A look back at 2025 with UATL’s Christopher Daniel
As the year winds down it’s time to rejoice, recap and reflect.
UATL’s staff members are looking back at Black culture and remembering what mattered in 2025. In this story, reporter Christopher Daniel shares memories of the year that was.
What was one of the biggest moments in Black culture in Atlanta in 2025?
Outkast becoming the first Southern hip-hop group inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Name someone who mattered in Black culture, and tell us why:
Losing singer, songwriter and musician D’Angelo to pancreatic cancer reminded us of all of the great music he made and his influence on countless performers and fans. It’s great to still run across vintage performances, photos and testimonials on social media and online about moments artists, musicians and fans shared with someone who was private and only released three studio albums. It’s an indication that a multitalented Black man from the South could use his gifts to connect the artist community and the world in unimaginable ways.
What was one of your favorite albums released in 2025, and why?
Nas and DJ Premier’s joint album, “Light-Years,” was a love letter to hip-hop culture. Premier’s signature, gritty production sounded slightly polished but paired well with Nas’ bars, concepts and virtuosic delivery.
Tell us which movie you loved most this year, and why:
“Sarah’s Oil” was an inspiring story about America’s first Black girl millionaire. It was nice to see a film about a young girl who kept her faith, knew her worth, and stuck to her guns even when people tried to silence her.
What do you think changed in Black culture for the better in 2025?
It was not having a hip-hop song in the Top 40 on the Billboard pop charts for the first time since 1990. Too many listeners hinge themselves on chart data and sales but not enough on the quality of some amazing albums released by legacy hip-hop acts like De La Soul, Nas, Raekwon, Slick Rick, Ice Cube, Bun B and Clipse this year. Younger acts like JID have released jaw-dropping projects, too, so it’s hopefully a sign.
What is something you hope to leave in 2025 and not revisit in 2026?
Relationship podcasts.
What was something that people should have paid more attention in 2025, in your opinion?
Cory Mo and Bun B’s joint project “Way Mo Trill” serves that soulful, laid back Southern hip-hop music that made this region hot and raised me. Cory Mo produced the entire album and enlisted the help of legendary Atlanta producers Ray Murray, DJ Toomp and Drumma Boy on three of the songs. Bun B delivered that grown Southern Black man wisdom and demonstrated why he’s an elite wordsmith in rap music regardless of the region it represents.
What do you expect Atlanta to be like during the World Cup?
TURNT!
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About the Author
Christopher A. Daniel is a Black Culture reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He is an Atlanta-based, award-winning journalist, cultural critic and ethnomusicologist. He previously taught courses at Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University and Georgia State University.
