The RS 100: Agents of Change : Rolling Stone

7 | Kanye West

A man of wealth and taste who does it all in the world of hip-hop and pop

WHAT HE'S CHANGING: The sound, style and ethos of hip-hop, R&B and pop, dragging in everything from French house to Japanese pop art to eurythmics to sneakers last seen in Back to the Future Part II. He writes songs, produces and raps with equal facility, bringing sorely needed creativity into the moribund world of commercial hip-hop. But more than that, with an endless series of hits and sold-out arena tours, he is this decade's only real new pop superstar.

FRIENDS SAY: "He's brave, he's smart and he's got amazing taste," says L.A. Reid. "And he's outspoken. You couple that with genius musical talent, and you have an artist doing what no one else is trying. Even the things people think of as mistakes only make him more interesting."

BIG RISK: Started singing on last year's 808s & Heartbreak. "With a song like 'Diamonds,' it's almost like I was trying to pass a test," West said. "But when you make a record like 'Love Lockdown,' it's like you're not even trying to pass a test. You just do a Basquiat painting over the whole test."

SEE THE CHANGE: KanyeUniverseCity.com

Photo: Charriau/WireImage

6 | Henry Waxman

After over a decade in the minority wilderness, he's the King of Capitol Hill

WHAT HE'S CHANGING: Waxman is laying down the law on climate policy and universal health care ...literally. Leaving behind the watchdog role that made him the most effective member of the Democratic opposition during the Bush years, the California congressman has wrested control of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee from SUV apologist Rep. John Dingell of Michigan. Waxman's priorities: capping carbon emissions, fostering renewable energy and overhauling our $2 trillion health system.

FRIENDS SAY: "If Congress had an MVP in this session, Henry Waxman would win the title," says former Democratic Senate leader Tom Daschle.

ENEMIES SAY: GOP patron saint Rush Limbaugh calls him "Nostrilitis."

MARK OF INFLUENCE: Former Waxman chief of staff Phil Schiliro is now Obama's top congressional negotiator.

NEXT FLIGHT: Waxman's committee will unveil legislation by May to cap emissions.

KEY QUOTE: "We are at a unique moment and have an opportunity that comes once in a generation."

SEE THE CHANGE: Waxman.House.gov

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Photo: Somodevilla/Getty

5 | Jon Stewart and Stephen
Colbert

Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert Good news for people who have given up on TV news

WHAT THEY'RE CHANGING: All of those critics predicting a post-Bush political comedy drought turned out to be as accurate as a hot Jim Cramer stock tip — especially in the case of The Daily Show and The Colbert Report, which seem to have been energized after a late-2008 period of Bush fatigue. More than mocking politicians, Stewart and Colbert have always been masters at mocking the way TV pundits cover politicians, and the election of our very smart president has not made cable news any less retarded.

HOT SEATS: The two shows are among the last booking real authors and innovators like Malcolm Gladwell, Robert Reich and Naomi Klein.

NEXT FIGHT: Stewart has found a new target in blowhard financial analysts on CNBC. "If I'd only followed CNBC's advice, I'd have a million dollars today," he said. "Provided I'd started with $100 million." Colbert, meanwhile, is trying to get NASA to name a space-station room after him.

SEE THE CHANGE: TheDailyShow.com and ColbertNation.com

Photo: Barket/Getty

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