If there’s one thing Barack Obama knows how to do, it’s seamlessly bridging the gap between politics, pop culture, and music. His much-anticipated 2024 Favorite Songs Playlist dropped recently, and once again, it’s a masterclass in musical curation. This year’s list, a mix of anything but static genres, includes Kendrick Lamar’s “Squabble Up,” furthering Lamar’s position as a real cultural force and highlighting Obama’s singular talent for connecting to the music of the moment.
Since his time in the Oval Office, Barack Obama has made a ritual of letting the world in on his favorite songs. These yearly playlists are much more than great music; they reflect the man himself. Every selection seems to balance personal taste with cultural relevance, reaching across generational divides and making a shared experience with his fans.
Obama’s love of music is no secret. In an interview, he relishes about songs that have played across particularly poignant moments. This year’s playlist continues that tradition, spearheaded by “Squabble Up.” As much an ode to Kendrick Lamar’s storytelling ability as it is about celebrating artistic excellence, “Squabble Up” proves its chops out of the gate with dizzying lyricality from the Compton-bred maestro.
Kendrick Lamar is no stranger to Obama’s playlists. The music of Lamar has been in rotation in Obama’s soundscape from the critically acclaimed “How Much a Dollar Cost” in 2015 to now. “Squabble Up,” with its powerful beats and thought-provoking lyrics, speaks on resilience, ambition, and self-discovery- qualities Obama has time and again celebrated in art and life.
One can imagine Obama discovering the track during a quiet moment or perhaps through Sasha or Malia, who have influenced his playlist. The song’s exploration of community dynamics and its pulsating energy might resonate with the former president as a reminder of the grit and determination that fuels positive change.
A Playlist as Diverse as the World It Represents
While “Squabble Up” may be the headline-grabber, Obama’s playlist is a treasure trove for music lovers. Highlights include:
Asake & Travis Scott’s “Active”, blending Afrobeats with hip-hop flair.
Billie Eilish’s “Lunch”, showcasing her ability to craft deeply personal narratives.
Rema’s “Yayo”, a nod to the global rise of Afrobeats.
Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ’Em”, a track as iconic as the artist herself.
Waxahatchee & MJ Lenderman’s “Right Back to It,” underscores the enduring allure of indie rock.
From Leon Bridges’s jazzy soul to Fontaines, D.C.’s raw poeticism, Obama’s playlist celebrates established artists as much as it embraces emerging talent.
Obama’s playlists transcend music—they’re cultural markers. By including artists from across genres and geographies, he underscores the universality of music as a unifying force. His support for up-and-coming artists also amplifies their reach, potentially introducing them to global audiences.
Moreover, his selections often reflect broader trends in music. The rise of Afrobeats, for instance, is a significant cultural movement, and Obama’s nod to artists like Asake and Rema signals his awareness and appreciation of this global shift.
Barack Obama’s year-end playlist is more than a musical roundup; it’s an invitation. It invites us to explore new sounds, reflect on the cultural landscape, and connect through shared experiences. What do Obama’s choices reveal about his personality, and which tracks from the playlist resonate most with you?
Let us know your thoughts—and don’t forget to share your favorite track from the playlist. After all, music is best enjoyed together.
