It's that time of the year again. Barack Obama has released his summer playlist and, as is the case each time it publishes, it's chock-full of artists you wouldn't expect. (And, as is also always the case, the Internet is all over them.) In 2022, Barry wants us to know that from Bad Bunny to Rosalía to Beyoncé, he's listening to it all.
This year's mix features some delightful oldies that you would expect from the former president—like Bruce Springsteen's "Dancing in the Dark," Al Green's "I Can’t Get Next to You," and Nina Simone's "Do I Move You? (Version II)." Some of the newer songs also make sense. It comes as no surprise that Obama is listening to Jacob Banks's and Amber Mark's syrupy vocals, or even Kendrick Lamar's neck-jerking "Die Hard." We'll even give him Beyoncé–of course "Break My Soul" is on his list when Michelle's got Queen Bey on speed dial.
We even understand if Barry is looking to experiment with newer sounds. Burna Boy, Omar Apollo, and Doechii are three names we should all have on our playlists. But I draw the line at believing that Obama is really sitting somewhere listening to Lil Yachty rap "Give me top, baby, keep the sex (Go)/My dick get bigger when I see a money check." No further comment on that.
"Every year, I get excited to share my summer playlist because I learn about so many new artists from your replies—it’s an example of how music really can bring us all together," the former President said in his post of the new mix. That is all very sweet, but now I am going to spend the remainder of the day wondering just who the hell recommended Lil Yachty to Barack Obama.
Anyway, check out the rest of Barack Obama's summer playlist below. It's really good!
Ammal Hassan is a writer and Esquire's Snapchat Editor. She covers all things culture with a focus on music and pop culture. She is from Nairobi, Kenya and lives in New York City.
