Former President Barack Obama has continued his tradition of sharing his favorite cultural picks from the year. This week, he revealed his 2024 music playlist, which features a mix of top-charting hits and rising stars. Among the standout tracks are Kendrick Lamar’s “Squabble Up,” Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em,” and Billie Eilish’s “Lunch.”
Taking to social media, Obama wrote, “Here are my favorite songs from this year! Check them out if you’re looking to shake up your playlist – and let me know if there’s a song or artist I should make sure to listen to.”
The playlist showcases Obama’s diverse taste, blending hip-hop, R&B, indie, and global music. Alongside big names like Lamar, Beyoncé, and Eilish, the former president highlighted songs by artists such as Jordan Adetunji, Tommy Richman, and Karol G. Tracks like Central Cee and Lil Baby’s “Band4band,” Rema’s “Yayo,” and Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” also made the cut.
Obama’s annual list has become a much-anticipated tradition, giving music fans insight into his eclectic preferences and shining a spotlight on both established and emerging talents. Below is the full list of his favorite songs for 2024:
- Kendrick Lamar, “Squabble Up”
- Billie Eilish, “Lunch”
- Rema, “Yayo”
- Tyla, Gunna & Skillibeng, “Jump”
- Central Cee & Lil Baby, “Band4band”
- Ezra Collective & Yazmin Lacey, “God Gave Me Feet for Dancing”
- The Red Clay Strays, “Ramblin’”
- Fontaines D.C., “Favourite”
- Asake & Travis Scott, “Active”
- Shaboozey, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”
- Bonny Light Horseman, “Old Dutch”
- Rae Khalil, “Is It Worth It”
- Beyoncé, “Texas Hold ‘Em”
- Jordan Adetunji, “Kehlani”
- Artemas, “I Like the Way You Kiss Me”
- Johnny Blue Skies, “Scooter Blues”
- Hozier, “Too Sweet”
- Leon Bridges, “Peaceful Place”
- Tommy Richman, “Million Dollar Baby”
- Waxahatchee & MJ Lenderman, “Right Back to It”
- Myles Smith, “Stargazing”
- Jack White, “That’s How I’m Feeling”
- Moses Sumney, “Gold Coast”
- Karol G, “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido”
- FloyyMenor & Cris MJ, “Gata Only”
This list follows Obama’s earlier release of his summer playlist, which featured tracks such as Charli XCX’s “365,” Tems’ “Love Me Jeje,” and Saweetie’s “My Best.” He also added some nostalgic favorites, including The Rolling Stones’ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” and Blackstreet’s “No Diggity.”
By mixing modern hits with classics and blending various genres, Obama’s playlists have a reputation for being both timely and timeless. Music fans now eagerly await his recommendations each year, with his picks often giving lesser-known artists a broader platform.
What do you think of Obama’s 2024 playlist? Let us know which songs you’re adding to your own rotation!
