Barack Obama is giving us a glimpse into his summer soundtrack picks, and it’s packed with everything from timeless classics to contemporary hits.
The former president posted his annual summer playlist, once again offering a peek into what’s been in rotation for him and former first lady Michelle Obama. Vince Staples earned his spot with “White Flag,” a politically direct single from Cry Baby, his 2026 album that arrived June 5 on Loma Vista Records.
The video for “White Flag” shows Staples coating an American flag white before shooting it, and that level of political weight is exactly what draws Obama to current Hip-Hop. Doechii and SZA’s collaborative track “girl, get up” also made the playlist, a December 2025 release that addressed misogyny and online backlash in the industry. BossMan Dlow and A Tribe Called Quest’s classic “Award Tour” also appeared on the list, giving Obama’s playlist a range from current trap to foundational ’90s Hip-Hop.
Obama has made a tradition of sharing his seasonal listening choices since leaving the White House, with each playlist blending current releases with enduring classics while often shining a spotlight on emerging and under-the-radar artists.
