2008 was a great year overall. Our generation had the chance to see a new and hopeful president elected into office with Barack Obama’s victory. We saw that people will continue to buy quality albums with Wayne ’s phenomenal Carter III. The Dark Knight was the shit, an amazing edition to the Batman movies. We go into 2009 feeling hopeful and looking forward to what the future may bring.

Unfortunately though, as with every year, there are several people who will not be going into the new year with us. We lost many great and talented people this year to a variety of causes. Take a moment to reflect with 24Hour on our fallen greats.


Bernie Mac– This man’s talent was undeniable. Funny, crazy, extreme, kind, and caring are the some of the words the people that knew him best use to describe him. He came to be known most for his role in Friday but soon he blazed his own path. Starring in hit movies and even having his own television show Bernie Mac served as an inspiration to the young comedians of our time. Bernie succumbed to reported heart problems this year at the age of 50.  His legacy and comedy will never be forgotten.

 

Heath Ledger-Stars shine the brightest right before they burn out. The death of Heath Ledger certainly played into this saying. Starring as the Joker, Batman’s nemesis in 2008’s The Dark Knight, Heath reminded us what acting was, getting completely lost in a character and making the audience forget there is a person underneath the mask. Unfortunately, Heath didn’t even get to live to see the movie debut as he died from a supposed drug overdose at the age of 28 in his NYC apartment.  

 Isaac Hayes– A musical pioneer, Isaac Hayes wrote more classic records than most rappers could ever dream of. Considered an innovator of R&B and soul music, Hayes was most known for his bedroom classics, and his voice work as “Chef” on South Park . Hayes died from heart complications at his home at the age of 65.


 Static Major-“Lollipop” was one of the biggest hits of the year and what many consider to be the song that catapulted Lil Wayne to the pop icon he is today. Unfortunately the producer of the song passed away before he could see how big of a hit he had. Static Major was a well known and respected producer in both the worlds of hip hop and pop music working such artists as Aaliyah, Jay-Z, and Nas. He passed away to still unknown causes at the age of  33.


George Carlin– Considered by many to be the white Richard Pryor, George Carlin literally changed the game. Starting out in the late 1960’s George Carlin made it okay to say what is said now in comedy clubs and shows all around the world. A pioneer of filthy language Carlin made his name by challenging the conventional style of comedy and instead examining his life and the world around him to hilarious results. Famed for his “7 dirty words” routine, George went to war with the establishment and the FCC to fight for his right to say what he wants. Eventually the world caught on and recognized Carlin for his innovative style and freedom of speech which he waved so valiantly. Carlin passed at the ripe age of 71 in his Los Angeles home.