Them Belly Full (But We Hungry) by Bob Marley and The Wailers (1974) and “Jump “ by Tyla, Gunna and Skillibeng (2024) are among the songs on Barack Obama’s Summer Playlist.
The Former President’s annual list of summer favorites which has become a tradition in the music industry was released on Monday August 12 with 44 songs.
Last year August Island Records released a remix of “Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)” with Rema & Skip Marley as the fourth since on the Afrobeats album “Africa Unite”.
It debuted at No. 30 on the US Billboard Afrobeats Chart the week of August 19, 2023. It was the first entry on the chart for both Bob and Skip Marley.
The original song released Marley’s 1974 album Natty Dread was listed on Billboard’s top 30 Bob Marley songs at No. 17.
Obama, a long time Marley fan, made the Bob Marley Museum his first stop, when he visited Jamaica in 2015.
This is Skillibeng’s first time making the 44th President of The United States list of songs.
Obama wrote on Monday to his social media following of over 200 million saying, “With summer winding down, I wanted to share some songs that I’ve been listening to lately – and it wouldn’t be my playlist if it didn’t include an eclectic mix. I hope you find something new to listen to!”
Other eclectic selections getting Obama through summer 2024 feature a mix of genres, eras, and artists, reflecting both contemporary hits and timeless classics.
The playlist opens with Norah Jones’ “Come Away With Me,” a soothing jazz-inflected ballad that sets a mellow tone. This is followed by Common’s “The People,” a hip-hop track that underscores the themes of social justice and empowerment—a recurring motif in Obama’s selections over the years.
The list also includes “Don’t Cry Baby” by Etta James, a soulful track that harkens back to the golden age of blues and jazz, showcasing Obama’s appreciation for musical heritage. Rema’s “Yayo,” brings in the Afrobeat vibe, highlighting the global influence of African music in today’s pop culture.
Celebrating Modern Hits and Hip-Hop
Obama has consistently shown an affinity for contemporary hip-hop and R&B, and this year is no different. The playlist features tracks like GloRilla & Megan Thee Stallion’s “Wanna Be,” which brings a high-energy collaboration that resonates with today’s youth- perhaps his Gen Z daughters put him on to that one.
Notably, “Perro Negro” by Bad Bunny & Feid brings Latin reggaeton into the mix, illustrating the genre’s widespread popularity and cultural significance.
Obama also nods to music legends, including Bob Dylan’s “Silvio” and The Rolling Stones’ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” both of which continue to influence generations of musicians.
Celebrating Women in Music
The playlist highlights the contributions of women in music across different genres. Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” is a standout, bringing her signature blend of pop and R&B to the forefront. Saweetie makes an appearance with “My Best,” showcasing the rise of female rappers in the industry. Samara Joy ft. Pasquale Grasso’s “Someone to Watch Over Me” adds a jazz standard, spotlighting the rich vocal tradition in American music.
A Global and Timeless Soundtrack
Obama’s 2024 playlist is a testament to his wide-ranging musical interests, spanning continents and decades. Whether it’s the jazzy tones of Pharoah Sanders’ “Love Is Everywhere,” the soulful R&B of TEMS’ “Love Me Jeje,” or the Portuguese fado of Carminho’s “O Quarto (Soundtrack Version),” the playlist is a celebration of the global language of music.
