It ain’t just the “big three” when talking about pop culture. There’s a lot from this school year that needs to be covered. From the first day of school, August 28th, to Gen Pop’s last day on June 12th, a lot has been going on in the entertainment world. 

Biggest beef of the school year: Drake, J Cole, and Kendrick Lamar

If we worked backward, we can’t talk about beef and not talk about the recent, day-by-day play of the Drake, J Cole, and Kendrick Lamar beef. It all started with “First Person Shooter”, a song by Drake and J Cole, where J Cole states: “Love when they argue the hardest MC Is it K-Dot? Is it Aubrey? Or me? We, the big three, like we started a league, but right now, I feel like Muhammad Ali.”

Kendrick responded, “Mother **** the big three, ***** It’s just big me!” And thus the beef began. 

This has been an ongoing beef for the last two weeks, and the two artists have created many songs to diss each other like Kendrick’s diss track “Not Like Us”.s. It’s hard to declare a “winner” in this battle, because of Kendrick’s advanced lyricism, and Drake’s mastery of beats. But the one thing for sure is that this drama will be taking up attention for the next few weeks. 

Best Met Gala Looks: Lana Del Rey, Zendaya, Emma Chamberlain

Even though the Met Gala has been growing in controversy, we at least need to recognize some fabulous looks today’s celebrities put out.  

Lana Del Rey spent $50,000 on her ticket to the Met Gala, yet still had money left over for the breathtaking Alexander McQueen collection. Her woodsy aesthetic perfectly fits the theme of “The Garden of Time”.  Even so, Lana could have worn a paper bag with a trash bag belt and still looked perfect. 

Next, when she’s not acting in movies, playing tennis, or singing on a stage, Zendaya showed her feathers in full effect arriving in a peacock-inspired dress by John Galliano. While the world was surprised by her beautiful look, it’s Zendaya, we couldn’t expect anything less than stupendous. 

Finally, businesswoman and model Emma Chamberlain served in a sparkling dress by Jean Paul Gaultier. This dress, meant to represent a darker perspective on the theme, showcases a beautiful full train, corset, and ivy lace tendrils. While it gives off a lived-in, aging dress, the piece is actually in peak condition, taking a total of 640 hours to customize. 

Best Artist of the school year: Taylor Swift

As Editor-in-Chief Sasha Binder said best, “Taylor Swift has always been iconic in the music industry, but this year was a game changer for her career, hence why she is THE top artist of this year.” 

This trend continues until the end of our school year. Her new album, “The Tortured Poet Department” tells the story of her early 2022 boyfriend, Joe Alwyn, and captures the struggling passion of being young and in love, all in 17 songs. 

At this point, Taylor is not slowing down, even at the beginning. So, if you’re tired of Taylor Swift, she will let the “haters hate” and “shake it off.”

Best Album of the School Year: Beyonce’s“Cowboy Carter”

Giddy up and yell “yee-haw” for Queen B’s newest album “Cowboy Carter.” Beyonce herself is one of the most influential across genres, including R&B and pop, she’s now dipped her toe into the pool of country music. While some may think this album was made “just for fun,” Beyonce changed the game of country music all while riding a beautiful stallion horse. 

Best upcoming artist: Chappell Roan

Sticking on the topic of music, Chappell Roan has risen to the top of the charts with her enchanting voice and relatable songs to people of all groups. Currently, she’s most known for her single “Good Luck, Babe!” And her 2023 album “The Rise and Fall of the Midwest Princess.” She is on tour right now going all over the country with her next adventure being in Cleveland Ohio. Good luck Chappell, and don’t forget the little people!

Best Philly sports team of the year: The Phillies

They just keep winning! While it might not be pop culture, this here is Philly culture. The Phillies are looking forward to an amazing, and hopefully long season. With 34 wins and 14 losses, they have the best record in the national league and continue to fight until they make the playoffs. We unfortunately did not have the best luck with the Eagles, Sixers, or Flyers this season, but most of the city residents are proud of what Philly has done and hope to see some amazing seasons next year. Even if you aren’t a Philly sports fan, the city that loves you back has all the support in the world. 

Honorable mentions:

We can’t cover everything, but it is clear that this school year has been an eventful one. Here are some other artists, albums, and movies who have left the world awed that you may want to know: 

Movies- Challengers, Barbie, Oppenheimer.

Albums: Guts(deluxe) by Olivia Rodrigo, Atavista by Childish Gambino, and Better Off Alone by A Boogie Wit da Hoodie.