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Randy Holmes/ABCIt takes talent to remain relevant without releasing an album, but there were several artists this year who made it look effortless. Here’s a roundup of three stars that stayed in headlines in 2015, without releasing major new product.
Rihanna: The singer graced 15 magazine covers this year, including Vanity Fair and Harper’s Bazaar, and she later became the first black woman to land a Dior campaign. The fashion-forward singer also collaborated with Stance for a sock collection, which was around the same time she teamed with Puma and sparked rumors of dating rapper Travis Scott.
Of course, Rihanna dropped various singles, like “B**** Better Have My Money,” “American Oxygen” and “FourFiveSeconds.” She also voiced the main character, Tip, in the animated movie Home. Then, after making a splash with her canary yellow Guo Pei gown at the Met Gala in May, the singer partnered with Samsung for an unprecedented $25 million deal to sponsor her upcoming album, ANTI, and tour. To date, Rihanns’s released six videos from her ANTIdiaRy website, an immersive experience that takes fans on a journey through Rihanna’s life story.
Kanye West: The rapper started the year by accepting the Michael Jackson Vanguard Award at the MTV Video Music Awards, only to become a trending topic after announcing during his acceptance speech that he’d run for president in 2020.
Kanye mainly stood out in 2015 for his fashion endeavors. His lucrative Adidas collection debuted in February, and he later caused people to camp out in anticipation of the release of his Yeezy Boost 350 sneaker, which retailed for $350. In March, ‘Ye also received an honorary doctorate at the School of Art Institute Of Chicago commencement ceremony his hometown of in Chicago, Illinois.
As the year began to wind down, Pusha T, who has been named the President of G.O.O.D. Music, described Kanye’s upcoming album, SWISH, as “incredible.” But don’t expect any further updates from Kanye, who recently tweeted he wanted to be left alone until the set was finished.
Beyoncé: The singer began the year by announcing a business partnership with exercise physiologist Marco Borges to launch 22 Days Nutrition, a home-delivery meal service that provides plant-based food — Beyonce’s vegan diet would later help her fit into that jeweled peekaboo dress she wore to the Met Gala in May.
Beyoncé also delivered a string of high-profile television performances, including at the Grammy Awards and Stevie Wonder‘s Grammy Salute special. Queen Bey also inked her first shoe collaboration with famous designer Giuseppe Zanotti, as well as her second nail collection with NCLA, and a newly released a line of temporary flash tattoos.
Beyonce’s music from her 2013 self-titled album continued to dominate: “Drunk in Love,” featuring husband Jay Z, was certified triple platinum after selling three million copies in the U.S.
Despite ongoing divorce speculation, Beyoncé celebrated her wedding anniversary by releasing a new song, “Die with You,” dedicated to Jay — the pair later celebrated their love at a resort on Hawaii’s Big Island.
Queen Bey’s year wouldn’t be completed without a couple of brag-worthy accomplishments, like becoming the first black woman to grace the September issue of Vogue, and also being the first person to reach the 30-million-followers mark on Instagram.
Perhaps 2016 year will see Beyonce taking on more film projects. She’s been taking acting classes to attract more serious roles, but despite widespread speculation she apparently won’t be appearing in Bradley Cooper‘s remake of A Star Is Born.
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