Nas & Lil Nas X, HipHopDX Rising Star Morray, Lizzo + More Make Barack Obama's 2021 Playlist
Former President Barack Obama was one of the coolest leaders to run the United States thanks to how hip he was with the culture. Every year, President Obama unleashed a playlist of his favorite songs of that time and with 2021 coming to a close, he’s back with his beloved list.
On Friday (December 17), Barack Obama took to his Twitter account to reveal his picks for favorite songs of the year. For 2021, Obama may have had the most eclectic roster of artists on his list, including Mistki, Mdou Moctar, Little Simz, Farruko and more. It wouldn’t have been a true Barack Obama list without some Hip Hop representation, though.
I’ve always enjoyed listening to a wide variety of music, so it’s no surprise that I listened to a little bit of everything this year. I hope you find a new artist or song to add to your own playlist. pic.twitter.com/g6kBzAbrZG
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 17, 2021
Leading the way for Hip Hop this year was Lil Nas X with “Montero (Call Me By You Name),” with Nas and Ms. Lauryn Hill coming behind him with “Nobody.” Lizzo and Cardi B joined the fracas with their 2020 collaboration “Rumors,” and Morray and the late MO3 closed out the list for Hip Hop with “In My Blood.”
“I’ve always enjoyed listening to a wide variety of music, so it’s no surprise that I listened to a little bit of everything this year,” Obama wrote on Twitter. “I hope you find a new artist or song to add to your own playlist.”
Lizzo saw her inclusion on the playlist and thanked President Obama for the major look he gave her.
Like I was saying… there’s amazing music that isn’t viral, that isn’t charting, that don’t have a TikTok trend…
My music touches people— don’t believe me, ask Obama ?❤️
Artists don’t be discouraged— make the music YOU love and believe in and the rest will follow! pic.twitter.com/NgssePLNZ1
— ALL THE RUMORS ARE TRUE (@lizzo) December 17, 2021
“Like I was saying… there’s amazing music that isn’t viral, that isn’t charting, that don’t have a TikTok trend,” Lizzo wrote. “My music touches people— don’t believe me, ask Obama Artists don’t be discouraged— make the music YOU love and believe in and the rest will follow!”
In previous years, Barack Obama had tracks by Drake, JAY-Z, Beyoncé, Kanye West, and more big-name artists in his playlist but opted for a younger group this go around. Obama’s last playlist came in July for his annual Summer music selections, which was led by the Migos smash hit “Straightenin.”