gun-totin’, gang-bangin’, drug-slingin’ side of Hip-Hop that seems to be popular today.
With the release of his latest album Man on the Moon II: The Legend Of Mr. Rager receiving high praise and pretty good commercial success, we can’t help but wonder what this Kid will do next.
Justin Bieber
A lot of teen sensations come and go, but Bieber fever is something everyone seems to be catching. Usher’s young protégé Justin Bieber is definitely one of the most influential individuals of 2010. He can make little girls cry, sell out shows and make very poppy songs all before his bedtime.
LeBron James
King James to some, ass hole to others, but no matter what you call him, this is the man that made the city of Cleveland cry. LeBron’s year would’ve been just another year of him cashing million-dollar checks if it wasn’t for the fact that a whole town hates him more than a bitter ex-girlfriend. This is really the only reason he’s on here; his basketball skills aren’t to go unnoticed, but his marketing skills shouldn’t be denied either. He’s no doubt one of the most influential individuals of 2010.
Remember that all things, this list included, are open to interpretation.
Image credit: Drake – Prince Williams / Contributor | Getty Images
Readers May Also Like:
Parlé’s Top R&B Singles of 2010
Naomi Achu Interview – Sultry Voice With International Appeal
Sarah Palin’s New Book Takes Shots at First Lady Over Race
T.I.’s Jail Statement Shows He’s Tired of Prison