As 2023 wraps up, it’s safe to say that it was full of unpredictable moments. From that notorious Montgomery boat brawl to Keith Lee vs. Atlanta, here are the most viral moments from the last year.
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That Infamous Boat Brawl
When a group of white men attacked a Montgomery Black riverboat co-captain for asking them to move their their boat, Black folks nearby ran to his defense. The result? One of the most viral and epic moments of 2023.
Rihanna’s Pregnancy Reveal
Rihanna’s Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show was the most watched in the history of the event. She also revealed her baby bump on live television, much to the excitement of partner A$AP Rocky.
The Idol’s Awfulness
No one has ever questioned The Weeknd’s vocal abilities, but his acting skills are unbelievably bad. HBO’s short-lived series “The Idol,” in which he starred, also showcased bad plot lines, bad dialogue, bad music—and just an overall ridiculously bad time.
Anything Jada Pinkett Smith
Jada Pinkett Smith’s memoir, “Worthy,” was released this year and was even more salacious than anticipated. From detailing the night of “The Slap” to opening up about her entanglement with August Alsina, the book—and extensive press tour—made Jada the talk of 2023.
Frank Ocean Flubs
Thousands of music fans braved the Coachella heat to see Frank Ocean—a renowned musical recluse—perform his hits. What they got was a bizarre and lackluster show as well as a cancelation of his performance for festival’s second weekend.
Ice Spice’s SNL Fail
Ice Spice’s popularity skyrocketed in 2023, but her live performance skills still left much to be desired. Her appearance on Saturday Night Live received a slew of criticism about how the rapper needs more practice on the stage.
Keith Lee’s Atlanta Chaos
When Keith Lee visited Atlanta to review several restaurants throughout the city, he called out its inconsistent dining restrictions and long wait times. He started an all out war online about the city’s food culture and doubled down on his stance.
Jimmy Butler’s Emo Moment
Jimmy Butler set the internet ablaze with his emo look during a Miami Heat media day. His ensemble included black nails, numerous face piercings and straightened hair. Good for you, Jimmy.
Kelis and Bill Murray
Somehow, 2023 became the year that Kelis and Bill Murray were rumored to be dating. We just want to forget about it, to be honest.
Cardi B’s Microphone Toss
When a fan threw a drink on Cardi B during an appearance in Las Vegas earlier this year, the emcee retaliated by throwing her microphone. The message: Don’t mess with a girl from the Bronx.
The Renaissance Tour
All year, social media feeds were flooded with Beyoncé fans showing off what they wore to her Renaissance tour. Sis had one of the highest grossing tours of all time, released a film based on the shows and possibly saved the economy. Well done, Bey.
Taraji Goes Rogue
During a press tour for her film “The Color Purple,” Taraji P. Henson opened up about her struggles in Hollywood as a Black actress. She discussed pay disparity and letting go of her team after they failed to capitalize on her success.
Trina Weirdly Praises Bey
A clip resurfaced from an October interview with Trina, in which she called Beyonce the number one female rapper in the game when she does rhyme. Her baffling praise was questioned by internet users—especially Nicki Minaj fans—who didn’t understand why they omitted the “Pinkprint” rapper altogether.
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