Pop music is a staple in mainstream American culture. What many may not know is it's level of importance globally. Being an international pop star supersedes almost any level of celebrity that we know of today. While it may not necessarily equate to some of the astronomical annual salaries of some athletes, the fame is very comparable. These stars for many years have been heard time and again on our radios, Walkmans, iPods, and MP3 players. They've graced our television sets and stages of some of our favorite events such as the Super Bowl and NBA All-Star game. What we may not know is the number of people involved in making them great, or the extent of the greatness behind them. Max Martin is one of the behind the scenes guys who's worked with the likes of many of pop music's biggest acts over the last 19 years.

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With his first instrument being his voice, Xavier Rudd began with the most primitive form of music. You wouldn’t have guessed it due to the 18+ instruments he is efficient in and plays during his one-man shows. As an Australian musical legend with Aboriginal blood running through his veins, Rudd clings toward this part of his ancestry for musical inspiration. Because Aboriginal natives do not receive the recognition Rudd believes they deserve, he has made it his duty to build the culture up through his music. His most recent album, Free Bird is possibly his most creative yet, including nature sounds and mesmerizing native chants that take listeners back to a time when people really connected with the earth. As a social activist and musician, Xavier Rudd has been blessed with the ability to connect people with his music and spiritual aspirations.

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Momma, I want to sang! These words are being uttered by millions of little boys and girls all across the nation, and a good majority will go after it at some point in their life’s journey. Rarely do any of them break mainstream success, but it’s less to do about actual talent, but timing and connections. She has the subtle sensual song writing style of Badu, and the full smooth soulful vocal delivery of Scott.  She is an example of authentic love for music and talent coinciding with perfect timing. Fans of the ultra-talented soul artist can only hope that her ear for putting head bopping, waist shaking, and thought provoking songs will catch on with the mainstream.

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It usually only takes me a few seconds of listening to a song before I decide if I want it on my playlist. Generally, if I’ve heard a few minutes of a song, then I’ve heard them all. However, when you listen to A Day to Remember, you’ll need to play a track completely through in order to hear every element, because it might just change up on you.

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One of the best ways to show support for something that you believe in, is to put your hard earned money behind it. The fans of legendary hip-hop trio, De La Soul has done exactly that, and quite successfully with their highly anticipated studio album, and the Anonymous Nobody The album is the first to be released by the group in 11 years. Amazingly enough, it wasn’t the long wait that has people talking about the record, but rather the fan-generated reserve of cash that paid for it all.

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