Sports
This legendary Los Angeles Laker, known as the "Black Mamba," wore numbers 8 and 24, and won back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010.
Kobe Bryant
She shocked the world in 2008 with her debut album The Fame, wearing massive sunglasses, silver wigs, and dropping the global hit song "Poker Face."
Lady Gaga
In 2009, the English dub for this massive sequel series officially started airing, featuring an older version of a loudmouthed ninja trying to bring his friend Sasuke home.
Naruto Shippuden
In 2007, Apple CEO Steve Jobs stood on stage and introduced this revolutionary touchscreen device, changing how humans interact with technology forever.
the iPhone
This classic Nintendo Wii game, bundled right inside the box with the console in 2006, had everyone swinging their plastic controllers in their living rooms to play virtual bowling, tennis, and boxing.
Wii Sports
In 2008, this New York Giants quarterback threw a legendary touchdown pass to David Tyree (the "Helmet Catch") to ruin the New England Patriots' perfect 18-0 season.
Eli Manning
This New Orleans rapper went on an iconic run in 2008, releasing Tha Carter III and dominating radio stations with his hit single "A Milli."
Lil Wayne
This supernatural anime about Soul Reapers wielding giant swords called ZanpakutÅ was a staple of late-night television blocks during this exact era.
Bleach
On November 4, 2008, this historic election took place, resulting in the victory of the 44th President and the first African American president in US history.
Barack Obama
Launched in 2006, this short-form social media platform limited users to exactly 140 characters per post, changing how fast news and memes spread across the globe.
This electric USC running back won the Heisman Trophy in 2005 and became famous for his insane high-stepping agility and wearing the number 5.
Reggie Bush
In 2009, this artist released Man on the Moon: The End of Day, creating a whole new wave of emotional, alternative hip-hop with the song "Day 'n' Nite."
Kid Cudi
These high-end, cross-eyed designer vinyl figures created by artist Brian Donnelly became massive collector's items in streetwear and hip-hop culture during the late 2000s.
KAWS Figures
In June 2009, the sudden passing of this global "King of Pop" literally broke the internet, causing major websites like Google and Twitter to crash due to unprecedented search traffic.
Michael Jackson
This blocky, open-world sandbox game created by Notch had its very first public "Alpha" release in May 2009, kicking off what would become the best-selling video game of all time.
Minecraft
He won back-to-back NBA MVP awards in 2009 and 2010 while playing for his home-state Cleveland Cavaliers, before making a massive decision to head to Miami.
Lebron James
This group had the entire world dancing in 2009 with back-to-back mega-hits "Boom Boom Pow" and "I Gotta Feeling," holding the #1 spot on the Billboard charts for 26 straight weeks.
the Black Eyed Peas
Released in 2007, this legendary sci-fi shooter video game concluded the original Xbox trilogy, breaking entertainment sales records by making over $300 million in its first week.
Halo 3
This devastating, historic storm hit the Gulf Coast in August 2005, causing catastrophic flooding in New Orleans and exposing massive social and economic inequalities.
Hurricane Katrina
This iconic rhythm game franchise peaked between 2007 and 2009, letting players plug plastic Gibson guitars and drum sets into their Xbox or PlayStation to rock out to classic tracks in their living rooms.
Guitar Hero / Rock Band
This legendary San Diego Chargers running back set the absolute NFL record for the most touchdowns scored in a single season (31) in 2006.
LaDanian Tomlinson
This young Toronto artist burst onto the scene in 2009 with his breakout mixtape So Far Gone, featuring hits like "Best I Ever Had" and defining the new sound of hip-hop and R&B.
Drake
This iconic streetwear brand, founded by Nigo in Japan, dominated late-2000s style with its colorful, full-zip shark hoodies and signature camouflage patterns.
BAPE / A Bathing Ape
Triggered by a housing market crash, this massive nationwide financial disaster peaked between 2007 and 2008, reshaping the global economy and causing widespread unemployment.
Great Recession
In 2007, a high schooler uploaded a low-budget video to a brand new website called YouTube for a track he made in his bedroom. It became the first global viral internet dance challenge in history, teaching everyone how to "superman" and dress in oversized white tees.
Soulja Boy / "Crank That"