At the end of every year, former POTUS Barack Obama transforms into the role of a bonafide tastemaker and shares his favorite songs, books and movies. While most outlets have already pushed out their lofty year-end lists (visit HipHopDX’s here and here), Obama has come through with his own.
Sitting in the top spot is The Carters’ “APESH*T,” which comes from the power couple’s joint album, EVERYTHING IS LOVE.
In a Facebook post, Obama explained why his year-end list is important to him.
“It gives me a moment to pause and reflect on the year through the books, movies, and music that I found most thought-provoking, inspiring, or just plain loved,” he wrote.”It also gives me a chance to highlight talented authors, artists, and storytellers – some who are household names and others who you may not have heard of before.”
Obama also names J. Cole’s “Kevin’s Heart,” Jay Rock’s “Wow Freestyle” featuring Kendrick Lamar, Chance the Rapper’s latest, “My Own Thing” featuring Joey Purp and Cardi B’s Grammy Award-nominated hit “I Like It.”
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Among the movies he loved in 2018, the former U.S. president names Barry Jenkins‘ If Beale Street Could Talk and the Marvel Studio blockbuster Black Panther.
As for books, Becoming by his wife Michelle Obama is another top pick.[apple_news_ad type=”any”]
Check out Obama’s 2018 year-end music list below and the full list here.
“APESH*T” – The Carters
“Bad Bad News” – Leon Bridges
“Could’ve Been” – H.E.R. f. Bryson Tiller
“Disco Yes” – Tom Misch f. Poppy Ajudha
“Ekombe” – Jupiter & Okwess
“Every Time I Hear That Song” – Brandi Carlile
“Girl Goin’ Nowhere” – Ashley McBryde
“Historia De Un Amor” – Tonina f. Javier Limón and Tali Rubinstein
“I Like It” – Cardi B. f. Bad Bunny and J Balvin
“Kevin’s Heart” – J. Cole
“King For A Day” – Anderson East
“Love Lies” – Khalid & Normani
“Make Me Feel” – Janelle Monáe
“Mary Don’t You Weep (Piano & A Microphone 1983 Version)” – Prince
“My Own Thing” – Chance the Rapper f. Joey Purp
“Need a Little Time” – Courtney Barnett
“Nina Cried Power” – Hozier f. Mavis Staples
“Nterini” – Fatoumata Diawara
“One Trick Ponies” – Kurt Vile
“Turnin’ Me Up” – BJ the Chicago Kid
“Wait by the River” – Lord Huron
“Wow Freestyle” – Jay Rock f. Kendrick Lamar
