T(abel) Reads 10

Friday January 24th, 2025 - Edition 010

EVERYONE'S FAVORITE BI-WEEKLY NEWS SOURCE... UNLESS YOU'RE NOT EVERYONE

OFFICIALLY OFFICIAL

After Years of Waiting, Mac Miller Fans Can Rejoice at the Official Release of Balloonerism

MUSIC

Mac Miller’s long-anticipated posthumous album “Balloonerism” has officially dropped on streaming platforms, delighting fans who have been eagerly awaiting its release. With snippets of the album circulating within the fanbase for years, this is a major win for Mac’s supporters, who cherish every opportunity to connect with his artistry. Accompanying the album is a short film by Sam Mason, which premiered in select cities and is now available for streaming on Prime. In more somber news, the music world has lost a legend. Garth Hudson, the last surviving member of The Band, has passed away. A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Hudson was celebrated for his extraordinary work as the group’s keyboardist and saxophonist during the 1960s. His passing not only marks the loss of an iconic musician but also signifies the end of an era for one of rock’s most monumental bands. The Rock and Roll community will surely be mourning this profound loss.

ART AND FASHION

This past Tuesday, fashion icons Pharrell Williams and Nigo collaborated to deliver a show-stopping fashion event of the decade. Both legends are widely celebrated for their groundbreaking contributions to fashion, music, and art. When two creative giants like Pharrell and Nigo join forces, the result is nothing short of unparalleled success. Their fashion show and collection have been met with overwhelming praise, cementing their status as industry trailblazers. In contrast, the production team behind The Brutalist is facing backlash despite the film’s strong opening weekend. The controversy stems from a decision made by the film’s editor, Dávid Jancsó, who opted to use AI to alter actors’ voices during certain scenes. While the move has sparked criticism, it’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time AI has been used in filmmaking—and with the rapid advancements in AI technology, it certainly won’t be the last.

TV AND FILM

Two notable films, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera and Nosferatu, have recently captivated audiences with their unique styles and performances. Den of Thieves 2 debuted mid-January 2025 with a solid $15.5 million opening weekend, matching its predecessor’s success. The film has earned $35.2 million globally so far, with a “B+” CinemaScore and mixed reviews from critics, holding a 58% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Meanwhile, Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu remake has been both a critical and commercial triumph, opening with $21.7 million and grossing over $157 million globally. Praised for its direction, atmosphere, and standout performances by Bill Skarsgård and Lily-Rose Depp, the film balances horror and artistry, earning acclaim from critics, though audience feedback landed at a “B–” CinemaScore. While Den of Thieves 2 delivers action-driven entertainment, Nosferatu offers a chilling, atmospheric reimagining of a classic, solidifying its place as a standout horror film in 2025.

SPORTS

With just three football games left until August, the NFL season’s winners and losers have become clear. Regardless of Sunday’s outcome, the Washington Commanders are the biggest winner of the year. Behind rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, the LSU standout, the Commanders defied preseason expectations and reached the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 1991—a remarkable turnaround for the franchise. On the other hand, the biggest disappointment of the season has to be the San Francisco 49ers. Starting the year with Super Bowl aspirations, the team stumbled to a 6-11 finish. Just 12 months ago, they were competing in Super Bowl LVIII. Now, they’re grappling with major injuries across the roster and facing tough long-term contract decisions at key positions. As for Super Bowl LIX, stay tuned for our Abel Studio Prop Bet Breakdown, where we’ll cover everything from the coin toss to the color of the Gatorade used in the post-game celebration.

CRYPTOCURRENCY

In anticipation of his inauguration, President-elect Donald Trump launched the $TRUMP meme coin on January 17, 2025. The coin’s value surged to a market capitalization high of $75 billion before stabilizing at a range between $30-45 billion, positioning it as the third-largest meme coin after Dogecoin and Shiba Inu. Following the release of $TRUMP, the cryptocurrency market saw a proliferation of new meme coins over the weekend, including the $MELANIA coin, which quickly amassed a market value of $350 million, ranking it 17th among meme coins for a period of time. This surge has raised concerns among investors about market stability and the potential for hype-driven volatility. The rapid emergence and volatility of these meme coins have prompted discussions about the need for regulatory oversight to protect investors and maintain market integrity. While the enthusiasm surrounding these coins reflects a growing interest in digital assets, it also underscores the importance of due diligence and caution in the speculative crypto market.