Former President of the United States Barack Obama has returned with his annual and highly sought after summer playlist. Each year, the 44th U.S President and the only Black person to take the seat of power, releases a list of songs and books that define his summer. This year’s playlist was released Thursday and features songs from a wide range of artists, many of them, Black women. Songs from Nicki Minaj, Nigeria’s, Ayra Starr, and even the late Tina Turner made the list.
21Ninety rounded up the Black women who made the playlist this year and what songs were featured.
“Snooze” – SZA
Taken off Sza’s sophomore project released in 2022, “SOS,” “Snooze” made the Obama playlist this year. “Snooze” is the 8th track on the album which was well received upon release.
“Try Me” – Jorja Smith
Jorja Smith released “Try Me” as a solo single back in April 2023. The track, which also made the Obama playlist, is likely to be part of her forthcoming album.
“Got ‘Til It’s Gone” – Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson released “Got ‘Til It’s Gone” in 1997. The song was part of the album, “The Velvet Rope” and features Q-tip and Joni Mitchell.
“Princess Diana” – Ice Spice & Nicki Minaj
Known for its Bronx-heavy influences, Ice Spice tapped her idol turned close collaborator for the remix of “Princess Diana.” The remix is also featured on the deluxe version of her debut EP, “Like..?”
“Dr. FeelGood (Love Is A Serious Business)” – Aretha Franklin
“Dr. FeelGood (Love Is A Serious Business)” was included in Aretha Franklin’s 1967 album, “I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You.” The song is one of the many throwback tracks included in Obama’s playlist.
“Sability” – Ayra Starr
Recent Teen Vogue cover star, Ayra Starr, was also featured on Obama’s playlist. Starr, who became one of the first Afrobeats stars to grace the cover of Teen Vogue, released “Sability” earlier this year. The bouncy, classic Afro-pop track samples Awilo Longomba’s “Coupé Bibamba.”
“Cry Me A River” – Ella Fitzgerald
Obama’s playlist explores various genres including Jazz. “Cry Me A River” by the queen of jazz Ella Fitzgerald was also featured in this year’s playlist.
“Contact” – Kelela
Kelela made a riveting comeback this year with her album, “Raven” in which the single, “Contact” is included. “Contact” has now gone on to be featured on the former U.S President’s playlist.
“River Deep – Mountain High” – Ike and Tina Turner
“River Deep – Mountain High” was released in 1966 and features the late Tina Turner who passed away on the 24th of May, 2023. The song also made its way to the playlist.
“Only Have Eyes 42” – Janelle Monae
Janelle Monae released her album “Age of Pleasure” amidst controversies of unbridled sexual expression. The album features the song “Only Have Eyes 42” which embodies the lush, decadently queer theme of the album.