Top 10 Male Artists of 2024

Welcome to Funktasy’s Top 10 Male Artists of 2024! These artists have had a remarkable year, not only topping charts and soldout world tours, but redefining genres – from pop, to rap, to country – and the music scene as a whole. It was no easy task for the Funktasy team to narrow down this list of artists, but this list of men have been dominating the conversation this year. In no particular order, here’s our list of the top 10 male artists who are ruling the music industry, and how they got there.

Entertainment Weekly/Brain Ziff

Shawn Mendes 

Shawn Mendes is set to make a successful return to the music scene with his new album – Shawn – set to release this October. After a two-year hiatus to focus on his mental health, which included cancelling the remaining dates of his world tour, Mendes is ready to step back into the spotlight. His candid discussions about his struggles with anxiety and his advocacy for mental health awareness have deeply resonated with fans, further solidifying his status as a relatable and inspiring figure.

This fall, Mendes will perform for more intimate audiences, dedicated to his close friends and family, creating a unique and heartfelt concert experience. Fans eagerly anticipate his musical comeback, excited to see him back on stage and share his artistry again. With his new album and upcoming performances, Mendes is set to make a significant mark on the music industry, and we cannot wait!

AP Photo/Luca Bruno

Niall Horan

Niall Horan is currently captivating audiences around the globe with his highly successful world tour, showcasing his exceptional talent and the evolution of his musical career. The tour, which features songs from his latest album The Show – released in June last year – has been met with widespread acclaim, solidifying Horan’s status as a leading artist in the industry. He continued to grow and succeed as he has journeyed from a member of the globally renowned boy band One Direction to a solo artist. 

Horan’s world tour, “The Show: Live on Tour”  has been a phenomenal success, performing to sold-out crowds in major cities across the world. A significant aspect of Horan’s success lies in his strong connection with his fans on and off the stage, maintaining an approachable and down-to-earth persona that endears him to audiences worldwide. Horan’s ability to seamlessly transition from boy band fame to a respected solo artist showcases his versatility and dedication to his craft, making him a significant and influential figure in the music industry.

Warner Music Europe

Benson Boone

Benson Boone has swiftly ascended the ranks of the music industry, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide with his unique sound and performances. Boone first gained widespread attention through his viral success on social media, where his powerful voice and heartfelt covers quickly amassed a large following. This digital success translated into mainstream recognition with the release of his debut single, “Ghost Town,” which became an instant hit on the radio, showcasing his potential as a breakout star. But that was only the start.

Boone’s burgeoning career has reached new heights when he was chosen to open for Taylor Swift during her highly anticipated Wembley Stadium shows in London. This opportunity not only introduced him to a broader audience but also solidified his status as an artist to watch. His performances received rave reviews, with audiences praising his vocal prowess and stage presence. Boone’s other hits, including “ROOM FOR 2” and “In The Stars,” have also enjoyed significant radio play, further establishing him as a rising star in the music industry. With a bright future ahead, Benson Boone continues to make his mark, captivating listeners with his authentic and captivating musical style. 

Christopher Smith/Invision/AP

Noah Kahan 

Noah Kahan has emerged as a standout artist in the folk-pop genre, captivating audiences with his introspective lyrics and soulful melodies. His breakthrough single “Hurt Somebody”, quickly gained traction on streaming platforms and introduced his distinctive sound to a global audience. Kahan’s ability to blend poignant storytelling with catchy, melodic hooks has set him apart in the music scene, earning him a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim.

One of Kahan’s most successful songs, “Stick Season,” has been a standout hit, resonating deeply with listeners. The track’s heartfelt lyrics and relatable themes have earned it significant radio play and streaming success, further cementing Kahan’s reputation as a talented and impactful songwriter. In addition to his chart-topping hits, Kahan has worked with artists like Gracie Abrams, Zach Bryan and Post Malone. 

United Talent Agency

The Kid Laroi 

The Kid Laroi has rapidly risen to stardom in the music industry, captivating audiences with his talent, lyrics, and genre-blending sound. The Australian artist first gained widespread attention with his breakout single “Let Her Go” and his collaboration with Juice WRLD on “Go.” These early successes showcased his unique style and ability to convey deep emotions through his music, quickly earning him a dedicated fanbase.

Laroi’s rise to fame was further gained by his debut mixtape, “F*ck Love,” which topped charts globally and featured hits like “Without You” and “Stay,” a collaboration with Justin Bieber that became a viral sensation. His ability to seamlessly blend elements of hip-hop, pop, and R&B has set him apart in the music scene, making him one of the most versatile and innovative artists to watch for. His latest hit “Girls” has also become a viral song.

Courtesy of Glamour Magazine

Zayn Malik 

Zayn Malik made his triumphant return to music this year and it shook fans to their core. Malik – formerly a member of boyband One Direction before his departure in 2015 to pursue solo projects. He released his fourth studio album Room Under the Stairs on May 17th this year. The Album has been hailed as a rebirth and a major turning point in his career. It debuted at number 15 on the Billboard charts, and while not a major ranking, marks his first top 40 album debut since the start of his solo career. 

The most major development in his work this year was his very first solo performance since his departure from the band. Malik performed for an intimate crowd in the UK as a celebration for the release of his album, and it had fans absolutely buzzing. Malik continues to connect with fans through his raw lyricism, connection on social media, and mesmerizing vocals. 

Dania Maxwell/ Los Angeles Times

Hozier 

If you have listened to the radio recently, chances are you have probably been listening to Hozier, whose latest single is absolutely inescapable. The Irish singer-songwriter found himself with another chart-topping hit earlier this year with the release of the single “Too Sweet,” which went viral on social media (especially TikTok). The single comes from an additional EP meant to function as an extension of his 2023 album Unreal Unearth. 

Aside from music, Hozier has been a very vocal advocate for many human rights issues, including speaking out on the war in Gaza at his live shows. Hozier’s angelic vocals, poetic and political lyricism, and moral values have been capturing the hearts of fans for years now, and his latest releases this year have been absolutely no different.

Caroline Tompkins/WWD

Troye Sivan 

Australian YouTuber turned pop star Troye Sivan continues to stun fans, mainly with his energetic live performances. Sivan released his third studio album Something to Give Each Other in the fall of 2023. The house-pop lead single “Rush” was nominated for several Grammys, and won multiple ARIA Awards. He has just started to tour the album within the last few weeks and he has already made a lasting impression. 

Sivan has been putting on full-fledged productions for his arena tour, with mesmerizing choreography and unforgettable live performances. At one show in particular, he brought out singer and actor Ross Lynch to perform a recreation of the music video for the second lead single “One of Your Girls.” The moment instantly went viral on social media, garnering praise for both Sivan and Lynch. The singer will be embarking on a co-headlining tour with friend and collaborator Charli XCX for the Sweat Tour starting later this year. 

Entertainment Weekly/Mary Ellen Matthews

Kendrick Lamar 

If you have been on social media at all these past few months, you would know that rapper Kendrick Lamar has had an absolute bombshell of 2024. Lamar went viral for various diss tracks he released in an ongoing feud with Toronto-based rapper Drake (which you can read more about here). His hit, “Not Like Us,” broke several streaming records, debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and has widely been considered by critics to be one of the greatest diss tracks of all time. 

Lamar writes iconic lyrics in his music and has received countless amounts of acclaim for his writing, including the Pulitzer Music Prize in 2018. Lamar continues to take this exceptional writing ability and create intriguing yet incredibly catchy songs that will leave listeners with lots to unpack.

Billboard/Samuel Elkins

Zach Bryan

Zach Bryan has been making waves in the world of country music for the last few years. He has broken into mainstream virality this year. The country singer released his self-titled album last summer, as well as another album just a few weeks ago titled The Great American Bar Scene. Zack Bryan writes lyrics that capture the essence of Americana and his powerful live performances. Most notably, on his most recent tour, he has been bringing select fans up on stage to play guitar and sing with him during various songs, most typically his hit “Revival.” He also gives out his guitar to fans at the end of shows, in overwhelmingly heartwarming moments.

These moments have gone viral on social media, bolstering ticket sales to his shows and driving demand for his current tour through the roof. Bryan continues to shape and change the country music scene with his beautiful lyrics and heartwarming interactions with his fanbase.

These Are The Top 10 Male Artists of 2024 and Their Influence On The Culture Truly Cannot Be Challenged.

Their diverse array of styles, poetic and witty lyricism, and captivating stage presences have led them to the top of the music world this year. Artists like Benson Boone, who is just starting out, or Kendrick Lamar, who is a seasoned pro in the industry, continue to prove their worth in this industry. Their artistry continues to push the bounds of music. If you liked this article, feel free to check out our list of top 10 female artists of 2024 here!