It seems like a long time ago.
A lot has happened since then, so let’s look back at some notable and sometimes more … interesting moments of pop culture in 2020:
Steven Seagal conflicts with the SEC: The action star faced charges by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission for promoting an investment in an initial coin offering conducted by Bitcoiin2Gen and not revealing that he had promised $ 250,000 in cash and $ 750,000 in B2G tokens for his work.
The charges were settled.
Attack of the “Tiger King“: Big cats, an unsolved mystery, a conspiracy to hire a murder and a zoo owner with a mullet. The Netflix documentary series “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness” was a welcome addiction, and even basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal participated. Literally, that is, since he had a cameo.
“The Last Dance” by Michael Jordan: Speaking of professional basketball, in May we were able to relive the glory of Jordan’s days as a player in the televised documentation “The Last Dance”. It was the icon of the Chicago Bulls different from how we had never seen it.
A screenshot of the sports legend reacting to a video of former player Isiah Thomas’s comments on Jordan on an iPad was quickly adapted into memes that went viral.
Kylie Jenner lost her designation as a billionaire: There was a big controversy in 2018 when Forbes magazine put Jenner on the cover of an issue with the headline “America’s Woman Billionaires” and referred to the reality show star and makeup mogul as “self-made”.
Just two years later, the magazine published an article stating that she “was no longer a billionaire” after examining public records after selling a stake in her company.
The ‘entanglement’ of Jada Pinkett Smith: Pinkett Smith came to the table in July to respond to speculation about her relationship with singer August Alsina.
Sitting with her husband Will Smith, she confirmed her “involvement” with young Alsina after he gave an interview saying that she had become involved with the actress and her husband knew.
It was a rare glimpse of Smith’s marriage and it also gave us a new word for a specific type of relationship.
For your weekend
Three things to watch:
‘Bridgerton’
If you’re not watching this Regency period drama produced by Shonda Rhimes, check out Netflix.
“Bridgerton” debuted on Christmas Day – and what a gift it has been.
It features a diverse cast, lots of romantic intrigue and some spicy sex scenes (so be sure to watch when the kids aren’t around, if you have them at home).
‘Dexter’
The news that Showtime is bringing “Dexter” back as a limited series was one of the best things this year.
Production is scheduled to begin in early 2021, so there is plenty of time to enjoy the old episodes.
Seasons one through eight begin airing on Amazon Prime on Friday.
‘Headspace Guide to Meditation’
Let’s start the New Year in a more peaceful place.
These animated episodes based on the popular app show a different mindfulness technique that helps with meditation practice – focusing on issues like stress, sleep and relaxation – and end with a guided meditation at the end of each chapter.
“Headspace Guide to Meditation” starts airing on Friday on Netflix.
Two things to hear:
Why not start preparing for the Grammy Awards, which will air on CBS on January 31?
Beyoncé is the most nominated artist – nine – so revisiting her album “Black Is King” will show why.
Noah Cyrus is far from just being Miley’s younger sister.
She was nominated in the category of best new artist, so listen to her EP “The End of Everything” if you haven’t already.
One thing to say:
Anyone who bet that we would see less of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after they gave up their royal titles was wrong.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been very productive, including a deal with Spotify and the launch of their first podcast episode this week.
Hearing their voices is very good, but even better was the joy it was hearing their little son, Archie, speak in the episode.
The couple will always be royalty for me, and I admire the life they are building for themselves apart from the Windsors. If you listen to believe, the pair looks very happy.
Something to taste
Hip-hop has long been the voice of the people, and some industry stars are using their voice to try to keep Georgia blue.
This community helped turn the state over to President-elect Joe Biden, as my friend and CNN colleague Eliott C. McLaughlin details in his article. These political advocates are now working hard to try to help Democratic candidates in a second round of the Senate that will decide who controls that branch of government.
“Without the involvement of hip-hop, we could have had a different result,” said Atlanta rapper and activist Killer Mike. “I don’t know any hip-hop person who hasn’t done anything, from Migos to Lil Baby. I’ve seen everyone in our community participate in some way.”
As I said earlier, celebrities are citizens who have every right to be involved in politics. And when it comes to hip-hop artists whose art has evolved from the city’s marginalized youth, it can be argued that they have a responsibility to use their platform to do just that.
Come back here next Thursday for all the latest entertainment events that matter.
