Barack Obama has shared his 2026 summer playlist, continuing his tradition of highlighting a wide-ranging collection of current releases and timeless favorites. The former president’s latest selections move across hip-hop, R&B, rock, soul, jazz, country and international music, with appearances from Drake, Doechii, Tyla, SZA, Vince Staples and Anderson .Paak, according to the Obama Foundation.
The playlist opens with Glen Hansard’s “Song of Good Hope,” a record Obama described as a favorite of both himself and Michelle. From there, the collection shifts into newer releases such as Doechii and SZA’s “girl, get up.,” Tyla and Zara Larsson’s “SHE DID IT AGAIN” and Drake’s “Ran to Atlanta” featuring Future and Molly Santana.
Hip-hop remains strongly represented throughout the lineup. Vince Staples appears with “White Flag,” BossMan Dlow earns a placement with “Motion Party,” and Nas joins Damian Marley on “Road to Zion.” Obama also includes A Tribe Called Quest’s classic “Award Tour,” demonstrating his continued interest in balancing current voices with influential records from earlier generations.
https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/2082862654549299340
The list reaches far beyond rap, featuring enduring songs from Earth, Wind & Fire, Chaka Khan, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Nina Simone and Luther Vandross. Rock selections from The Beatles, David Bowie, The Police, The Strokes, Neil Young and Coldplay further strengthen the playlist’s deliberately eclectic direction.
Obama’s 2026 summer selections once again reflect his ability to move comfortably between genres, eras and cultures. By placing rising artists and major contemporary stars beside legendary performers, the playlist offers listeners a broad seasonal soundtrack built for discovery, nostalgia and long summer days.
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