Former President Barack Obama has unveiled his highly anticipated Summer 2024 Playlist, showcasing an exciting mix of musical talent. This diverse selection includes Charli XCX’s energetic hit “365,” Tommy Richman’s breakout track “Million Dollar Baby,” 2Pac’s classic “How Do U Want It,” and Nick Drake’s soothing tune “One of These Things First.” The playlist also features artists such as Billie Eilish, Shaboozey, Tems, Bonny Light Horseman, Beyoncé, Pharoah Sanders, Bad Bunny, Samara Joy, and Charles Mingus, among others.
As summer draws to a close, Obama expressed his enthusiasm for sharing his latest musical discoveries. “I wanted to share some songs that I’ve been listening to lately – and it wouldn’t be my playlist if it didn’t include an eclectic mix,” he stated. “I hope you find something new to listen to!”
This tradition of curating playlists follows Obama’s established practice of sharing his favorite books, music, and movies throughout the year. In 2023, his music selections included hit tracks from Big Thief, Mitski, Beyoncé, and Megan Thee Stallion, with a similar trend in previous years featuring artists like SZA and Kendrick Lamar.
During an interview last year, Obama emphasized that he personally curates these playlists, countering assumptions that they are created by younger staff members. “No, man! It’s on my iPad right now!” he remarked, reiterating his genuine connection to the music.
Barack Obama’s Summer 2024 Playlist:
Shaboozey: “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”
Charli XCX: “365”
Billie Eilish: “Chihiro”
Tems: “Love Me Jeje”
Artemas: “I Like the Way You Kiss Me”
Tommy Richman: “Million Dollar Baby”
Hope Tala: “I Can’t Even Cry”
Blackstreet: “No Diggity” [ft. Dr. Dre and Queen Pen]
Enny: “Charge It”
Carminho: “O Quarto (Soundtrack Version)”
Calimossa: “What’s in the Tea?”
Hubert Sumlin & Keith Richards: “I Love the Life I Live, I Live the Life I Love”
PJ Morton: “Say So” [ft. Jojo]
Cleo Sol: “Why Don’t You”
The Miracles: “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me”
H.E.R.: “Process”
2Pac: “How Do U Want It” [ft. K-Ci and Jojo]
Sting: “If You Love Somebody Set Them Free”
Lucinda Williams: “Unsuffer Me”
Jill Scott: “Golden”
The Rolling Stones: “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”
Saweetie: “My Best”
Charles Mingus: “Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting”
Norah Jones: “Come Away With Me”
Common: “The People”
Etta James: “Don’t Cry Baby”
Chris Jedi, Gaby Music, & Dei V: “Bad Boy” [ft. Anuel AA and Ozuna]
Rema: “Yayo”
Bonny Light Horseman: “Old Dutch”
Willow: “Symptom of Life”
Moneybagg Yo: “Whiskey Whiskey” [ft. Morgan Wallen]
Myles Smith: “Stargazing”
GloRilla & Megan Thee Stallion: “Wanna Be”
Tyla, Gunna, & Skillibeng: “Jump”
Bad Bunny & Feid: “Perro Negro”
Paul Russell: “Lil Boo Thang”
Digable Planets: “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)”
Bob Marley & the Wailers: “Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)”
Nick Drake: “One of These Things First”
Bob Dylan: “Silvio”
Pharoah Sanders: “Love Is Everywhere”
The Supremes: “Where Did Our Love Go”
Beyoncé: “Texas Hold ‘Em”
Samara Joy: “Someone to Watch Over Me” [ft. Pasquale Grasso]
