Barack Obama Unveils His 2024 Summer Playlist, And You Won’t Believe What’s On It
Barack Obama may be two terms removed from his role as President of the United States, but that hasn’t stopped his tradition of sharing his musical tastes with the public.
On Monday (Aug. 12), Obama unveiled his annual Summer Playlist, with the 2024 edition fully reflecting the former politician’s diverse palette, as it includes a wide-range of music consisting of releases dating back to the ’60s up until the present.
“With summer winding down, I wanted to share some songs that I’ve been listening to lately,” the Chicago native wrote on X. “And it wouldn’t be my playlist if it didn’t include an eclectic mix. I hope you find something new to listen to!”
Former U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at the opening of the Bits & Pretzels meetup on September 29, 2019 in Munich, Germany. The annual event brings together founders and startups from across the globe for three days of networking, talks and inspiration. during the “Bits & Pretzels Founders Festival” at ICM Munich on September 29, 2019 in Munich, Germany. Bits & Pretzels is an application-only, three-day festival that connects 5,000 founders, investors, startup enthusiasts, taking place from September 29 to October 1, 2019.
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Among the songs included in Obama’s list are some of the biggest hits of 2024, created by a mix of newcomers and veteran acts. Groundbreaking singles by Beyoncé (“Texas Hold ‘Em”) and Shaboozey (“A Bar Song [Tipsy]”) were among the chart-topping tracks highlighted by Barack.
Other jams such as Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby,” “Whiskey Whiskey” by Moneybagg Yo and Morgan Wallen, and “Wanna Be” by GloRilla and Megan Thee Stallion also made the cut.
While clearly in tune with new school artists, the former Senator’s playlist also included legendary acts from his childhood, as The Miracles, The Supremes, and Bob Marley & The Wailers were among the veteran artists mentioned.
Former US president Barack Obama is seen during the German Media Award 2016 (Deutscher Medienpreis 2016) at Kongresshaus on May 25, 2017 in Baden-Baden, Germany. The German Media Award (Deutscher Medienpreis) has been presented annually since 1992 to honor personalities from public life.
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Having made his bones in politics during the ’90s, some grooves from that era that are highlighted on his latest collection include “No Diggity” by Blackstreet, “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like That)” by Digable Planets, and 2Pac’s 1996 smash “How Do U Want It” featuring K-Ci & JoJo.
More contemporary artists found on Obama’s summer playlist include PJ Morton, H.E.R., Jill Scott, and Common, whereas hitmakers like Billie Eilish and Charli XCX indicate the former prez’s pop sensibilities.
See Barack Obama’s full 2024 Summer Playlist below.