In July, as is his annual tradition, Barack Obama published his summer playlist on social networks. “Over the past few months, I've spent a lot of time listening to music with my family. I wanted to share some of my favourites from the summer,” explains the former head of state. Just like his summery playlist of last year, the Barack Obama’s 2020 Summer Playlist shows how the ex-statesmen remains at the cutting edge of the music scene with his eclectic choices. “As always, it's a mix of genres that travels through various eras. I think there's something in here for everybody -- hope you enjoy it.”
This year, among the artists included on his playlist, we find Billie Eilish with the track My Future, Beyoncé with ALREADY and her collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion on Savage Remix, Anderson Paak, the recently departed Mac Miller, Jorja Smith and Burna Boy with Be Honest, Frank Ocean… as well as a slew of new talents like the rapper Chika and Princess Nokia, rubbing shoulders with music legends such as Otis Redding, Bob Marley and Stevie Wonder. There’s a clear affection for rap and R’n’B with numerous artists of the genres - Nas, PartyNextDoor, Franck Ocean, J Cole, Rihanna, Khalid,… - on Barack Obama’s playlist. He added to his post that some of the artists chosen will be performing during the democrat party conventions taking place between 17th and 20th August: “…including songs from some of the artists performing at this week’s @DemConvention - I hope you like it.”
But he’s not the only one in the family busy rustling up playlists. His wife, Michelle Obama also recently shared her own musical choices in a collaboration with the streaming platform Spotify. Inspired by the first season of The Michelle Obama Podcast, The Michelle Obama Playlist Volume 1 promises a selection based around new artists including Lianne La Havas, Ari Lennox, Chloe x Halle as well as Jamila Woods, in a movement of Black Girl Magic.
