The Forbes 30 Under 30 list is a powerful reflection of the incredible talent and groundbreaking achievements of young individuals shaping the future of their industries. From musicians to athletes, creators to entrepreneurs, the 2024 cohort includes some of the most influential rising stars who are already making waves in their respective fields. This year’s list is a blend of fresh faces and established names who are not just pushing the boundaries but are also setting new standards in their industries. In this article, we’ll explore some of the standout personalities featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 for 2024, including musicians like Gracie Abrams, supergroups like Boygenius, and popular influencers like Alix Earle and Dylan Mulvaney.
Gracie Abrams: A Rising Star in the Music Industry
Gracie Abrams, at just 24 years old, has already become a household name in the music industry. Since her debut single “Mean It” in 2019, Gracie has been recognized for her emotionally raw lyrics and poetic melodies. Her music, deeply personal and relatable, resonates with millions, and in 2024, she earned a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.
Gracie’s music career continued to flourish with the release of her first two EPs, Minor (2020) and This is What It Feels Like (2021). Her debut album Good Riddance (2024) soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Emerging Artists Chart, establishing her as one of the most promising young artists in the industry. With over 8 million monthly listeners on Spotify, Gracie’s voice is one that speaks to a generation. Talent runs in the family as her father, J.J. Abrams, is a famous director known for Lost and the Star Wars franchise.
Boygenius: The Supergroup Rewriting Indie Rock
Boygenius is not just a supergroup; it’s a movement. Consisting of three iconic singer-songwriters from the indie-rock world—Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus—Boygenius has become a force to be reckoned with. Their self-titled EP, released in 2018, marked the beginning of a collaboration that grew into one of the most beloved acts in music today.
In 2024, Boygenius received six Grammy nominations for their debut full-length album The Record. The album, which debuted in 2023, charted in 16 countries and landed at No. 4 on the Billboard 200. Their unique blend of personal songwriting and distinct styles has earned them praise as the “voice of a generation.” With nearly 4.5 million monthly streams, Boygenius continues to make waves both as a band and as individual artists.
Alan Chikin Chow: Social Media Mogul on the Rise
Alan “Chikin” Chow’s journey from actor to social media mogul has been nothing short of remarkable. Known for his acting roles, including appearances on Grey’s Anatomy, Chow transitioned into digital content creation and quickly became one of the most influential social media stars.
In just two years, Chow gained over 45 million followers and surpassed YouTube’s own MrBeast in traffic at times. His unique comedic style and relatable sketches have made him a favorite among millions. Recognized as YouTube’s No. 1 Shorts Creator, Chow’s channel continues to grow by more than 1.5 million subscribers each month, making him a top creator with massive influence. His success exemplifies the growing power of social media influencers and their ability to transcend traditional media channels.
Drew Desbordes (Druski): The Comedian Who’s Shaping the Entertainment World
Drew Desbordes, known online as Druski, is a comedian who gained fame through his hilarious Instagram content under the handle druski2funny. Since 2017, Druski’s witty videos have captivated millions, leading him to collaborate with major hip-hop stars like Drake, Jack Harlow, and Lil Yachty. His humor, combined with celebrity culture, made him a viral sensation.
In 2023, Druski made his acting debut in Peacock’s “Praise This”, starring alongside Chloe Bailey. His comedy tour, Coulda Woulda Shoulda, sold out nationwide, further solidifying his place in entertainment.
Druski’s influence grew when he was invited by President Joe Biden to the White House for the Juneteenth celebration. With his unique blend of comedy and growing presence in film, Druski is quickly becoming one of the most influential comedic voices in Hollywood.
Alix Earle: The Influencer Behind the “Alix Earle Effect”
Alix Earle is a lifestyle influencer known for creating the powerful “Alix Earle Effect.” This phenomenon causes anything she mentions or showcases to sell out almost immediately, making her a marketer’s dream. Her influence is so impactful that it was even featured in the Harvard Business Review. Earle shares relatable “get-ready-with-me” videos where she applies makeup and offers insights into her life, including moments of personal excitement, like preparing for an appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast. Her authentic and engaging content has earned her a spot on Forbes’ Top Creators list and the 30 Under 30 Miami list, solidifying her status as a leading voice in the influencer world.
Dominic Fike: A Multi-Talented Artist Who Can Do It All
Dominic Fike’s meteoric rise in both music and television has been nothing short of impressive. Starting his career on SoundCloud, Fike’s genre-blending style quickly captured the attention of listeners. His debut album What Could Possibly Go Wrong? (2020) charted in the top 50 in multiple countries, and his second album Sunburn featured tracks that appeared in the blockbuster film Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse.
In addition to his musical career, Fike starred in HBO’s Euphoria, showcasing his versatility as an actor. With a growing fanbase and millions of Spotify streams, Dominic Fike is proving that he’s a force to be reckoned with in both music and entertainment.
Lamar Jackson: Changing the NFL Landscape
Lamar Jackson, the MVP of the 2019 NFL season, is not only dominating the field but also rewriting the playbook for NFL players. In 2023, Jackson signed a record-breaking five-year, $260 million contract extension with the Baltimore Ravens, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history. His $72.5 million signing bonus also set an NFL record.
Off the field, Jackson is building a business empire with ventures including a personal clothing brand, a restaurant, and a production company. As one of the most dynamic and marketable athletes in the world, Lamar Jackson continues to revolutionize the business side of sports while also dominating on the field.
Kendall Jenner: Tequila Mogul and Social Media Queen
Kendall Jenner has built an impressive business empire with her tequila brand, 818 Tequila. Before publicly launching in 2021, Kendall kept her involvement with the brand under wraps, anonymously submitting her reposado tequila to the 2020 World Tequila Awards, where it won the top prize.
Her 300 million followers on social media helped propel 818 to new heights, with the brand selling over 123,000 cases in 2022 and generating $25 million in sales. Beyond tequila, Kendall continues to thrive in the modeling world, securing high-profile contracts with major brands like Calvin Klein and Prada. She is proving herself as a serious entrepreneur and a powerful force in the business world.
Kyle Kuzma: Athlete, Entrepreneur, and Trendsetter
Kyle Kuzma, a forward for the Washington Wizards, has taken his entrepreneurial skills beyond basketball. In addition to his $102 million contract with the Wizards, Kuzma co-founded Barcode, a rapidly growing sports drink brand, and launched his lifestyle brand, Childhood Dreams.
Kuzma’s collaborations with Puma on apparel collections and his innovative approach to business make him one of the most influential athletes of his generation. He’s proving that his success isn’t limited to the basketball court but also extends into the world of entrepreneurship.
Steve Lacy: A Grammy-Winning R&B Artist
Steve Lacy, known for his work with the cult R&B band The Internet, has had an exceptional solo career. His 2022 single “Bad Habit” topped the Billboard Hot 100, and his second album Gemini Rights won the Grammy for Best Progressive R&B Album. Lacy’s ability to blend genres and his distinctive sound have earned him more than 27 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
In addition to his music career, Lacy has written and produced for top artists like Kendrick Lamar and Kali Uchis, further cementing his place as one of the most talented and influential artists of his generation.
Latto: From Atlanta’s Underground to Global Stardom
Latto’s rise to stardom is a testament to hard work and persistence. Starting at just 10 years old, Latto performed in local talent shows and distributed mixtapes in parking lots. Her breakthrough hit, “B*tch from da Souf,” landed her a deal with RCA Records and propelled her to international fame.
Today, with 31 million monthly Spotify listeners, Latto is known for her powerful presence in hip-hop and her business acumen. With brand deals, tours, and acting gigs, Latto is on track to earn $12 million in 2023. With two Grammy nominations under her belt, Latto’s career shows no signs of slowing down.
Dylan Mulvaney: From Viral TikTok Star to Activist Icon
Dylan Mulvaney, a rising star and LGBTQ+ activist, became famous for her viral TikTok series “Days of Girlhood,” which documented her gender transition and attracted over 1 billion views. Mulvaney was named one of Forbes’ Top Creators in 2023, earning an estimated $2 million last year. Despite facing backlash from a Bud Light ad featuring her, she has secured major brand partnerships, including with Nike and MAC. Mulvaney emphasizes the importance of inclusive marketing and advocates for brands to stand up for what’s right. Her career reached new heights after meeting President Joe Biden to discuss trans rights, and in 2023, she won the Streamy Award for Breakout Creator of the Year.
Mikayla Nogueira’s Journey from Ulta to TikTok Fame
After losing her job at Ulta during the pandemic, Mikayla Nogueira turned to TikTok to share her makeup expertise, quickly gaining viral fame. Nogueira’s Boston accent and makeup tutorials, along with her honest and relatable content on mental health, helped her grow to 17 million followers. She’s worked with major brands like Charlotte Tilbury, L’Oreal, and CVS, and created her own eyeshadow palette with Glamlite, a Latinx-founded brand. In 2023, Nogueira won a Streamy Award for Beauty and was named twice to the Forbes Top Creators list.
Chris Olsen: Comedy, Coffee, and Mental Health Advocacy
Chris Olsen built his following with a mix of humor and vulnerability, creating viral content around his therapy sessions and coffee delivery series. With 12 million followers on TikTok, Olsen is breaking down barriers around mental health and sexuality. His comedic approach led to him being named GLAAD’s first-ever Queer Advocate of the Year. Additionally, Olsen founded Flight Fuel, a sustainably sourced coffee business, showcasing his entrepreneurial side.
Jenna Ortega: Rising Star in Hollywood
Jenna Ortega began her acting career as a child star in the CW’s Jane the Virgin before rising to fame in the Netflix series Wednesday. Despite the challenges she faced as a Latina actress, Ortega’s star has continued to rise. Known for her role as Wednesday Addams, Ortega became a breakout sensation with Wednesday becoming Netflix’s most-watched English-language series.
The Rise of Modern Creators and the Digital Revolution
The journeys of Latto, Dylan Mulvaney, Mikayla Nogueira, Chris Olsen, and Jenna Ortega highlight the transformative power of the digital age. These creators have built their careers not just on talent, but on resilience, adaptability, and an authentic connection with their audiences. Whether it’s Latto’s rise from Atlanta’s local scene to multi-million-dollar deals, Mulvaney’s unapologetic advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, or Nogueira’s viral makeup tutorials that turned a setback into success, each story is a testament to the opportunities that the digital world offers.
Chris Olsen’s blend of comedy and vulnerability, alongside Jenna Ortega’s breakout role in Wednesday, further exemplify how personal stories and unique perspectives can capture the public’s attention in powerful ways. These creators have turned challenges into stepping stones, proving that with the right mindset, anyone can thrive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
As they continue to grow and innovate, these individuals remind us that success today is not just about talent—it’s about building a personal brand, forging meaningful connections, and using platforms to inspire, entertain, and lead. Their stories are proof that, in the digital age, creativity knows no boundaries.
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