Entertainment, to some people, may simply mean switching on the radio and listening to their favorite song, or turning on the television to their favorite program. In general, it is a way to relax, a way to escape the real world for a while.

But it is the people behind entertainment, the ones who really put time and dedication into their craft — the singers who convey real emotion through their lyrics, the actors whose performances make you genuinely invested in their characters’ lives — that make it something truly special.

This year, there will undoubtedly be countless entertainers rising to popularity. However, four in particular stand out amongst their peers for the work they have already put forth and their plans for the new year.

Cardi B

American rapper and hip hop artist Cardi B needs no introduction. “I’m the hottest in the street/ know you prolly heard of me,” she chants on her chart-topping, triple-platinum certified single “Bodak Yellow”, and rightfully so: Cardi B’s debut single on a major record label last year transformed her from a television/Internet personality to an emerging household name.

But though becoming the first solo female rapper to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 since 1998 is no small feat — and more success than most people could wish for in a lifetime — Cardi B refused to be a one-hit wonder. With her appearances on the songs “No Limit” by Migos and “MotorSport” by G-Eazy, she also became the first female rapper to have her first three entries in the top 10 of the Hot 100.

Cardi B obviously takes her work seriously, and it shows in the records she has set within the relatively short span of being in the public eye. Combined with her likeable, outspoken attitude, and the support of her many new fans, Cardi B is on track to have an amazing 2018.

Timothée Chalamet

Twenty two-year-old Timothée Chalamet has been acting since 2008, but his breakthrough came last year, after starring and featuring in the films Call Me by Your Name and Lady Bird, respectively.

Chalamet was acclaimed for his performance in both projects and has been nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Call Me by Your Name and the British Academy Film Awards Rising Star Award, along with another 20 wins and 23 nominations to his name.

In 2018, Chalamet is maintaining his forward momentum and hitting the ground running. Currently, he is a part of two upcoming projects: Beautiful Boy, based on the memoir by David Sheff, and A Rainy Day in New York, in which he will co-star with Selena Gomez.

Millie Bobby Brown

At only age 13, Millie Bobby Brown’s accomplishments in the entertainment field so far are nothing short of impressive. As early as 2013, Brown appeared in shows such as “Once Upon a Time in Wonderland”, “NCIS” and “Modern Family”, but her breakthrough came in 2016 with her role as Eleven in the hit Netflix series “Stranger Things”.

Brown gained widespread recognition and acclaim for her performance in “Stranger Things”, winning and being nominated for several awards, including the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series and the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. (Some fans have even petitioned for Brown to portray a young Princess Leia in a Star Wars origin movie.)

As “Stranger Things” continues for its third season of a planned four or five, it is likely Brown will continue to become more well known and land more film roles, making her one of the biggest rising stars of 2018.

Daniel Kaluuya

Since 2006, English writer and actor Daniel Kaluuya has been featured in dozens of films, television series and theatre performances. His big breakthrough came in 2017 with his starring role in the film Get Out, a critically acclaimed American horror film which landed in the top 10 of many year-end lists.

Kaluuya’s performance in particular was incredibly well-received, with 18 award wins and nominations. His success and recognition is sure to grow in 2018 as he appears in more films, including the upcoming Marvel Studios movie Black Panther.

Follow Anthony on Twitter @anthony_SK2017