Barack Obama’s summer playlists are an annual tradition. The former president likes to give his fans tips on what he’s listening to and sign lesser-known artists. Obama’s 2024 playlist is out, and it features a pretty diverse mix of classics and new releases. The Rolling Stones sit comfortably alongside the likes of Tems and Billie Eilish. Tems made the list with her sensual single “Love Me Jeje,” while Eilish showed up with her song “Chihiro.” Fans were just as intrigued by the tracks that didn’t make the list as they were by the ones that did.
Other well-known artists who performed included Common with his 2005 song “The People” and Beyoncé with her latest hit “Texas Hold ‘Em.” The latter is understandable given the close relationship between Obama and the Carters. Obama’s wife Michelle praised Beyoncé’s album Cowboy Carter on social media when it was published. “With Cowboy Carteryou changed the game once again by helping to redefine a genre of music and change our culture,” she wrote. “I’m so proud of you.” The 2024 list was thin on the hip-hop side, though. Besides “The People,” “How Do U Want It” by Tupac, K-Ci & JoJo was the only true hip-hop song to make the cut. You can find the full list below.
R&B got a little more love, between the HER song “Process” and Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby.” The two biggest omissions, however, were Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Their battle will go down as the biggest hip-hop story of the year, and yet neither is represented here. Barack Obama had no desire to include obvious hits like “Like That” or “Not Like Us.” He didn’t even go the other way, choosing Drake’s “Family Matters.” Still, Obama made it clear that he leans toward Lamar rather than the Canadian superstar.
In 2016, Barack Obama was asked if he preferred Drake’s album Views or K. Dot’s Pimping up a butterfly. He chose the latter without hesitation. “I have to choose Kendrick,” the former president explained. “All I’m saying is, I think Drake is a terrific entertainer, but Kendrick, his lyrics, his last album were terrific.” (Pimping up a butterfly was (in my opinion) the best album of last year.” Kendrick Lamar shouldn’t feel too bad, though. His single “Die Hard” made it onto Barack Obama’s 2022 summer playlist.
About the author
Elias is a music writer at HotNewHipHop. He joined the site in 2024 and covers a wide range of topics including pop culture, film, sports, and of course hip hop. He posts work for HNHH Monday through Friday, especially when it comes to covering new albums and singles. His favorite artists are Andre 3000, MF Doom, Kanye West pre-808, and Tyler, The Creator. He loves LA hip hop, but not LA sports teams. The first album he ever bought was Big Willie Style by Will Smith, which he says is still a pretty good listen.
…
