Forbes has rolled out it's third annual 30 Under 30 list. The publication picks the brightest and most innovative people in 15 different categories ranging from music to education.
29 artists and entrepreneurs made the music list. Let's take a look at what Forbes had to say about 15 of them.
Bruno Mars, musician (28 years old)
When halftime rolls around at Super Bowl XLVIII, it's safe to say Bruno Mars won't be worried about the score. "Hawaii doesn't have a team, so I bounce around," says the Honolulu native. "I go for the underdog." That term hardly describes Mars, who will play the halftime show in the tradition of Paul McCartney, U2, Michael Jackson and other music legends. Mars is the first artist in 10 years to headline before turning 30, but he's already got two platinum albums and 14 past Grammy nominations (including one win), with four new ones this year. His best preparation for the upcoming performance at MetLife Stadium may have been hosting Saturday Night Live in 2012, despite having about as much experience with sketch comedy as Hawaii has with snow. Says Mars: "You gotta be fearless, man. … If I'm ever gonna sing in a blizzard, it may as well be at the Super Bowl."
Wiz Khalifa, musician (26-years old)
"My flow's so sick you might want to absorb this," the Pittsburgh native rapped last year. "Best believe every year young Khalifa gonna make that Forbes list." He has, for the third consecutive year, while raking in $14 million from strong sales of his music, merch and concert tickets.
Miley Cyrus, musician (21-year old)
Don't be fooled: the former Disney idol's VMA twerk-fest wasn't an impromptu lapse in judgment, but part of a concerted plan to destroy the last vestiges of Hannah Montana and introduce Cyrus as a grown pop star. New album Bangerz sold 270,000 copies its opening week.
Kim Kaupe, co-founder 'Zinepack (28-years old)
Along with cofounder Brittany Hodak, 30, Kaupe launched this music merchandizing startup in 2011. Since then, they've created custom memorabilia for artists from Toby Keith to Katy Perry; revenues have surged to $6 million, up from $2.6 million last year.
J. Cole, musician (28-year old)
Jay Z's first signing at Roc Nation is now a hip-hop force in his own right. Sophomore album Born Sinner debuted at No. 2 on the charts with sales of 297,000, nearly matching Kanye West's Yeezus. Now grossing six figures per night on his world tour, Cole is here to stay.
Drake, musician (27-years old)
The former Degrassi star has pulled in over $30 million in the past two years, boosted by live shows and endorsements with the likes of Sprite and Kodak. Look for him to build on that with his latest arena tour in support of new album Nothing Was The Same.
Derrick Fung, Founder, Tunezy (26-years old)
The former banker launched social record label Tunezy, where fans can follow, promote and buy from their favorite musicians, in 2011. Electronic music promoter SFX bought it for a seven-figure sum in November 2013; Fung remains CEO.
Justin Bieber, musician (19-years old)
After appearing on the cover of FORBES in 2012, the world's most famous teenager launched a new album and a world tour. “I’m trying to make music that’s a little bit more mature and that can appeal to all ages," he said. Meanwhile, recent publicity gaffes haven't stopped him from earning $113 million in the last two years.
Miguel, musician (28-years old)
A relative late bloomer in the music world, the California native finally broke through with last year's Kaleidoscope Dream, which debuted at No. 3 on the charts and earned him five Grammy nominations. He won Best R&B Song for "Adorn."
Janelle Monae, musician (28-years old)
The funky songstress earned rave reviews for sophomore album The Electric Lady in September 2013, featuring rare guest appearances by Prince and Erykah Badu. She continues to pad her coffers with low six-figure grosses on the road.
Lorde, musician (17-years old)
The youngest name in the music category, New Zealand's biggest star has rocketed to mainstream acclaim with debut album Pure Heroine and unexpected hit "Royals." She's already cashing in with a $2.5 million publishing deal, and more is undoubtedly on the way.
Kendrick Lamar, musician (26-years old)
Dr. Dre’s latest protégé earned $9 million last year after releasing smash hit Good Kid, m.A.A.d City and playing over 100 live shows. Better yet: he earned seven Grammy nominations, more than any other artist besides Jay Z.
Lady Gaga, musician (27-years old)
It's hard to top showing up to the Grammys in an egg, but Gaga did just that with the launch of new album ARTPOP, debuting a flying dress and announcing plans to perform in outer space in 2015. With $80 million in earnings last year, she's the world's second highest-paid musician.
Rihanna, musician (25-years old)
The Barbados-born diva has released a new album nearly every year since her 2005 debut. This year, she earned $43 million, boosted by nightly grosses around $1 million per night on her Diamonds tour and endorsements with Vita Coco, Nivea and her fragrance Reb'l Fleur.
Donnie Dench, Founder, WillCall (29-years old)
This designer-turned-CEO has plans to take the $24 billion live music industry mobile. With more than $2.1 million in seed funding from billionaire Sean Parker, music mogul Coran Capshaw and Airbnb cofounder Joe Gebbia, he's well on his way.
To read the full list head over to Forbes.
Forbes 30 Under 30: Inside The Issue
30 Under 30: Past And Present
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