The year is 2008. Back when iPhones had competition, when music was great and the first Black president was elected. But those weren't the only things that made 2008 great. Along with the greatest of 2008, there were failures. Now if you're wondering "why make a list like this?" The answer: Nostalgia sets in every now and again.
13. Ringtones (Greatest)
Yes even in 2008, we were still plagued by ringtones. When I was in the car with my with my family and my favorite song came on, I don't think I realized how fast I moved to grab the flip phone and record that song for my ringtone. Yes, flip phones were the best. I only had mine for a hot minute (literally), but I never missed the opportunity to tell someone to shut the (bleep) up because I needed to catch that song! Today's generation of kids don't know anything about the hardships of trying to time everything so you had that ringtone ready. Or how to measure how far to hold the phone in the car or away from the speaker because you didn't want your ringtone to sound distorted. Yes, ringtone and ringbacks. Greatest. Invention. Ever!
12. Flavor of Love: Yo' time is up! (Fail)
Following the success of two very entertaining seasons and new household names like Tiffany "New York" Pollard, Hoopz and Deelishus', Flava Flav and VH1 producers went on to do one more season of Flavor of Love. Needless to say, the show lost its flava (Yes I made that joke). The ratings were decent, but the nonsense that kept us watching wasn't there anymore. Still a guilty pleasure, I guess the show's time on VH1 was up. Yes, I made another joke.
11. The Movies (Greatest)
The year we were introduced to Iron Man and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The year we found out what particular set of skills Liam Neeson possess when his daughter goes missing. The year when the late Heath Ledger redefined what acting meant to some and when buddy comedies came at in a different forms, the year 2008 for movies was phenomenal. Long awaited sequels, instant classics and more made 2008 a sound year for moviegoers. I would do a list, but I'll save that for another time.
10. iPod vs. Zune (Fail)
A debate that had every lunch table in schools up in arms about which was better: iPods or Zunes. Ultimately we know who had the last laugh but eight years ago, you had to choose a side. The original elements that started a civil war everywhere. #TeamiPod or #TeamZune *scrolls to the next topic*.
9. LED Belts (Both)
Before hoverboards, we had these damn LED belts to obsess over. If you didn't have this belt or you didn't see it on your friends. You didn't grow up correctly. These belts were the hype for the better part of the year. I wonder what happened to them? Hmmm.
8. Beijing Summer Olympics
From the opening ceremony to the close, the Beijing Summer Olympics of 2008 were easily one of the best things to happen in 2008. Pure showing of athleticism and so much more from all over the world and of course, the United States. Who can forget Michael Phelps' performance that summer in the pool winning his eight gold medals? Great year, great summer of athletics.
7. "The Wire" Came to an end (Fail)
Season five of "the best show on television that never won an Emmy", The Wire served as the final season of the raw and compelling series. If you remember the wait for season five, then you are a true fan. Two years after season four fans were told the Baltimore-based show would come to a close at the end season five. So you would've thought they went all out, right? Viewers were left feeling underwhelmed after it was all said in done in March 2008. The Baltimore Sun serving as half of the focus for the last season went all wrong. After four truth telling, heart stopping performances from brilliant actors and just regular citizens of Baltimore, season five didn't feel real, it didn't fit. To this day, the biggest shocker of season five- how Omar Little died. I mean of all the ways to go, too. Next.
6. Tha Carter III (Greatest)
The hype, the anticipation and the overall sounds that came from this album were well received. Fans still say that Tha Carter 2 was better, and they reserve the right to but when you look at the bigger picture, Lil Wayne didn't have anyone denying him of his rightful place in hip hop. I can go further with this, but that'll be for a different day, too.
5. Beyoncé (Greatest)
She gave the world "Single Ladies," a new dance and arguably her best album and--she's Beyoncé. When Beyoncé dropped the video for "Single Ladies," the world stopped; I mean the Beckys with the good hair could not get enough of this song in clubs. It was like a new Beyoncé to some, while fans knew it was her alter ego, who she titled the album after: "I Am Sasha Fierce." Beyoncé took her place on the throne of "anthem-making," and eight years later, made the world stop again with Lemonade, which I can't look at the same now. All hail Queen Bey.
4. Saturday Night Live (Greatest)
The 2008-09 season of Saturday Night Live was pure greatness and not just because of the hilarious cast and guests. SNL played a huge role in the campaign season of 2008. The skits on Barack Obama, John McCain and Hilary Clinton were great but the ultimate skit of all: the interview with Katie Couric and Sarah Palin. The rest was history. Some to this day argue that the SNL cast turned the tide of the election.
3. The Recession (Fail)
Do I even need to explain this one? Next.
2. "Breaking Bad" (Greatest)
One of the best shows in television history. Followed your everyday, middle-aged Chemistry teacher Walter White (Bryan Cranston) and a slacker, drug selling stoner Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) who turned from their former lives to make and sell a stronger version of crystal meth which they called Blue Sky. Along with a star-studded cast, Cranston and Paul gave thought-provoking performances every week, going on throughout the entire series. Some say Breaking Bad had the success The Wire should've received, I wouldn't disagree. This show had everyone excited to be welcomed in the wonderful of world of chemistry.
1. Barack Obama (Greatest)
I was 14. I thought the opportunity was too big to miss out on but again, I was only 14. My mother, like most black people during the 2008 election did not want to vote for then Sen. Barack Obama because of the way things in our country went for us. Now this isn't to make anyone feel uncomfortable but when a black man had an actual chance at running the United States, every black person on some unconscious level was scared, scared because we thought we knew how this story was going to go. Long story short, j convinced my mother to get out and vote (mainly because the recession was getting bad and I needed to make sure that I had a future for college in 2012). I begged, pleaded and told her of everything that I had learned and researched and it worked. That night in November changed my life forever. Watching NBC and seeing that Obama was named the 44th president of the U.S. was a moment I'll never forget. My mother hugged me in tears and said "thank you."
