Quavo was celebrated as Variety’s Humanitarian of the Year during the 2024 Hitmakers Brunch at Nya Studios in Hollywood on December 7. The Atlanta hitmaker received the prestigious honor, presented by Greg Jackson, Deputy Director of the Whitehouse Office of Gun Violence Prevention, for his impactful advocacy against gun violence, a mission fueled by the tragic loss of his nephew and fellow Migos member, Takeoff, in 2022.

“Losing my brother Takeoff was the worst moment in my life. I didn’t know where to go, where to turn, I didn’t know if I still wanted to make music,” reflected the chart-topper in his acceptance speech, per Variety, dedicating the moment to “everyone fighting for change and fighting for my brother Takeoff, who inspires me every day.”

Over four decades after its debut, Frankie Beverly & Maze’s iconic 1981 hit “Before I Let Go” has officially achieved platinum certification, solidifying its place as a timeless anthem in Black culture. 

Beloved as a must-play at family cookouts, weddings, and celebrations, the classic track has transcended generations, remaining a symbol of joy, unity, and shared cultural experience.

Simone Biles has cemented her status as the most decorated American Olympic gymnast in history after clinching her eighth Olympic medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The historic win came as Team USA secured gold in the women’s team final, a moment that shattered the previous record Biles shared with gymnastics legend Shannon Miller. 

Biles’s latest achievement not only solidifies her place in gymnastics history but also exemplifies her enduring legacy as a trailblazer in sports.

In this historic moment, she received the flag from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, the city's first female mayor, alongside Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history.

As Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Mayor Bass emphasized the city’s commitment to creating lasting benefits for local communities, including job creation, environmental improvements, and support for small businesses. Returning to L.A., she brought home a symbol of not just the Games, but a vision for a brighter, more inclusive future.

LeBron James and his son, Bronny James Jr., made history on Oct. 6 as the NBA’s first father-son duo to play together. The iconic moment happened during a preseason game, where the Los Angeles Lakers faced off against the Phoenix Suns at Acrisure Arena. Despite the Lakers' 118-114 loss, the occasion’s significance was undeniable. Following the game, LeBron expressed his joy on X (formerly Twitter), exclaiming, "WOW, THAT WAS SURREAL!!" The milestone was even more special as it coincided with Bronny’s 20th birthday, adding an extra layer of celebration to the night. 

Hip-hop icon and trailblazer Missy Elliott embarked on her long-awaited first-ever headlining tour in 2024, with “The Out of This World” experience proving that greatness only gets better with time. 

Known for her futuristic visuals, bold fashion, and iconic hits, Missy brought her electric energy to stages nationwide, delivering unforgettable performances of classics like “Work It” and “Get Ur Freak On.” Musical guest appearances included longtime collaborator Ciara, Busta Rhymes, and more. 

Usher took center stage at one of the world’s most-watched events, headlining the 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show. The R&B superstar delivered a high-energy performance that included dazzling choreography, surprise guest appearances, and a medley of his greatest hits like “Yeah!” and “U Got It Bad.” 

Angela Bassett finally received her long-awaited Oscar, and it was a moment of pure triumph. On January 9, at the 14th annual Governors Awards in Los Angeles, the legendary actress was honored with an honorary Oscar for her outstanding contributions to Hollywood. Introduced by longtime collaborator Regina King, Bassett reflected on the journey of Black women in film, paying tribute to the 10 Black actresses, including King and Hattie McDaniel, who have won Academy Awards.

Russell Westbrook is making a lasting impact on his hometown of Los Angeles with an exciting new initiative. The NBA star has teamed up with Evermont to support a project bringing 180 affordable housing units to South LA.

The development, anchored by Target, is set to rise on the location where the 1992 Los Angeles riots erupted after the acquittal of the officers involved in the brutal beating of Rodney King. 

Westbrook’s project aims to provide affordable housing for seniors and families alongside a SEED school and community-centered businesses. Additionally, the initiative promises new job opportunities for local residents, fostering both economic growth and social change. With a focus on civil and community engagement, this effort is poised to help transform the narrative of South Central Los Angeles.

Billboard has crowned GloRilla the hottest female rapper of 2024, securing the top spot on their year-end list of women in rap. The Memphis native outshined some of the biggest names in the genre, including Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, and Latto. Despite facing setbacks in 2023, the rising star  made a major comeback with her breakout hit “Yeah Glo!” The track, which soared into the top 30 on the Hot 100. L.A. Mayor Bass Makes History during Paris 2024 closing ceremony.