Who Will Replace Beyoncé, Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, and Drake? | PLEASE EXPLAIN

The path to superstardom is much different than it was in the past. While social media and streaming made it easier for artists to build audiences without relying on record labels, or for songs to pop without radio play, it’s also created an oversaturated and fragmented music marketplace, making it even harder for songs and artists to be seen, heard, and impactful – which has led to a lack of superstars.

How do you define a superstar in 2025? What goes into making a superstar today? Are there any replacements for the “big three” in rap? What has led to the lack of superstars? Who are the next superstars?

We will explore this topic with Randall ‘Sickamore’ Medford, who currently manages Don Toliver and is the co-founder of Three Times Louder, a Brooklyn based production company that is focused on Brooklyn artists; Nikki Nelms, a renowned hairstylist whose clients include Janelle Monáe and Zoë Kravitz; Fullout Cortland, a talented choreographer who works with artists including Doja Cat and SZA; and Amanda Sabreah, who owns Thought Factory, a strategic advisor firm helping entrepreneurs and executives sharpen their positioning.

"Please Explain Hosted by Aria Hughes" is an explainer show about culture, fashion, and music that brings context, not confusion, to the internet.

0:00 Intro
04:04 Ch. 1: How do you define "superstar?"
13:09 Ch. 2: How superstars of the past inform today
24:05 Ch. 3: Who are the superstars dominating now (and why?)
38:13 Aria's Analysis
39:46 Ch. 4: The state of superstardom / The Big 3
1:03:15 Ch. 5: Why are there so few superstars?

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COMPLEX is a community of creators and curators, armed with the Internet, committed to surfacing and sharing the voices and conversations that define our new America. Our videos exemplify convergence culture, exploring topics that include music, sneakers, style, sports, and pop culture through original shows and Complex News segments. Featuring your favorite celebrities, authoritative commentary, and a unique voice, our videos make culture pop.