Smoking On Your Top 5
I don’t usually write posts like this, but I thought it’d be fun to share some of my favorite things from the year. Whether it was a show, movie, book, or album, these are the things that stuck with me. Some are brand-new, and some I finally got around to checking out, but either way, they all left a mark.
This isn’t some fancy “best of the year” list—just a bunch of stuff I personally enjoyed. Hopefully, you’ll find something here that catches your eye or gives you a new recommendation to check out.
Favorite Albums of 2024
GNX - Kendrick Lamar
Favorite Tracks: Wacced Out Murals, Squabble Up, Hey Now, Reincarnated, Gloria.
Is there more Kendrick on the way? A question I’ve been thinking about since this album dropped. I’m still waiting for the snippet teased with the release of the album. Squabble Up had a preview that lived rent-free in my head after Not Like Us.
While this might be Kendrick’s least lyrical album (It’s still deep, but not as deep as other Kendrick Albums), there’s no shortage of bars and storytelling on this one, and this album feels like a statement piece to close out a year where he dominated the rap game.
Blue Lips - ScHoolboy Q
Favorite Tracks: First (that Death Grips vibe is undeniable).
ScHoolboy Q leans into experimentation on this one, and it pays off. First is chaotic in the best way possible and sets the tone for an album that feels raw and visceral.
Chromakopia - Tyler, the Creator
Favorite Tracks: St. Chroma, Balloon, Rah Tah Tah.
Balloon was my introduction to Doechii, and it’s a standout moment on this album. After hearing her, I dove into her most recent album (Alligator Bites Never Heal is fantastic) and was blown away. Tyler closed out 2024 with another hit —That Guy—and cemented this year as his. A truly outstanding year for him.
Gamma - Gesaffelstein
Favorite Tracks: Gamma, Hysteria, Mania.
The prince of dark techno returns with an album full of hard-hitting drums and manic energy. While it’s still layered and atmospheric, it’s also one of his most accessible works to date. Gesaffelstein knows how to create a mood and Gamma does not disappoint.
Ten Days - Fred Again..
Favorite Tracks: Adore You, Ten, Places to Be, Just Stand There.
Front to back, this album has been in constant rotation for me. Fred Again.. continues to blend emotional storytelling with danceable beats, creating an experience that feels deeply personal. It’s one of those albums you can play anywhere and anytime.
Worthy Mentions:
Dark Times - Vince Staples
Timeless - Kaytranada
We Don’t Trust You - Future & Metro Boomin
Alligator Bites Never Heal - Doechii
Favorite TV Shows of 2024
The Penguin: Season 1
A fantastic origin story that keeps it grounded—no superheroes, no over-the-top fantasy, just gritty storytelling. The Penguin’s journey is a rollercoaster of emotions. At times, you almost feel sorry for him and understand his motives, but other times, you absolutely loathe him. That’s a testament to the incredible acting by Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti, who shines as Sofia Falcone. The writing is sharp, the characters have depth, and the Gotham underworld feels more alive than ever.
Dune: Season 1
With the movies setting such a high bar, I was skeptical about a series, but this totally delivers. It’s a slow burn, with the first few episodes dedicated to deep character development. But once the story takes off, it’s incredible. The world-building is rich, the visuals are stunning, and the performances bring a new layer of depth to the Dune universe and more background to the sisterhood. A must-watch for Dune or Sci-fi fans.
Senna: Season 1
As an F1 fan (and Portuguese), this was special. Senna is a heartfelt tribute to Ayrton Senna, one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time. The show captures his brilliance on the track, his unwavering principles, and the tragic end to his career. It’s both inspiring and heart-wrenching, reminding us why his legacy still resonates in motorsport. Whether you’re a fan of F1 or just love a great biography, this is worth your time
True Detective: Season 4
After the disaster that was Season 2, I didn’t have high hopes for this series’ longevity. But Season 3 brought it back on track, and Season 4 cements its return. Set in the icy wilderness of Alaska, this season dives deep into themes of isolation and survival, while also giving a nuanced portrayal of Native American communities. The mystery is great, the atmosphere haunting, and the acting is fantastic. It’s not quite Season 1-level brilliance, but it’s REALLY good..
House of the Dragon: Season 2
While the season finale was a bit underwhelming, the rest of the season more than made up for it. The writing is still sharp, the acting outstanding, and the world-building just as immersive as ever. The political drama, family betrayals, and epic dragon battles keeps you coming back. This show proves once again that some spin offs can be great when there is a story to tell.
Worthy mentions:
Fallout: Season 1
Curb Your Enthusiasm: Season 12
Trafficked: Season 4
Favorite Movies of 2024
Didn’t spend a ton of time this year watching films, but here are my favorites:
Dune II
Sequels for big blockbusters usually don’t hit the same, but Dune II breaks that curse. It’s everything I wanted and more—a total triumph that builds perfectly on the first film. The visuals are insane, the story keeps moving without getting too bogged down in world-building, and the cast? A+. Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya absolutely crushed it. Their chemistry made the whole Lisan al-Gaib prophecy feel real. If you’re into epic sci-fi, this is a must-watch.
Mad Max: Furiosa
If you’re still obsessed with Mad Max: Fury Road (like I am), you’re going to love this prequel. It’s gritty, chaotic, and packed with some of the most intense action sequences I’ve seen in a long time. Anya Taylor-Joy nails it as Furiosa, showing us her backstory while keeping that same badass energy we loved in the original. This movie is a wild ride from start to finish, with plenty of surprises along the way. Buckle up for this one!
Favorite Books That I Read
On the Edge by Nate Silver
If you’re a data nerd (or even just curious about how predictions work), this book is such a cool read. Nate Silver breaks down how we can use stats and probabilities to make better decisions without it feeling like a boring math class.
I liked how he used real-world examples of sports betting, politics, even weather forecasting to explain his points. It’s not just for analytics geeks; it’s for anyone who wants to understand how the world works a little better.
Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan
This book blew me away. It’s based on a true story about a young Italian man during World War II who gets caught up in the resistance. It’s got everything - action, heartbreak, courage, and even a bit of romance. What really stuck with me was how much hope and resilience Pino Lella showed, even in the darkest times. It’s one of those books that makes you think about how you’d act in similar circumstances.
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
This is just fun. If you’re into video games, ’80s pop culture, or epic treasure hunts, this book is a total blast. It’s set in a dystopian future where most people spend their lives in a virtual reality world, and the main character, Wade, is trying to solve a huge puzzle to win control of it. The references to old-school games and movies made me super nostalgic, and the story kept me hooked from start to finish.
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
This book felt like a conversation with a wise friend who’s been through it all. Rick Rubin dives into creativity in a way that feels so natural and inspiring. It’s not just about making music; it’s about finding creativity in everyday life. It reminded me that being creative isn’t about perfection it’s about showing up, being open, and seeing the world differently.
King: A Life by Jonathan Eig
This is one of the best biographies I’ve read in a long time. It goes deep into the life of Martin Luther King Jr., not just the iconic speeches and marches but the struggles and doubts he faced behind the scenes. It made him feel so human, which only made his achievements even more impressive. I learned so much about his life, his family, and the movement he led, and it gave me a whole new level of respect for what he stood for.
Random Other Stuff That I Also Enjoyed
This isn’t a classic year end list, here’s some other stuff I enjoyed this year that might not have been from 2024:
Oppenheimer
I was late to the party on this one, but wow what a great movie. Christopher Nolan does it again, blending history, emotion, and scale into a great experience. Cillian Murphy was incredible, and the whole cast brought so much depth to this moment in history.
Westworld: Season 1
I went back and re-watched this gem, and it feels more relevant now than ever. With the advancements in AI and robotics, the themes of consciousness, morality, and control hit even closer to home. The story and production quality still hold up, and the twists are just as good the second time around. If you’ve never seen it—or haven’t rewatched it lately, it’s absolutely worth your time.
Ted Lasso (All 3 Seasons)
Why did it take me so long to dive into this? Am I now a soccer football obsessed? Possibly. Ted Lasso has this magic blend of humor, heart, and sincerity that hooked me from the start. And that finale? Easily one of the most satisfying season finales I’ve ever seen and closing out all of the open plot / story lines. A masterclass in how to end a series (I’m looking at you Game of Thrones).
