Tems, Tyla, Skillibeng, Rema, Bob Marley and More Make This Year’s Summer Playlist


Barack Obama’s 2024 Summer Playlist shines with a nod to both legends and rising stars among the 44 handpicked tracks, Bob Marley and The Wailers’ timeless anthem “Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)” (1974) sits alongside Tyla’s infectious “Jump,” featuring Gunna and Skillibeng, this annual playlist, now a beloved tradition, dropped on August 12, creating a ripple across the music world.

Last summer, Island Records breathed new life into Marley’s classic with a remix featuring Rema & Skip Marley. This reimagined version, part of the “Africa Unite” Afrobeats album, debuted at No. 30 on the US Billboard Afrobeats Chart on August 19, 2023—a historic moment marking the first chart entry for both Bob and Skip Marley.



The original “Them Belly Full (But We Hungry),” from Marley’s 1974 masterpiece Natty Dread, continues to resonate, securing its place at No. 17 on Billboard’s list of the top 30 Bob Marley songs. It’s a tune that carries the weight of history, one that even Obama himself has long cherished. His visit to the Bob Marley Museum in Jamaica in 2015 was a testament to his deep admiration for the reggae legend.

Truly Barack Obama’s 2024 summer playlist is a sonic testament that spans genres, eras, and moods, artfully blending contemporary hits with timeless classics. One can say it is a reflection of the former president’s diverse musical tastes and a journey to how music connects us across time and space.

For Skillibeng, landing a spot on Obama’s playlist is a milestone, marking his debut on this prestigious list. The inclusion is not just a nod to his talent but a signal of his growing influence in the global music scene.

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!”

Barack Obama’s Tweet.




The playlist sets off with Norah Jones’ “Come Away With Me,” a tender, jazz-kissed ballad that wraps you in a warm embrace, setting a mellow mood for the season. Following closely is Common’s “The People,” a powerful hip-hop anthem that resonates with themes of social justice and empowerment—echoing the values that have always been close to Obama’s heart.

Barack Obama Summer Playlist 2024


And then goes a touch of soul, Etta James’ “Don’t Cry Baby” takes listeners back to the golden age of blues and jazz, a nod to Obama’s deep appreciation for musical heritage. Then comes Rema’s “Yayo,” infusing the playlist with an Afrobeat groove that underscores the global rise of African music, a vibrant reminder of the genre’s powerful presence in today’s pop culture.


Celebrating Modern Hits and Hip-Hop

One can feel Obama’s love for contemporary hip-hop and R&B as it shines through once again in this year’s playlist, that shows and bridges the gap between generations. Tracks like GloRilla & Megan Thee Stallion’s “Wanna Be” pulse with high-energy beats and fierce collaboration, capturing the spirit of today’s youth—perhaps with a little influence from his Gen Z daughters.

The playlist also takes a vibrant turn with “Perro Negro” by Bad Bunny & Feid, weaving Latin reggaeton into the mix and showcasing the genre’s undeniable global impact and cultural resonance.

Of course, Obama doesn’t forget to pay homage to the legends who’ve shaped the musical landscape. Bob Dylan’s “Silvio” and The Rolling Stones’ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” stand tall on the list, a nod to the timeless classics that continue to inspire and influence musicians across the decades.



Celebrating Women in Music

This playlist celebrates women’s incredible impact across the musical landscape, where Beyonce led the charge with “Texas Hold ‘Em,” where she marries pop and R&B, to offer a rich auditory experience that’s as bold as it is beautiful.

We also saw Saweetie entering the spotlight with “My Best,” a dynamic and pop anthem that underscores the powerful ascent of female rappers in today’s industry. And then there’s the soulful pairing of Samara Joy and Pasquale Grasso on “Someone to Watch Over Me,” a jazz standard that wraps you in the warmth of rich vocals and timeless melodies, reminding us of the enduring legacy of American music.



A Global and Timeless Soundtrack

Each track on this playlist tells its own story, from the ethereal jazz of Pharoah Sanders’ “Love Is Everywhere” that drifts through your senses, to the velvety smoothness of TEMS’ “Love Me Jeje,” which pulses with soulful R&B warmth.
A playlist that also embraced the haunting beauty of Carminho’s “O Quarto (Soundtrack Version),” where the melancholy strains of Portuguese fado echo with emotion.

It’s a celebration of music as a universal language, connecting hearts and minds through every beat and melody.