Barack Obama’s 2025 playlist is here: SZA, Kendrick Lamar, Drake & more favorites
Barack Obama reveals his favorite rap and hip-hop songs of 2025.
Former President Barack Obama has once again sparked conversation across music and pop culture by unveiling his favorite songs of 2025. Every year, his playlist feels less like a political update and more like a pulse check on what’s moving people across genres, especially rap and hip hop.
For music fans, this annual reveal has become something to look forward to. It blends chart-topping hits with deeper cuts, showing a listener who values storytelling, rhythm, and cultural impact. From hip hop heavyweights to global stars, the list reflects a wide musical lens.
What makes this drop stand out is how natural it feels. Barack Obama doesn’t chase trends, he highlights them. His choices feel lived-in, replayed, and genuinely enjoyed, which is why people keep paying attention year after year.
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Barack Obama’s 2025 playlist highlights across rap and hip-hop
This year’s playlist includes 30 tracks that stretch across rap, hip-hop, pop, indie rock, and Afro-fusion. At its core, the list leans heavily into hip hop culture, blending mainstream rap energy with thoughtful lyricism and global sound.
The playlist opens space for introspection with Victoria Noelle’s “In the Name of Love,” a track that brings warmth and emotional depth to the overall listening experience. It’s a reminder that the list isn’t only about high-energy rap moments but also about mood and feeling.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Burna Boy’s “TaTaTa” featuring Travis Scott injects global energy into the mix. The Afro-fusion anthem blends international rhythms with modern rap flair, showing how hip hop continues to evolve beyond borders.
Chicago’s influence shows up through Chance the Rapper’s collaboration with Jamila Woods on “No More Old Men.” The track carries a sense of hometown pride and thoughtful reflection, grounding the playlist in storytelling and community.
Modern trap also has a place, with Gunna’s “just say dat” offering a smooth, contemporary sound that balances confidence with restraint. Its relaxed delivery fits perfectly among the playlist’s more melodic moments.
Perhaps the most headline-grabbing choice comes from the decision to include both Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Kendrick teams up with SZA on “Luther,” delivering depth and artistry, while Drake’s “NOKIA” brings a contrasting but equally impactful presence. Rather than fueling rivalry narratives, the selections highlight how hip hop thrives when the focus stays on the music.
The playlist shows how Barack Obama continues to respect rap as a powerful cultural force. His selections highlight hip hop not just as entertainment, but as a global language that connects stories, cities, and generations.
Films and Books that also made the cut
Music wasn’t the only area where taste was on display this year. Alongside the playlist, Barack Obama shared his favorite films of 2025, many of which feel like serious awards contenders. Titles such as One Battle After Another, Sinners, Hamnet, Sentimental Value, Jay Kelly, Train Dreams, and It Was Just an Accident stood out.
He also highlighted No Other Choice by Park Chan-wook, Good Fortune from Aziz Ansari, and Raoul Peck’s documentary Orwell: 2+2=5. Together, the list leans toward thoughtful storytelling, social commentary, and strong performances.
On the literary side, novels like What We Can Know by Ian McEwan, Flashlight by Susan Choi, and North Sun by Ethan Rutherford earned spots. His nonfiction picks included 1929 by Andrew Ross Sorkin, Beth Macy’s memoir Paper Girl, and Zadie Smith’s essay collection Dead and Alive. And in a personal touch, Barack Obama gave a nod to Michelle Obama’s new book, The Look.
Altogether, the 2025 list feels personal, current, and deeply connected to culture. Whether it’s rap, hip hop, film, or books, Barack Obama continues to show why his recommendations still matter.
