Music · 2009
Pop Reinvents Itself Amidst Shocking Farewells
In 2009, electropop took over global airwaves as new superstars like Lady Gaga and Drake reshaped the soundscape. Meanwhile, dramatic rock breakups and the tragic loss of the King of Pop marked an unforgettable turning point in music history.
- November 2009 | Synth-pop | Album
Lady Gaga Releases The Fame Monster
Packed with mega-hits like 'Bad Romance,' this reissue cemented Lady Gaga's status as a global pop visionary.
- August 2009 | Rock | Event
Oasis Dramatically Splits Backstage
A heated backstage argument at the Rock en Seine festival led Noel Gallagher to leave Oasis forever.
- June 2009 | Pop / Dance | Single
The Black Eyed Peas Dominate the Charts
With 'I Gotta Feeling' and 'Boom Boom Pow,' the group held the Billboard Hot 100 top spot for 26 straight weeks.
- February 2009 | Hip-hop | Mixtape
Drake Drops So Far Gone
Drake redefined the boundaries of hip-hop and R&B with a breakout mixtape that propelled him to instant stardom.
- October 2009 | Hip-hop | Single
Jay-Z & Alicia Keys Release Empire State of Mind
This soaring tribute to New York City topped global charts and became an enduring anthem of modern pop culture.
- September 2009 | Pop Culture | Event
Kanye West Interrupts Taylor Swift at the VMAs
Kanye West commandeered the stage during Taylor Swift's acceptance speech, sparking one of music's most infamous feuds.
- May 2009 | Indie Rock | Album
Phoenix Releases Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
The French band captured international acclaim with infectious indie-pop anthems like '1901' and 'Lisztomania.'
- June 2009 | Pop | Event
Passing of Michael Jackson
The sudden death of the King of Pop shocked the world just weeks before his planned 50-date London residency.
Enjoyed your trip back in time?