
The second half of 2024 brought a whirlwind of events that left an indelible mark across politics, music, and society. From landmark political shifts to dramatic developments in Hip-Hop and high-profile legal battles, the latter part of the year was nothing short of extraordinary.
On July 1, the U.S. Supreme Court, dominated by conservative judges, ruled that presidents have “presumptive immunity from criminal prosecution” for actions tied to their official duties. The controversial 6-3 decision, authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, set a precedent that many viewed as broadening presidential powers to unprecedented levels.
On the same day, Vice President Kamala Harris broke barriers by becoming the first Black and Asian woman to secure the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. Her nomination followed President Joe Biden’s announcement that he would not seek re-election.
On July 13, an assassination attempt was made on President-elect Donald Trump during a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump sustained a minor injury to his ear, while the assailant and one audience member were killed. The incident added tension to an already volatile political climate.
The feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake reached new heights, captivating Hip-Hop enthusiasts. Kendrick’s September announcement as the 2025 Super Bowl halftime performer only solidified his dominance. Meanwhile, Drake faced public scrutiny, as Kendrick’s lyrical takedowns reverberated across the industry.
Adding fuel to the fire, Kendrick released his highly anticipated album GNX on November 22. Days later, Drake filed multiple legal motions accusing Universal Music Group (UMG) of defamation and artificial stream inflation, escalating their rivalry to new levels.
Sean “Diddy” Combs was arrested on September 16 on charges including racketeering and witness tampering, marking a significant moment in the #MeToo movement. Denied bail three times, Combs’ legal troubles spotlighted allegations of systemic abuse within the entertainment industry.
Music icon Quincy Jones passed away on November 3 at the age of 91. Known for his unmatched contributions to multiple genres, Jones’ legacy influenced countless artists, including Hip-Hop legends like Nas, Kanye West, and Tupac Shakur, who sampled his work to create timeless hits.
Despite controversies, Donald J. Trump won the 2024 presidential election, becoming the 46th President of the United States. His victory underscored the deep political divisions within the nation.
On December 8, JAY-Z faced a lawsuit accusing him and Diddy of assaulting a 13-year-old in 2000. Filed by attorney Anthony Buzbee, the case added to the year’s cascade of allegations against high-profile figures. JAY-Z countered with an extensive legal response, intensifying the public scrutiny surrounding both moguls.
Amidst the chaos, Hip-Hop saw the emergence of new talent, including Doechii, whose innovative and unapologetically feminine artistry captured the industry’s attention.
2024 was a year of contrasts—of progress and setbacks, triumphs and scandals. It spotlighted issues of gender equality, justice, and artistic perseverance, proving that even in turbulent times, the power of culture and resilience endures.
Stay tuned as we head into 2025, a year poised for even greater twists and turns.