5 Black Media Masterpieces That Had the Internet in a Chokehold
By Jourdan McIntosh
Are the kids still saying “For the Culture”? No? Well, this might be a good year to bring that back because 2025 has been a groundbreaking celebration of Black brilliance. From world tours to box office domination, from museum-worthy fashion to movies that sparked national conversations, Black creatives have been putting on in powerful, intentional ways. Let’s take a look at why 2025 might go down as one of the most unforgettable years for Black culture:
Sinners
Our feeds and timelines have been flooded with Sinners Discourse. Fans have been extremely invested in every little detail about the movie. Sinners is the type of film people just had to see twice or maybe even 5 times, just to talk about it. The demand was so intense that its IMAX run was extended, giving fans more time to catch the film in all its cinematic glory. We’ve been blessed with parodies, behind the scenes footage, basically a college level course on film ratio from Ryan Coogler himself, and video essays unpacking its themes, making it one of the most discussed and dissected films of the year.
2. The Cowboy Carter Tour
Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Tour is reminding the world that country music has always had deep Black roots. Beyond the music, the tour is a full-on celebration of Southern Black identity, re-centering stories and aesthetics that mainstream media often forgets. Beyoncé isn’t just reclaiming a genre, she is expanding it – on a global stage, with boots, banjos, and Black pride.
And can we talk about the show-stealer? Beyoncé's Manager, Blue Ivy Carter. Fans can’t seem to get enough of how much her confidence and stage presence have grown since the Renaissance Tour. Little sis is in her main character era and we’re absolutely here for it.
3. Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show & Tour
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime show wasn’t for everyone, but it was definitely for us. A fearless, layered performance filled with symbolism, social commentary, and Black radical energy, Kendrick turned one of the most commercial stages in the world into a platform for protest, pride, and poetry. As with much of Kendrick’s work, fans and critics alike dissected his lyrics, choreography, and visual cues to uncover the deeper meanings embedded within the performance – conversations that extended far beyond the music. His halftime show generated a wave of viral memes with iconic moments that dominated timelines and inspired think pieces. More than just a cultural moment, the show sparked widespread dialogue around race, inequality, and the state of the nation. It lived on the internet for months—analyzing the performance became a collective experience, and its impact was felt across social media, dinner tables, and barbershops alike. In true Kendrick fashion, it wasn’t just a performance; it was a statement, and its echoes are still being felt.
4. Several Black Online Streaming releases
2025’s film and TV releases have been stacked, and Black artists are holding their own. If the internet is the new barometer for impact, then these shows didn’t just trend – they took over.
Forever (Netflix)
Mara Brock Akil’s Forever filled a void we may not have even realized existed. If you Google “young adult romance on Netflix,” here’s what comes up:
Just look at the results, there aren’t enough young adult shows and movies with Black main characters. That’s what made Forever feel so vital, so overdue. It was everything we needed. From the flawless soundtrack (10/10, no skips) to the layered storytelling about love, legacy, and healing, fans were deeply invested. Viewers called the portrayal of a grounded Black father figure “beautiful” and praised the show’s emotional honesty. Some were even threatening to cancel Netflix if we didn’t get a Season 2—and honestly, same. Thankfully, Netflix heard the people loud and clear and officially announced that Forever will be returning for a second season. The excitement is so real, and fans can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
Paradise (Hulu)
Can we just take a moment to appreciate Sterling K. Brown? Okay, now on to the show—the suspense, the characters, the plot twists! It’s no wonder Threads turned into a live group chat every week. Whether it was debating why Agent Collins’ wife didn’t make it on the plane or piecing together timelines and family secrets, fans were locked in. Even Sterling’s wife, Ryan Michelle Bathe, added to the online commentary.
The good news? Paradise has been officially renewed for a second season, with production already underway. Season 2 is set to premiere in early 2026 and promises to pick up right where we left off, following Agent Xavier Collins as he ventures beyond the bunker in search of his wife, Teri, and uncovers the truths of the outside world. The upcoming season will feature new cast members, including Shailene Woodley and Thomas Doherty, joining the ensemble. Creator Dan Fogelman has confirmed that Paradise is planned as a three-season series, with Season 2 serving as the pivotal middle chapter. Fans can expect more twists, deeper character arcs, and an expanded narrative scope that will keep the discussions—and the group chats—buzzing.
Dope Thief (Apple TV+)
What do you get when you combine a breakout performance, slick storytelling, and high-stakes drama? Dope Thief. Fans couldn’t stop hyping up the actor who plays Ray (he’s “in his acting bag”) and called the series “the most underrated show in rotation.” Even those who worked on the show said it was a career high.
While Apple TV+ has yet to officially renew Dope Thief for a second season, there's growing optimism among the cast and fans. Kieu Chinh, who portrays Grandma Pham, expressed her enthusiasm for continuing the story, stating, "I would love to see a second season of Dope Thief! As you can see, there are so many more opportunities to follow the characters." The show's intense narrative, especially scenes like the explosive car moment in Episode 4, has left viewers eager for more. Given the series' critical acclaim and strong fanbase, many are hopeful that Apple TV+ will greenlight another installment soon.
G20 (Prime)
G20 gave us a thrilling blend of action and representation, anchored by Viola Davis as U.S. President Danielle Sutton, a former military veteran who must protect her family and world leaders during a terrorist attack at a G20 summit in Cape Town. Reuniting Black-ish favorites Marsai Martin and Anthony Anderson, G20 gives us something rare: a gripping, family-friendly action film centered on a powerful Black family. Also, let’s talk about how Viola Davis has been in full warrior mode since The Woman King, and G20 proves she’s not letting up anytime soon. (Somebody please drop her workout routine!)
Davis’s reason for taking on G20 goes far beyond the stunts and suspense. As she told USA Today, she made the film “to put every young Black girl in the story.” We love this because when Black girls see themselves as the heroes and presidents, they begin to believe they can be.
5. The Met Gala Theme
The 2025 Met Gala looks took the internet by storm, flooding timelines with viral memes, fashion breakdowns, and heartfelt appreciation for one of the most culturally resonant themes in recent history. Titled "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style", the theme honored the legacy of Black dandyism, a form of self-expression and resistance where Black individuals have used sharp tailoring and style to assert identity, dignity, and creativity in the face of systemic oppression.
The 2025 theme was more than just a fashion statement, it was a celebration of Black excellence, ingenuity, and resilience. The choice to spotlight this history at such a global event marked a bold and overdue recognition of the profound influence Black culture has had on the fashion world. For many in the Black community, the night was a moment of validation and joy, as the red carpet became a runway of cultural storytelling, where suits, silks, braids, and brooches told stories of past struggle and present triumph. It felt like a warm embrace, a moment of pride, stitched with heritage and styled with purpose.
We especially loved how the book community joined in the fun, pairing some of the night’s most iconic looks with book recommendations. In case you missed it, here is our 2025 Met Gala Hall of Fame.
Black Art Shines Brightest in the Darkest Times
The political climate in 2025 hasn’t been easy. But if there’s one constant in our story, it’s that Black art doesn’t just survive adversity, it transcends it. From slavery hymns that still live on today, to civil rights jazz and hip-hop born from concrete, our culture has always turned struggle into song, pain into poetry, and grief into greatness. What we’re witnessing this year is part of that legacy. The world may feel heavy, but Black creatives are carrying the torch and lighting the way.
So maybe it’s time we bring the phrase back. Say it with us now: FOR. THE. CULTURE.
