The past 12 months gave us a lot to litigate on the timeline: one of the biggest rap beefs of all time, the usual array of viral movies and series, words that took on new meanings for the terminally online.
But the biggest moments of the year didn’t always take place in some distant locale. Many happened right here in Brooklyn before they were memed into oblivion. And because of the songs, albums, and people some were tied to, they won’t soon be forgotten. Below is a recap of major pop culture moments from the past year that had Brooklyn as a backdrop.
Beyoncé Makes Her Way to Bushwick For Luar Fashion Show
When: Feb. 13
Whenever Beyoncé decides to bless the world with her presence, you can guarantee it’s going to cause a stir. That was proven 10 times over when she popped up at the Luar show back in February. Her nephew was one of the models, so naturally she had to fulfill her auntie duties by going. Her appearance was the talk of Fashion Week, as she hadn’t been front row at a show in years, and the moment she chooses to step out, it’s in Bushwick? Beyoncé in Bushwick felt like the universe glitching in the best way possible.
Beyoncé arrives at tonight’s LUAR show in New York. pic.twitter.com/cmawtwwcxn
— BEYONCÉ LEGION (@BeyLegion) February 14, 2024
BEYONCÉ AND HER FAMILY AT THE LUAR NY FASHION SHOW THAT JULEZ MODELED IN! #beyonce #actii pic.twitter.com/EGe966oIiI
— mariah (@minajwithry) February 14, 2024
Charli XCX Brings “Brat” to the Borough
When: Feb. 22
With all the right celeb sightings and the loudest music known to man, Charli XCX’s Brat campaign truly began at her February Boiler Room Set, “Party Girl.” It was the kind of chaotic brilliance Brooklyn dreams are made of, and we can confidently say it was a cultural reset. Charli and friends delivered an electrifying mix that teased what would become her latest album, which took over 2024. Aside from concerts, SNL appearances, and declaring a presidential nominee without a doubt “brat,” the campaign also included a large lime-green “Brat” wall in Williamsburg that went through many messaging transformations while it was up. From lyrics to announcements about new songs added to the record, the “Brat” wall was sort of like a vibe check-in, with its final message before it was painted over being, “ok bye!”
The brat wall is one of the best marketing campaigns in pop history. It’s so effective, simple, smart and impactful. I really love it and I hope it doesn’t end soon. pic.twitter.com/CMyBNIYAF9
— azealia la del barrio (@countcontess) June 21, 2024
MDC Welcomes High-Profile Inmates
When: Sept. 17, Dec. 19
Luigi Mangione has officially been charged in the killing Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, and is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. Also at MDC is Sean “Diddy” Combs, whose trial on federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges begins in May. They are the latest in a long line of prominent detainees at the institution.
The Return of the Victoria’s Secret Show
When: Oct. 15
After a six-year hiatus and years of controversy surrounding the brand, Victoria’s Secret tried to make a comeback at Brooklyn’s Duggal Greenhouse. The organizers pulled out all the stops at a star-studded event, hoping to shift public perception of a brand many called dated. Icons like Tyra Banks and Kate Moss walked the runway alongside newbies like Ashley Graham. As in the shows of Victoria’s Secret’s heyday, the event included a slew of musical performances. This year saw Lisa, Tyla, and Cher hit the stage. Whether the brand’s comeback was successful remains to be seen.
Tyler, the Creator at Brooklyn Army Terminal
When: Nov. 2
A few days after its release, Tyler, the Creator brought his album Chromakopia to life at the Brooklyn Army Terminal. Dressed in a green military suit, and donning the hairstyle and mask from the album’s cover art, Tyler performed numerous songs from the project for an excited crowd that only learned the location of the show the day of.
@daijloaves These pop-up shows are genius. London’s next #CHROMAKOPIA #tylerthecreatormedia #brooklynarmyterminal #london ♬ original sound – daijloaves
Brooklyn Priest Stripped of Duties Over Sabrina Carpenter Music Video
When: Nov. 19
This year was a rough one for Mayor Eric Adams, who was indicted in September. Sabrina Carpenter is, however improbably, connected to the mayor’s legal travails. The “Please Please Please” singer played a role in his mess because a priest at a Brooklyn Church let her film a music video for her song “Feather” at said church last year. That same priest, Jamie Gigantiello, was stripped of his duties following an investigation by the church. Sabrina made light of everything at a concert at Madison Square Garden in September.
LCD Soundsystem’s Knockdown Center Residency
When: Nov. 21-Dec. 15
For multiple weekends in November and December, LCD Soundsystem took over the entirety of the multi-room venue the Knockdown Center for a residency that highlighted all the band’s biggest hits and more—tracks like “All My Friends” alongside deep cuts for the loyalists. Even with a packed venue, the shows felt like intimate get-togethers.
Nao Performs at a Brooklyn Church
When: Nov. 17
Before she announced her new album and a much larger tour, the English singer Nao performed just a handful of shows, and some 600 lucky Brooklynites got a taste of the magic at the historic St. Ann and the Holy Trinity Church in mid-November. Nao’s fusion of R&B, funk, and electronic music was elevated by the venue’s acoustics during the set. Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn Heights, the church was the perfect setting for a soulful night of music.
Zayn Malik Look-Alike Contest at Maria Hernandez Park
When: Nov. 17
If anything embodied the weirdness of pop culture in 2024, it was the never-ending string of celebrity look-alike contests we witnessed. What started with a Timothée Chalamet-inspired event in October quickly spiraled into contests paying homage to Harry Styles, Dev Patel, and Jeremy Allen White. In Brooklyn, a call went out for Zayn Malik look-alikes to congregate in Maria Hernandez Park. Hundreds came to cheer for contestants channeling the former One Direction singer. In the end, though, there could only be one winner: a guy who hadn’t planned on entering.
The post Brooklyn Played a Major Part in Pop Culture This Year. Here’s How. appeared first on BKMAG.
