This is for the chronically online.
We laughed at all the tweets about Kate Middleton’s “disappearance” before correcting course once we learned the truth. We were enthralled by Reesa Teesa’s 50-something-part saga of “Who TF Did I Marry?” We cheered for Celine Dion and Tracy Chapman when they graced the stage at the Grammys. We were utterly confused by the idea of “holding space” for “Wicked.” And now, as we wrap up 2024, we’re looking back at that prescient Katt Williams interview on Club Shay Shay, realizing he was preparing us for an incredibly weird year.
Here are some of the top viral memes and moments that kept us going in 2024.
Katt Williams Kicked Off The Year
Let’s start with the interview that set 2024 off: Katt Williams talking to Shannon Sharpe on Club Shay Shay for over two hours. The comedian didn’t leave any stone unturned in the conversation, ranting about everything — and everyone — from Diddy to Harvey Weinstein to R. Kelly.
Usher Wowed Us At The Super Bowl Halftime Show
Perry Knotts/Getty Images
After an extremely successful run at his Las Vegas residency in 2023, Usher nabbed the coveted Super Bowl halftime show performance. In a medley of his biggest hits, the “Confessions” singer dazzled the crowd by performing “Caught Up,” “Love in This Club,” “Yeah!” and so many other songs. He put on his roller skates to perform “OMG!” and even brought out Alicia Keys, Lil Jon, Ludacris and H.E.R. to accompany him on stage.
Kendrick Lamar Seized The Moment
Kendrick Lamar just wouldn’t let us out of his reach this year ― and I wouldn’t have it any other way. From “Euphoria,” to “Not Like Us” to “GNX,” the rapper even kept hip-hop legends on their toes.
Mustarrrrrd!
If we’re gonna mention Kendrick Lamar, then we have to mention producer DJ Mustard, who quickly became a meme based on that “Mustaaarrrrrd!” scream in the middle of “TV Off,” on Kendrick’s latest album, “GNX.”
GloRilla Kept The Party Going
GloRilla had an incredible year ― and I will never tire of hearing her country twang on “Whatchu Kno About Me” with Sexxy Red. The fan-made remixes to the song — that “eugh, eugh” on repeat — gave the hit some extra life on TikTok. I didn’t think she could top the virality of “it’s 7 p.m. Friday, 95 degrees,” but the “eugh, eugh” movement is definitely finishing the year off strong.
Reesa Teesa Shared The Saga Of A Lifetime
Now THIS is storytelling! I cannot wait for the “Who TF Did I Marry?” TV series starring Natasha Rothwell. Get that Hollywood money, Reesa Teesa!
The Maori Lawmakers Performed A Haka In Parliament
How many times will I watch this moment? The limit does not exist.
Apparently, We Were Holding Space To Defy Gravity?
I’m actually more into the fact that Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo weren’t exactly sure what was happening in the interview than the actual interview where the “holding space” moment originated.
Celine Dion Popped Out At The Grammys
Celine Dion surprised us all when she came out to present Album of the Year at the Grammys. Rightfully so, she received a standing ovation from the crowd.
Tracy Chapman Gave Us The Performance We’ve Been Waiting For
Just watch the clip. “Fast Car” at the Grammys? Yes, please!
#WomenInMaleFields Hilariously Mocked What It’s Like To Be Dating A Man
If you’ve ever been a single woman trying to date a man, this trend is way too relatable. Ladies, sometimes you just need to turn the tables so that they can know how ridiculous they sound.
From The Mouths Of Babes
This toddler is beyond her years. Recognizing the cow — and what she could get from it? Please, someone get this baby a cheeseburger!
The Jennifer Hudson Show Warmly Welcomed Its Guests
Even if you haven’t tuned in to Jennifer Hudson’s talk show, if you’re chronically online, you’ve definitely seen how her producing team welcomes her guests to the show. Flanked by staff members, the guests — which have included Kerry Washington, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Latto and even former first lady Michelle Obama — strut down the hallway while they’re cheered on by the J. Hud team in a “spirit tunnel.”
Charli XCX Sparked A Movement
This particular moment marked an energy shift. Things were feeling good.
The Coconut Tree Memes Were Everywhere
TikTok users took this quote from Vice President Kamala Harris and ran with it. Harris’ presidential run was buoyed online by memes and remixes of the song — along with the idea that she could attain the ultimate “Black job”: running the United States of America as president.
The Rise Of Celeb Look-Alike Contests
Stefan Jeremiah via Associated Press
For a moment there, these celebrity look-alike contests seemed to be the start of a healing movement after the 2024 election. We had Timothée Chalamet showing up to his competition; several Jeremy Allen White look-alikes competed against each other, and then there was even a small gathering in Brooklyn of fine Black men who claimed to look like a celebrity. But then, the fire went out when some Luigi Mangione doppelgangers competed against each other at the University of Florida.
The Kate Middleton Conspiracy Theories Swarmed The Internet
can’t believe Kate Middleton entered the princess protection program
— kyra 🪩🍅✨ (@kyrasversion) February 28, 2024If you told me this happened in 2023, I’d believe you. But actually, the internet was spreading conspiracy theories about Kate Middleton in March, after she hadn’t appeared in public since December. Then Prince William posted an edited photo of Middleton with the kids — and the jokes kept rolling in. Turns out the Princess of Wales had been diagnosed with cancer and was keeping a low profile.
Glasgow’s Willy Wonka Experience Went All The Way Wrong
The jokes for this bootleg Willy Wonka experience in Glasgow wrote themselves.
The Sleek And Casual Pistol Shooters At The Olympics
Getty Images; Associated Press
Kim Ye-ji, a pistol shooter from South Korea, is the essence of cool. Meanwhile, Yusuf Dikec of Turkey looks like he can casually shoot a thumbtack off the top of your head — all while chillin’ with his hand in his pocket.
Moo Deng Charmed Us
The cuteness of Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippo from Thailand, could not be denied.
Corporate Erin Taught Us All How To Work
There’s something about a “corporate accent” that really rubs people the wrong way. Comedian and actor Lisa Beasley nails it as her character “Corporate Erin.”
And Then MainlyMannie Promoted Us
Wanna be a boss or a CEO? Well, Mannie can help you become an elite employee.
We Were All Demure And Mindful
You couldn’t escape this meme even if you tried. Jools Lebron had us all claiming to be “demure” and “mindful” no matter what the situation.
Tinashe’s ‘Nasty’ Turned Into A Meme
Tinashe’s hit single went viral just before the summer. Internet users started asking, like the song says, “is somebody gonna match my freak?” And, well, some of these matchups are pretty damn good. Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle? Yes!
Pookie Went Viral
Well, let’s give it up for Pookie’s stunning ’fits and for her husband for constantly gassing her up on the internet. But then, as often happens on the world wide web, the obsession with the Pucketts subsided after internet sleuths unearthed old photos of Pookie apparently at a plantation-themed ball, according to The New York Times.
So Many People Were Dunking On J.Lo
When I said that Jennifer Lopez's tickets were not selling in Canada, her vile fans started attacking and saying it was 80% sold out. All lies. She deserves the karma for all the nasty things she did to black women and black culture. I said what tf I said.
— Kela (@its_Rockel_) June 2, 2024In February, there was Jennifer Lopez’s documentary and the accompanying film about her love story. And then she had to cancel her tour, reportedly due to wanting to spend more time with her family. Then she divorced Ben Affleck, exactly two years after they wed.
Hawk Tuah Girl Went Viral — And Then Hawked Crypto Coin?
The Hawk Tuah girl is ending her 15 minutes of fame, but not before addressing the collapse of the memecoin she launched after going viral. Haliey Welch launched the coin $HAWK in early December, and it promptly failed, with the value dropping to zero. Investors have filed a class-action lawsuit against the creators of the memecoin.
The ‘Songs I’d Play If’ Trend Was So Good — And Sometimes Brutal
I dare you not to laugh at these memes.
The Prank Heard ’Round The World
Even Angela Bassett’s kids got in on the action.
This TikTok Creator Taught The Masses To Dance
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TikTok creator thefvmousace has been pulling together groups of folks to teach them how to dance to Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” Each video offers its own vibe, and they’re all super fun to watch. In the military? In a fraternity? Ace has got you covered.
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