10 Top World Billionaires 2018

Capitalism’s global conquest continues as entrepreneurs around the globe mint fortunes in everything from cryptocurrencies to telecom to bridal dresses.
Forbes has pinned down a record 2,208 billionaires from 72 countries and territories including the first ever from Hungary and Zimbabwe. This elite group is worth $9.1 trillion, up 18% since last year.
Their average net worth is a record $4.1 billion. Americans lead the way with a record 585 billionaires, followed by mainland China with 373. Centi-billionaire Jeff Bezos secures the list’s top spot for the first time, becoming the only person to appear in the Forbes ranks with a 12-figure fortune. Bezos’s fortune leapt more than $39 billion, the list’s biggest one-year gain ever.

He moves ahead of Bill Gates, who is now number 2. It is the biggest gap between no. 1 and 2 since 2001. Bernard Arnault, with a fortune of $72 billion, reclaims the title of richest European for the first time since 2012. There are 259 newcomers including the first ever cryptocurrency billionaires; two Canadians whose toy company is behind Hatchimals and PAW Patrol; two Americans who founded online retailer Wayfair; and a 35-year-old heiress who runs In-N-Out Burger. Even in such a strong year, 121 dropped out due to falling fortunes or political headwinds, including all 10 Saudi Arabians.

1. Jeff Bezos - CEO and Founder, Amazon.com

Amazon's chief Jeff Bezos is the first person with a net worth surpassing $150 billion in the 3 decades that Forbes has tracked the richest Americans.

He owns 16% of e-commerce colossus Amazon, which he founded in a garage in Seattle in 1994.

Bezos attended Princeton and worked at a hedge fund before quitting to sell books online.

His other passion is space travel: His aerospace company, Blue Origin, is developing a reusable rocket that Bezos says will carry passengers.

Bezos purchased The Washington Post in 2013 for $250 million.

In Sept. 2018 he announced the Bezos Day One Fund, a $2 billion pledge to help homeless families and create Montessori-inspired preschools in the U.S.

2. Bill Gates - Cofounder, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

With his wife Melinda, Bill Gates chairs the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the world's largest private charitable foundation.

The foundation works to save lives and improve global health, and is working with Rotary International to eliminate polio.

Gates has sold or given away much of his stake in Microsoft -- he owns just over 1% of shares -- and invested in a mix of stocks and other assets.

He remains a board member of Microsoft, the software firm he founded with Paul Allen in 1975.

In late 2016, Gates announced the launch of a $1 billion Breakthrough Energy investment fund with about 20 other people.

To date, Gates has donated $35.8 billion worth of Microsoft stock to the Gates Foundation.

3. Warren Buffet - CEO, Berkshire Hathaway

Known as the "Oracle of Omaha," Warren Buffett is one of the most successful investors of all time.

Buffett runs Berkshire Hathaway, which owns more than 60 companies, including insurer Geico, battery maker Duracell and restaurant chain Dairy Queen.

The son of a U.S. congressman, he first bought stock at age 11 and first filed taxes at age 13.

He's promised to give away over 99% of his fortune. So far he's donated $35 billion, much of it to the foundation of friends Bill and Melinda Gates.

In 2010, he and Gates launched the Giving Pledge, asking billionaires to commit to donating half their wealth to charitable causes.

4. Bernard Arnault & family - Chairman and CEO, LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton

One of the world's ultimate taste-makers, Bernard Arnault oversees an empire of 70 brands including Louis Vuitton and Sephora.

Record results at LVMH and a megadeal to buy out nearly all of Christian Dior helped boost Arnault's fortune by $30.5 billion in one year.

Arts patron is the visionary behind the $135 million Frank Gehry-designed Foundation Louis Vuitton museum in Paris' Bois de Boulogne, opened in 2014

5. Mark Zuckerberg - Cofounder, Chairman and CEO, Facebook

Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook's CEO, has seen his net worth soar as the social network's stock price has skyrocketed.

In April 2018, he testified before Congress after it was revealed that Facebook shared users' data with political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica.

Zuckerberg started Facebook at Harvard in 2004 at the age of 19 for students to match names with faces in class.

He took Facebook public in May 2012 and still owns nearly 17% of the stock.

In December 2015, Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, pledged to give away 99% of their Facebook stake over their lifetimes.

6. Amancio Ortega 

Amancio Ortega is one of the richest men in Europe and the wealthiest retailer in the world.

A pioneer in fast fashion, he cofounded Inditex, known for its Zara fashion chain, with his ex-wife Rosalia Mera (d. 2013) in 1975.

He owns about 60% of Madrid-listed Inditex, which has 8 brands, including Massimo Dutti and Pull & Bear, and 7,500 stores around the world.

Ortega typically earns more than $400 million in dividends a year.

He has invested his dividends primarily into real estate in Madrid, Barcelona, London, Chicago, Miami and New York.

7. Carlos Slim Helu & family - Honorary Chairman, América Móvil

Mexico's richest man, Carlos Slim Helu and his family control America Movil, Latin America's biggest mobile telecom firm.

With foreign telecom partners, Slim bought a stake in Telmex, Mexico's only phone company, in 1990. Telmex is now part of America Movil.

He also owns stakes in Mexican construction, consumer goods, mining and real estate companies and 17% of The New York Times.

His son-in-law Fernando Romero designed the Soumaya Museum in Mexico City, home to Slim's extensive, eclectic art collection.

8. Charles Koch - CEO, Koch Industries

Charles Koch has been chairman and CEO of Koch Industries, America's second largest private company, since 1967.

The conglomerate has some $100 billion in revenues from businesses including pipelines, chemicals, Dixie cups, and Stainmaster carpets.

His father, Fred Koch, started the business in 1940 and improved a method of refining heavy oil into gasoline.

The Kansas native owns a 42% stake in the firm, as does his brother, David; they bought their two other brothers' shares in 1983.

Koch has funded a number of think tanks, including the libertarian Cato Institute, the Heritage Foundation and the American Enterprise Institute.

9. David Koch - Director Emeritus, Koch Industries

David Koch shares majority control of Koch Industries, U.S's second largest private firm, with his brother Charles.

Koch stepped down from his role as executive vice president in July 2018, citing health concerns; he was named director emeritus.

Koch Industries, which has revenues of $100 billion, operates pipelines, produces fertilizer and makes Dixie cups and Quilted Northern toilet paper.

A well-known philanthropist, David is a donor to New York's Lincoln Center and Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

David Koch ran as the Libertarian Party's vice presidential candidate in 1980 on a ticket with Ed Clark; they won 1% of the vote.

10. Larry Ellison - CTO and Founder, Oracle

Larry Ellison cofounded software firm Oracle in 1977 to tap into the growing need for customer relationship management databases.

He gave up the Oracle CEO role in 2014 but still serves as chairman of the board and chief technology officer.

As part of Oracle's push into cloud computing, it acquired cloud-software firm Netsuite for $9.3 billion in 2016.

In May 2016, Ellison pledged $200 million to the University of Southern California for a cancer treatment center.

In March 2018, Ellison launched a wellness startup called Sensei, whose first project is hydroponic farming on the Hawaiian island Lanai.

TOP 10 WORLD'S BEST RESTAURANT OPENINGS – JUNE

10. CRACCO

EXQUISITE DINING, DRINKING AT ULTRA-LUXE MILAN EATERY

Michelin-starred Carlo Cracco debuts his latest Milan endeavor

Michelin-starred chef Carlo Cracco debuts his latest endeavor, a dining & entertainment concept that includes a café, patisserie, wine bar, private lounge, chocolaterie and, of course, a fine-dining restaurant. The entire operation is housed within Milan's historic Galleria Vittorio, the world's oldest operating shopping mall and a marvel of classical architecture. The whole is a winning combination of design, cuisine and cultural experience.

THE FOOD

The menu is comprised of traditional dishes from Milan and throughout Italy, each with contemporary influences that bring intriguing contrasts of textures, flavors and colors. Cracco has earned a Michelin star for its commitment to, “top quality ingredients, used in dishes with distinct flavors and prepared to a consistently high standard.” An ample selection of pasta dishes that blend the traditional with the modern: spaghetti with sea urchin, ravioli with calamari and broccoli, roasted scampi with leek fondente. The meat dishes are highlighted by several veal options, each one with a different flavor profile and concept.

LAST WORD

Cracco is a collection of dining & entertainment elements - café, patisserie, wine bar, private lounge, chocolaterie, gourmet restaurant " that creates a Michelin-starred fine dining experience that's also a feast for the eyes.

9. MAJORDOMO

A HIPSTER HAUNT OF SAVORY INFLUENCES AT DAVID CHANG''S LA DEBUT.

Expect Spicey Diversity at David Chang''s 1st LA Eatery.

Majordomo is the latest (and first LA restaurant) from accomplished chef-entrepreneur David Chang, of Momofuku Noodle Bar and Netflix's Ugly Delicious fame. This north-of-Chinatown instant classic caters to a sophisticated and buzzy crowd of dedicated foodies and fine dining enthusiasts. The interior vibe is upscale, busy and urban. The former warehouse sports a high ceiling and tall industrial windows that create an illusion of extravagant space, while the rough concrete walls are softened by wood partitions and gorgeously colored fine art canvasses. A pleasant courtyard patio beneath strung lights offers outdoor dining and entertaining.

THE FOOD

The menu is a tantalizing blend of influences too complex to precisely pin down: Korean, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, French, Southern-American and more flavors and techniques. A signature dish is gochu jeon, Korean green chiles packed with smoky sock sausage and pan fried. Spicy lamb bing, crispy pork belly and succulent and tangy short rib raclette hint at the wide range of possibilities in store for adventurous diners.

LAST WORD

Bartenders are highly trained and experienced, with a full range of ingredients for artisanal cocktail experimentation at their fingertips. A select wine and beer list is also available. Reservations are available 30 days in advance and often book in seconds; bar seating is available for those not afraid to wait.

8. ONCE

PERUVIAN NIKKEI FUSION IN VEGAS FROM LA''S RICARDO ZARATE.

Peruvian staples, Japanese influence at The Venetian.

Once (pronounced “on-seh”) means eleven in Spanish and denotes acclaimed chef Ricardo Zarate's position among his 13 siblings. Zarate has earned four James Beard nominations and a “Best New Chef” award from Food & Wine, which speaks to the level of quality and creativity you can expect at his latest restaurant. The space, formerly home to Emeril Lagasse's Table 10, blends Vegas glamour with an appealing rustic style. Highlights include floor-to-ceiling living plant “walls,” dramatic tribal statuary and a large greenery-surrounded patio with communal tables. Dim pendant lighting adds an element of romance. Each table is different and unique, with colorful handmade tile accents.

THE FOOD

The menu is described as Peruvian Nikkei, which only hints at the bold flavors and inspiring technique combinations diners are in for. Once features 11 a la carte shared plates that rotate weekly according to the season. Recent selections include a grilled octopus charcuterie plate, scallop & shrimp dumplings and a truffled Big Eye Tuna sashimi ceviche. Entrees offer succulent classics with twists from Zarate, like the Peruvian chaufa rice with lobster, snow crab, sausage and pancetta.

LAST WORD

Staying true to the theme, the drinks menu includes 11 signature cocktails, as well as a full selection of wines and beers. Service is attentive and excellent

7. LEGACY RECORDS

KEN FULK PENS PLAYFUL MED EATERY AT NY’S HUDSON YARDS

Med restaurant from owners of Charlie Bird, Pasquale Jones

One of the hottest openings to date in NYC's Hudson Yards neighborhood, Legacy Records is an experimental 85-seat restaurant, café and experiential kitchen that lures foodies and design lovers. In a palette of emerald greens, brassy gold and gentlemanly woods, SF-designer Ken Fulk draws of retro 60s and 70s vibes for a comfortably formal and playful space ideal for mid-day coffee to late-night dining.

THE FOOD

Chef Ryan Hardy's menu features his fresh, flavorful cuisine, inspired by Italy’s northern coasts. Arvid Rosengren, the reigning ‘Best Sommelier in the World’ leads the hospitality and wine team while master mixologist Jeff Bell from P.D.T. (Please Don’t Tell) curates the cocktail program. Look for signature dishes like crudo tastings of sea urchin, Diver scallops and razor clams followed by hand-pulled mozzarella, crispy sunchokes or grilled pigeon. Pastas are more of a lighter entrée options with cuttlefish spaghetti and lamb cavatelli followed by main course of roasted black bass, duck for 2 or dry-aged rib-eye with chanterelles.

LAST WORD

Owners of Charlie Bird, Pasquale Jones create Hudson Yards eatery with SF-designer Ken Fulk.

 6. BLEU BLANC

STARRY LA CHEF DAVID MYERS POPS-UP IN DUBAI.

French farmhouse cuisine is change of pace in glamorous Dubai.

The “Gypsy Chef” David Myers finally gets a piece of the action in Dubai, with the debut of Bleu Blanc in the Renaissance Downtown. It's a warm and inviting space, with an open plan that allows diners to watch the action in the kitchen. The inspiration is a French farmhouse, rendered attractively here in whitewashed walls, wooden beams, candlelit tables and two large, blue doors at the entry. An immense wood fired grill serves as the beating heart of the impressive kitchen. Dubai is typically known for glitz and glamour, Bleu Blanc is an appealing variation that delivers rustic Continental charm.

THE FOOD

The menu is relatively simple and split into categories for bread, raw food, starters, wood fired recipes, main dishes and vegetables. Breads and raw dishes are designed to be shared tapas-style: sturia caviar flatbread and Maine lobster roll served in a charcoal bread are highlights. Comfort foods from the wood fired menu are suitably savory, including a Wagyu cheeseburger, lamb kebabs with tomato & onion, and caper-smothered King Crab legs. Main courses favor hearty meats, like Black Angus butcher cuts and a bone-in rib eye. Vegetables are French favorites like truffled mashed potatoes, forest mushrooms with sugar snap peas, and raddichio in a tangy balsamic.

LAST WORD

Celebrity “Gypsy Chef” David Myers adds his stamp to Dubai's vibrant restaurant scene with Bleu Blanc, a charming slice of French country life nestled in the glittering Renaissance Downtown.

5. CAPRICE DES DEUX

MEMORABLE PROVENCAL COOKING WITH A TWIST OF SAINT-TROPEZ.

Hearty, Homey Provencal cooking in St. Tropez Port.

Located snug in the heart of St. Tropez's Old Quarter for most of a generation, Caprice des Deux is a loving and delicious celebration of authentic Provençal cuisine, updated with a few welcome contemporary accents. Brother and sister owners-chefs Sonia & Stéphane Avelin have staked their reputation to a cooking formula that includes only fresh, locally sourced products and a commitment to quality. The view looks out into the famous Place des Lices and the Citadel, invoking in the surroundings a cozy aura of romance and tradition. Outdoor tables trade intimacy for the bustle of the cobbled street and entertainment of people watching. Inside, the lighting is warm and the style is contemporary, clean and un-fussy. The soothing design allows for the focus to remain on dining and conversation.

THE FOOD

Caprice des Deux is the epitome of robust French country cooking, with dishes mostly from the Provençal traditional, as well as Gascony and Aquitaine. Foie gras is a house specialty, as are various local seafood meals: big fillets of sea bass, freshwater crayfish, crab cannelloni and more. The bar is small but well stocked with suitable pairing wines and high quality spirits.

LAST WORD

Caprice des Deux is open every evening in July and August, Thursday-Saturday evenings only during winter, and every evening except Tuesdays at other times. Call ahead to confirm hours.

4. PASTAIO

TOM DIXON-DESIGNED PASTA EMPORIUM IN LONDON''S SOHO

Rotating pasta menu emphasizes homemade creations in London.

Handmade pasta that's delectably fresh and conveniently affordable is the calling card of restaurateur Stevie Parle's newest sensation Pastaio, located in central Soho. The restaurant is designed in a simple canteen-style layout, with terrazzo-patterned tables and stylish pendant lighting. It's subtle, elegant and modern, but with call outs to a more traditional Italian cuisine experience. Pastaio does not take reservations but when full they use a virtual queuing system: scamper off somewhere else for a drink and they'll text you when your table is ready.

THE FOOD

Pastaio changes up its menu frequently, however some recent selections give you an idea what to expect: think tonarelli cacio e pepe; potato and gravy ravioli; caserecce, pesto, green beans and potato; grouse, rabbit and pork agnoli; and long fusilli, crab courgette, yellow tomato & marjoram. Handmade pasta speaks to the freshness, but this is more than just big, bountiful Italian cooking. There's a determined attention to simple but high quality ingredients and savory flavor combinations.

LAST WORD

The all-Italian wine list is short (5 each of whites and reds) but punchy and carefully chosen. Ask for the prosecco slushie if you're feeling adventurous, additional Apertivo cocktails are also available. Save room for dessert and choose from a handful of Italian sweets classics: tiramisu, chocolate cannoli, olive oil and amaretto ice cream.

3. GRACE

Multi Michelin-starred Grace is a top culinary experience in Chicago

One of the finest dining experience in Chicago, Grace is a destination eatery that holds a 3-star Michelin rating by Chef Curtis Duffy. Eating at Grace is a culinary privilege. Inside, the restaurant itself is stylish and comfortable and offers dinner 5-nights a week with meals a prix-fixe menu offering between eight and 12 courses, depending on the season. Inside, elegant modern club-style chairs settle in at large tables cast soft and neutral color tones for elegant dinner in the West Loop.

THE FOOD

Two, seasonal menus feature between eight and 12 courses. The first menu is called Flora and focuses mainly on vegetables. Examples from this menu includes English pea ricotta with olive oil and lavender, Australian black truffle with sweet corn, pecorino, and parsley and tomato osetra caviar with brioche and mizuna. The second menu is called Fauna and focuses mainly on seafood and meat dishes. Examples from this menu include Alaskan king crab served with sudachi, cucumber, and lemon mint, Pork with gnudi, porcini, and spinach or Miyazaki beef with grains, hon shimeji, and kaffir lime.

LAST WORD

Grace is a Michelin-starred restaurant serving two well-known multi-course micro-seasonal menus in a beautiful and comfortable dining room in Chicago

THE EXCHANGE

Ecclectic hotel eatery serves-up LA in stylsih lounge setting

The Exchange is a bright and airy restaurant in the Freehand Hotel in Los Angeles. It has a unique style with wood panelled walls, wood railings, a wood bar top, wood tables, wood booths, wood shelving, wood cabinets, and wood chairs. Indeed, there is a lot of wood. The amount of wood would be overbearing in most restaurants but in The Exchange it works, not least because the towering ceiling creates an impression of significant space. Food is designed to reflect the Los Angeles setting of the restaurant. That means it is an eclectic mix of different styles and a combination of many different cultures.

THE FOOD

The Exchange is a bright and airy restaurant in the Freehand Hotel in Los Angeles. It has a unique style with wood panelled walls, wood railings, a wood bar top, wood tables, wood booths, wood shelving, wood cabinets, and wood chairs. Indeed, there is a lot of wood. The amount of wood would be overbearing in most restaurants but in The Exchange it works, not least because the towering ceiling creates an impression of significant space. Food is designed to reflect the Los Angeles setting of the restaurant. That means it is an eclectic mix of different styles and a combination of many different cultures.

LAST WORD

The Exchange is a unique Los Angeles restaurant serving an eclectic mix of food that is a combination of LA cultures.

World's Top 10 Most Expensive Luxury Yachts

It has become normal for the world's wealthiest individuals to drop millions, even billions, on lavish superyachts. Oil Sheikhs and Russian tycoons alike are spending their holidays on massive yachts with swimming pools, basketball courts, and even concert halls.

 

1. Al Mirqab: $250 Million

The former Prime Minister of Qatar, Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jaber Bin Muhammad Al Thani owns the tenth most expensive yacht in the world. This 130 meter long luxury toy named Al Mirqab is only 7 years old.

2. Dilbar: $300 Million

Owned by the Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, Dilbar is worth $300 Million net. Usmanov uses this luxury toy to pay visits to his private islands.

3. Pelorus: $300 Million

The Pelorus is a super yacht worth $300 Million owned by the Hollywood mogul David Geffen. It was orginally built for a arab businessman. ..but Roman Abrahamovic bought it in 2004. This 115 meter long super toy has two helipads and a secret room full of expensive toys including jet skis.

4. Al Said: $300 Million

Owned by the Sultan of Oman, Qaboos Bin Al Said Al Said, this super yacht is 155 meters long and can accomodate 70 guests and 170 crew members. Al Said is worth $300 Million and has a helicopetr pad, elevator and a theater for music and concerts.

5. Radiant: $320 Million

The Radiant is a 360 foot super yacht owned by the Billionaire car dealer, Abdullah Al Futtaim from UAE. This yacht can accomodate 20 people and it has a gym, jacuzzi and a garage.

6. Serene: $330 Million

Serene is a italian design yach which is worth $330 Million and it is currently owned by yet another russian billionaire Yuri Scheffler. It has seven decks, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, 12 staterooms and an outdoor screening room.

7. The A: $390 Million

This beautiful and elegant yach was designed by Phillepe Starck and it is owned by yet another russian billionaire Andrey Malnichencko. It has beds that rotate by clicking to get a clear view of the sunrise and sunset.

8. Topaz: $530 Million

This super yacht was designed and produced by Lurssen Yachts in 2012.

It has a helicopter pad, jacuzzi, garage for supercars, gym and a movie theater. The Topaz is worth around $530 Million.

9. Azzam: $600 Million

Azzam is the longest yacht in the world and it is owned by the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nayhan who is worth $18 Billion. This yacht was made by the German shipbuilder Laurssen Yachts and it is worth $600 Million.

10. Eclipse: $1.2 Billion

The Eclipse is the world’s most expensive yacht to date. It is owned by the Russian Billionaire businessman Roman Abrahamovic since 2010. Eclipse has two helipads, a cinema, a restaurant, a disco, a hair and beauty salon and weapons to attack enemies.

Top 10 Santorini Hotels With Infinity Pools

What’s better than swimming in a glistening infinity-edged pool? Swimming in a glistening infinity pool set high on Santorini’s famed Caldera and overlooking that ridiculously beautiful view, of course.
Well, the jewels below are among the island’s most spectacular, and from any angle you look at them, these pools are the perfect mix of backdrop, colors and architectural detailing.
Book here online

Perivolas

The Tsitouras Collection

Andronis Luxury Suites

Kirini Suites & Spa

Aenaon Villas

Dreams Luxury Suites

Astarte Suites

Chromata

Villa Katikies

Grace Santorini

10 most viewed YouTube videos of all-time

MTV’s steady and somewhat sad transformation into a channel more widely know for reality TV programming than for music seemingly signaled the end of the music video era. But in February of 2005, YouTube came along and completely changed the game.

Not only did YouTube’s massive popularity help bring the visual art form known as the music video back to life, the site quickly became an extremely popular destination for people to listen to music.

By 2015, YouTube had emerged as the unassuming king of music streaming, besting out industry heavyweights like Pandora and Spotify by a wide margin. In fact, during the first half of 2015, an estimated 57% of all 135.2 billion music streams were reportedly served by YouTube.

All that being said, if you take a look at the top 10 most-watched YouTube videos of all-time, you probably shouldn’t be too surprised that they’re all music videos. And speaking to YouTube’s popularity and nearly global reach (it’s still blocked in China), the number of views on this top 10 list have all surpassed the 1 billion threshold.

1. Psy- “Gangnam Style” –  2.49 billion views

Originally released on July 15, 2002, “Gangnam Style” quickly became a cultural and global phenomenon, anchored by an arguably catchy tune and a ridiculously bizarre, delightful, and visually engaging K-pop video. And oh yes, did we mention it came with its own dance? Thankfully, the dance has since gone the way of the dodo, but “Gangnam Style” still holds the record for being the fastest song to ever accumulate 1 billion YouTube views, having achieved the feat in only 160 days.

But Psy might want to watch is back as Adele’s song “Hello” has already amassed nearly 950 million views since hitting YouTube in October.

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2. Taylor Swift – “Blank Space” – 1.39 billion views

Ah, good ole Taylor Swift. Say what you will about Swift, but she sure knows how to churn out hit single after hit single. Her video for “Blank Space” hit YouTube on November 10, 2004 and became an immediate hit, mirroring the song’s commercial success on the billboard charts. The song famously covers Swift’s string of ex-boyfriends, with the twist being that Swift, in the song, purposefully takes on an exaggerated version of her media persona.

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3. Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth – “See You Again” – 1.33 billion views

Part of the Furious 7 soundtrack, this song was famously written for and dedicated to actor Paul Walker. Walker, if you recall, tragically died in a car accident in late 2013.

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4. Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars – “Uptown Funk” – 1.28 billion views

Just barely a year old, Uptown Funk almost has 1.3 million views, which perhaps isn’t too surprising given its catchy tune. The song was nominated for two Grammys.

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5. Justin Bieber ft. Ludacris – “Baby” – 1.27 billion views

Teenage girls love YouTube, apparently. Nearly six years after this video dropped, Justin Bieber, somewhat surprisingly, is an even bigger star today than he was back then. You know what I mean.

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6. Taylor Swift – “Shake it Off” – 1.26 billion views

A fun and catchy jingle, this song was everywhere during the summer of 2014.

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7. Katie Perry ft. Juicy J – “Dark Horse” – 1.243 billion views

A kooky and visually stunning video, “Dark Horse” was a genre crossing hit that received heavy radio play and quickly racked up the YouTube views. As catch as the song is, it also boasts one of the stranger lyrics you’ll hear in any song, with Juicy J rapping: “She’s a beast, I call her Karma, she eat your heart out like Jeffrey Dahmer.”

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8. Enrique Iglesias ft. Descemer Bueno and Gente De Zona – “Bailando” – 1.24 billion views

Catchy, catchy, catchy.

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9. Katy Perry – “Roar” – 1.21 billion views

Katy Perry strikes again with “Roar”, which debuted on YouTube on September 5, 2013. A decent song, this was way overplayed in sports montages a few years back.

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10. Meghan Trainor – “All About That Bass” – 1.2 billion views

The unofficial summer song of 2014, Meghan Trainor released this song when she was just 20 years old. And for any pop aficionados out there, here’s a bit of interesting trivia for ya; Trainor co-wrote the song with Kevin Kadish, the man behind Stacie Orrico’s pop hit “There’s Gotta Be More To Life.” How’s that for a random throwback?

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