Barack Obama has spoken out about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for the first time since the Israeli military’s latest offensive against Hamas in Gaza City. While appearing on the podcast Pod Save America, the former President of the United States focused on the “complexity” of the situation.
“If there’s any chance of us being able to act constructively to do something, it will require an admission of complexity and maintaining what on the surface may seem contradictory ideas that what Hamas did was horrific, and there’s no justification for it. And … that the occupation and what’s happening to Palestinians is unbearable,” Obama said.
Barack Obama Speaks At The Obama Foundation Democracy Forum
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 03: Former President Barack. Obama speaks to attendees at the Obama Foundation Democracy Forum on November 03, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. Obama spoke about economic inclusion is fundamental to safeguarding and expanding democracies in countries around the world. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
From there, Obama spoke about the discourse he’s seen on social media, specifically TikTok. “If you want to solve the problem, then you have to take in the whole truth, and you then have to admit nobody’s hands are clean – that all of us are complicit to some degree,” he said. Obama added that he’d rather see people “out there talking to people,” than online. He further continued: “Including people who you disagree with. If you genuinely want to change this … you’ve got to figure out how to speak to somebody on the other side and listen to them and understand what they are talking about and not dismiss it.”
Barack Obama Discusses The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Obama is one of several influential figures who have spoken out about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in recent weeks. After being criticized for his silence on the matter, Drake signed a letter penned to President Joe Biden calling for a ceasefire in the war. Be on the lookout for further updates on the conflict on HotNewHipHop.
A letter that President Barack Obama wrote to his ex-girlfriend in 1982 has made some major revelations about the former commander-in-chief’s sexuality. “In regard to homosexuality, I must say that I believe this is an attempt to remove oneself from the present. A refusal perhaps to perpetuate the endless farce of earthly life. You see, I make love to men daily, but in the imagination,” Obama wrote. The letter was sent to Alex McNear, his girlfriend while studying at Occidental College. “My mind is androgynous to a great extent. And I hope to make it more so until I can think in terms of people, not women as opposed to men. But, in returning to the body, I see that I have been made a man, and physically in life, I choose to accept that contingency.”
Originally, McNear had redacted the more salacious parts of the letter, which is currently in the possession of Emory University. However, Obama biographer David Garrow had a friend transcribe the letter by hand and send him a copy. This had to be done as Emory does not allow photos of the letter. Furthermore, Garrow defended what the former President wrote. “I’m a historian, not a psychologist. But I think it’s ‘public record’ news that a (vast?) majority of human beings have sexual fantasies!” he said via email to The Post.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) accompanies former US President Barack Obama to his car after they had lunch at the Chancellery in Berlin, on May 3, 2023. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP) (Photo by TOBIAS SCHWARZ/AFP via Getty Images)
People are discussing the letter after it was mentioned in an interview by Garrow. He wrote the 1400-page biography, Rising Star: The Making Of Barack Obama, in 2017. “So when Alex showed me the letters from Barack, she redacted one paragraph in one of them and just said, ‘It’s about homosexuality,’” Garrow told Tablet. “So I emailed Harvey [Klehr], said, ‘Go to the Emory archives.’ He’s spent his whole life at Emory, but they won’t let him take pictures. So Harvey has to sit there with a pencil and copy out the graph where Barack writes to Alex about how he repeatedly fantasizes about making love to men.” Garrow further noted that Obama was something of a “sex machine” after moving to New York to attend Columbia.
Garrow also painted comparisons between Obama and his successor, Donald Trump. “I’ve sometimes said to people that I think Barack is actually just as insecure as Trump. But in ways that are not readily perceived by the vast majority of people,” he said. “I think that’s probably my most basic takeaway. [Obama] has no interest in building the Democratic Party as an institution. I think that’s obvious. “And I don’t think he had any truly deep, meaningful policy commitments other than the need to feel and to be perceived as victorious, as triumphant.”
On July 24, a heart-wrenching incident unfolded near Former President Barack Obama’s Katama estate at Martha’s Vineyard as his personal chef, Tafari Campbell, was found dead. The 45-year-old chef, hailing from Dumfries, Virginia, met his untimely demise in a paddle boarding accident. Fondly remembered by the Obamas as a cherished part of their family, Campbell’s […]
Tafari Campbell, a former White House sous chef under former president Barack Obama, has died. Campbell eventually became The Obamas’ personal chef.
According to PEOPLE, on Monday, Campbell died in a paddleboarding accident near the Obama estate at Matha’s Vineyard. He was 45 years old. Campbell was recovered from a pond by divers.
“MSP Underwater Recovery Unit divers made the recovery after the victim’s body was located by Massachusetts Environmental Police Officers deploying side-scan sonar from a boat,” Massachusetts State Police said in the release, noting the recovery was made “approximately 100 feet from shore at a depth of about eight feet.”
The Obamas were not present then but shared a tribute after the news broke, calling him “a beloved part of our family.”
“When we first met him, he was a talented sous chef at the White House — creative and passionate about food, and its ability to bring people together. In the years that followed, we got to know him as a warm, fun, extraordinarily kind person who made all of our lives a little brighter.
That’s why, when we were getting ready to leave the White House, we asked Tafari to stay with us, and he generously agreed. He’s been part of our lives ever since, and our hearts are broken that he’s gone.
Today we join everyone who knew and loved Tafari — especially his wife Sherise and their twin boys, Xavier and Savin — in grieving the loss of a truly wonderful man.”
Last week, Barack Obama unveiled his 2023 summer playlist, featuring a wide-ranging selection of songs he has been listening to. “A mix of old and new,” the former president’s playlist is filled with new talent and timeless classics spanning multiple genres. His taste includes so many music styles that people question whether or not he makes the playlists himself. Obama’s summer playlist contains songs from iconic bands like The Rolling Stones and Pearl Jam, as well as classic soul records from Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, and Stevie Wonder. With an assortment of all-time favorites, the playlist also adds recent songs from Luke Combs, Janelle Monáe, Ayra Starr, and Peso Pluma.
Throughout his time in the political spotlight, the former Commander in Chief has embraced hip hop. He has referenced JAY-Z and Jeezy in his speeches, debated the better rapper between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, and invited a host of hip hop artists to the White House in 2016. He even named Lamar’s “How Much a Dollar Cost” his favorite song of 2015. Today, we look at seven standout tracks from his latest curation. These selections focus on the hip hop and R&B artists featured on Obama’s summer playlist and are not ranked in any particular order.
J Hus feat. Drake – “Who Told You” (2023)
One of the most recently released tracks on Barack Obama’s 2023 summer playlist comes from J Hus. The U.K. rap legend and Afroswing pioneer released his third studio album, Beautiful and Brutal Yard, earlier this month. One of the album’s lead singles, “Who Told You,” marks the first collaboration between J Hus and Drake. The rap superstar had shown his affinity for the U.K. in the past, bringing out J Hus in London in 2019 just after his release from prison. “Who Told You” is a strong contender for Song of the Summer. Over a lively instrumental, J Hus displays his effortless charisma while Drake provides catchy melodies.
SZA – “Snooze” (2022)
SZA’s “Snooze” is one of the smoothest highlights from her massively successful SOS album. The dreamlike instrumental and soothing vocals from SZA make for a perfect soundtrack for a hot summer day. “Snooze” is not the first time SZA has been included on Barack Obama’s summer playlist. “Good Days” previously made his list back in 2021. This year, she once again responded to her inclusion in Obama’s coveted collection.
2Pac feat. Dr. Dre & Roger Troutman – “California Love” (1995)
Many of hip hop’s best summer anthems come from the west coast, and the inclusion of “California Love” on Obama’s summer playlist makes sense. The anthem from 2Pac, Dr. Dre, and Roger Troutman is an all-time rap classic consisting of one of Dr. Dre’s best beats. The killer instrumental, tough verses from 2Pac and Dr. Dre, and talk box vocals from Troutman, make a thrilling ode to the Golden State. The song has stood the test of time, remaining one of the most exciting songs to ever come from the west coast hip hop scene.
Jorja Smith – “Try Me” (2023)
Earlier this year, Jorja Smith came back with “Try Me,” the first glimpse of her upcoming second studio album. The epic R&B song comes from Smith’s Falling or Flying, released September 29. Jorja pours her heart out over the instrumental’s thumping rhythm. The song is complimented by a visually stunning music video. “Try Me” is certainly a stand-out choice from Obama’s list, considering that it is significantly more emotionally vulnerable than Smith’s other new single, the fun and fast-paced “Little Things.”
Burna Boy feat. 21 Savage – “Sittin’ On Top Of The World” (2023)
Burna Boy took over last summer with “Last Last,” which made Barack Obama’s 2022 summer playlist. The Nigerian superstar’s latest hit single, “Sittin on Top of the World,” has made this year’s summer playlist. Specifically, the former president selected the remix featuring 21 Savage. The Atlanta-based rapper’s appearance adds a hip hop element to a song already rooted in ’90s rap and R&B. “Sittin on Top of the World” notably samples the 1998 single from Brandy and Mase: “Top of the World.” Burna Boy’s unique twist on the sample makes the song his own.
Nas – “The World Is Yours” (1994)
Barack Obama’s summer playlist features a song from Nas’s iconic debut album, Illmatic. “The World is Yours” is an all-time classic hip hop song and one of the most significant moments on the Illmatic tracklist. The gorgeous Pete Rock-produced instrumental is quintessentially ‘90s east coast hip hop, and its chorus is among the most recognizable of that era. While Nas consistently releases albums, “The World is Yours” stands firm as one of his most enjoyable songs.
Ice Spice is one of hip hop’s latest breakout stars. The Bronx, New York native has been taking over the charts and social media with viral hits since last year. She emerged on the scene with “Munch (Feelin’ U)” and has continued to grow in popularity this year. Appearing on Barack Obama’s summer playlist is “Princess Diana,” her first of two collaborations with Nicki Minaj this year. The song sees Ice Spice channeling her signature flow with the help of a major cosign from Minaj. “Princess Diana” is one of the biggest hip hop tracks of 2023 so far, so it is a no-brainer that it would make one of the most prolific annual curations in Obama’s summer playlist.
Say what you want about the former President; he’s got great taste. Barack Obama has shared his 2023 summer playlist and he’s been listening to some of fans’ favorite new artists this year in addition to a collection of classics. “Like I do every year, here are some songs I’ve been listening to this summer — a mix of old and new,” he wrote on Twitter. “Look forward to hearing what I’ve missed.”
It doesn’t seem like he’s missed much. While he’s been listening to a bunch of stuff you’d expected to hear from a “cool uncle” like Aretha Franklin’s “Dr. Feelgood (Love Is A Serious Business)” and Toots And The Maytals’ “Funky Kingston,” there are plenty of more recent standouts. Some examples include J Hus and Drake’s “Who Told You,” Janelle Monáe’s “Only Have Eyes 42,” and Rosalía and Rauw Alejandro’s “Vampiros.” Even Luke Combs’ cover of “Fast Car” is here, which… we’ll give Uncle Barry a pass for the nostalgia.
Like I do every year, here are some songs I’ve been listening to this summer — a mix of old and new. Look forward to hearing what I’ve missed. pic.twitter.com/H2Do2iaD1p
During a recent interview with Hassan Minhaj, Obama denied having help or taking shortcuts in building his legendary end-of-year lists. “People, they believe the books and the movies,” he said. “But the playlists, they somehow think — and this is mostly coming from young people like you — Somehow, y’all think you invented rock and roll. You invented hip-hop. And so the fact that my lists are pretty incredible, people seem to think, ‘Well, he must’ve had some 20-year-old intern who was figuring out this latest cut.’ No, man. It’s on my iPad right now!”
I mean, playing music from an iPad is pretty funny, but we certainly do appreciate the insights into his taste.
According to CBS News, authorities arrested a man outside of Barack Obama’s house for trying to blow it up. Moreover, officials believe the suspect participated in the January 6, 2021 attacks on the Capitol, which constituted an insurrection, as he has multiple active warrants for the incident. Furthermore, reports indicate that Secret Service agents spotted the suspect, Taylor Taranto, approaching the former president‘s home from blocks away. As he tried to flee, he ran towards Obama’s residency before agents took him into custody. Once more police forces arrived, they discovered his nearby van and found dangerous materials inside that suggested plans to damage the property.
To elaborate, authorities found multiple weapons inside the vehicle, as well as materials to make explosive devices. Specifically, Taranto allegedly possessed the necessary materials to make a bomb-like device similar to a Molotov cocktail. However, officials failed to find a pre-made or assembled explosive device, as all they got their hands on were the materials in question. Still, Taranto said that he actually had explosives in his possession, but first respondents did not find any in the vehicle or nearby.
What’s more is that state officials already had Taranto on their radar thanks to the aforementioned warrants and to more recent activity on social media. For example, he reportedly made multiple threats against Obama during livestreams, although the nature of these was not specified in published reports. In addition, he apparently reposted a post from former president Donald Trump on the platform Truth Social on Thursday (June 29). This post allegedly contained what was believed to be Obama’s home address, and while it’s unclear how accurate this information was, it apparently led him to the home regardless.
With all that in mind, officials believe that this attack was targeted. Taranto reportedly received charges of being a fugitive of justice, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. Fortunately, other news concerning the former president as of late has been much more positive, and hopefully it returns to that trend. Regardless, stay posted on HNHH for the latest big news and updates on Barack Obama.
Barack Obama is a cultural icon. The former President stays busy all year long with multiple recommendation lists for the people, including books he read, movies he watched, and songs he had on repeat. However, some have been skeptical about Obama’s wide range of reading, watching, and listening. Some speculate he doesn’t create his own playlist, that someone else listens to these songs and curates them. Not only are the selections so broad, but they also suggest a TON of listening.
Can Barack Obama consume this much content in a year? Believe him when he says: He does it all himself. Comedian Hasan Minaj interviewed the previous POTUS for half an hour on a number of topics, including his end-of-year lists. With emphasis, Obama definitively squashed the rumors of cultural fraud: “…[T]he fact that my lists are, you know, pretty incredible — people seem to think, well, he must’ve had some 20-year-old intern who was figuring out this latest cut. No, man! It’s on my iPad right now.”
Once you’ve done “the big job,” life can become what you want it to be, in a way. For Barack Obama, this means going to events, consuming a ton of new content, and accepting fun interview requests. Minaj gets deep and wide in the interview above, asking Obama about depression, doom-scrolling, and his take on Andrew Tate. With classic Obama wit and a grumbly, loving uncle demeanor, he brushes off any “controversy” that he doesn’t curate his own playlist. Last year’s list had all-time hits like Kendrick Lamar’s “The Heart Part 5” and Bad Bunny’s “Titi Me Pregunto,” as well as “Last Last” by Burna Boy and “Pull Up” by Koffee.
We might need to give Barack Obama more street cred. Impressively, he and his wife, Michelle Obama, wrote a letter to rapper Cordae following his Emmy win last year. Their daughters are part of the hip-hop scene as well. Malia Obama created a short film for Donald Glover’s (Childish Gambino’s) production company. Plus, he’s never shied away from being a true man of the people. Barack Obama’s track record should be enough for us to trust his tracklist.
Barack Obama was the 44th President Of The United States for eight years, but his most eternal legacy might be as an ongoing curator of books, movies, and music. Obama shares his favorite offerings every December, and his “Favorite Music Of 2022” list included Ari Lennox, Bad Bunny, Burna Boy, Kendrick Lamar, Lizzo, Omar Apollo, Rema, SZA, and more. That’s before mentioning his 2022 Summer Playlist
Hasan Minhaj asked what all of us struggling to complete ordinary to-do lists have been thinking.
“Mr. President, when you do your end-of-the-year lists, do you really read all those books, watch all those shows, and listen to all those songs,” Minhaj posed to Obama for a sit-down interview posted to his YouTube on Wednesday, June 21.
“I do!” Obama responded.
Minhaj giggled and countered with, “No, you don’t!” But he allowed Obama to make his case.
“People, they believe the books and the movies, but the playlists, they somehow think — and this is mostly coming from young people like you. Somehow, y’all think you invented rock and roll. You invented hip-hop,” the former president explained. “And so the fact that my lists are pretty incredible, people seem to think, ‘Well, he must’ve had some 20-year-old intern who was figuring out this latest cut.’ No, man. It’s on my iPad right now!”
Obama later added, “I am very scrupulous about making sure that this is stuff that I actually like. I will confess that there are times — on the playlists, on the music lists — where I will get suggestions because it’s not like I got time to be listening to music all the time. Typically, at the end of the year, what happens is folks will be like, ‘Man, you need to listen to this. This is good.’ But unless I’m actually listening to it, watching it, reading it, I won’t put it on there.”
Minhaj and Obama spent the rest of the 29-minute conversation discussing how bleak the country’s outlook feels, reflecting on Obama’s most trying moments in office, and updating his Twitter bio.
Watch it in full above, and revisit Obama’s latest lists below.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
On Wednesday, May 24, news broke that the legendary Tina Turner has died at 83 years old. “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tina Turner,” reads a caption posted to Turner’s official Instagram. “With her music and her boundless passion for life, she enchanted millions of fans around the world and inspired the stars of tomorrow. Today we say goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us all her greatest work: her music. All our heartfelt compassion goes out to her family. Tina, we will miss you dearly.”
According to The New York Times, Bernard Doherty, Turner’s publicist, confirmed that she’d passed away at her Küsnacht, Switzerland home. The cause of her death has not yet been made known. The publication noted that Turner had had a stroke some years back and was known to be suffering from kidney disease, as well as other illnesses.
Tributes immediately began pouring out online, including from the likes of Beyoncé, former US President Barack Obama, and Usher.
“My beloved queen. I love you endlessly,” Beyoncé wrote on her official website underneath a photo of her performing “Proud Mary” with Turner at the 2008 Grammys. “I’m so grateful for your inspiration, and all the ways you have paved the way. You are strength and resilience. You are the epitome of power and passion. We are all so fortunate to have witnessed your kindness and beautiful spirit that will forever remain. Thank you for all you have done.”
Obama also gushed over Turner’s irreplaceable spirit on Instagram and Twitter.
“Tina Turner was raw. She was powerful. She was unstoppable,” the former president wrote. “And she was unapologetically herself — speaking and singing her truth through joy and pain; triumph and tragedy. Today we join fans around the world in honoring the Queen of Rock and Roll, and a star whose light will never fade.”
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris also acknowledged Turner’s death:
Before she was the Queen of Rock and Roll, Tina Turner was a farmer’s daughter in Tennessee. As a child, she sang in the church choir before becoming one of the most successful recording artists of all time.
In addition to being a once-in-a-generation talent that changed…
On Instagram, Usher reflected on crossing paths with Turner:
“The Queen and a Pioneer of Rock n’ Roll, Anna Mae Bullock. Most notably known, as Tina Turner. I’ll never forget when I met you and how you made me feel.
You once said in an interview, ‘My legacy is that I stayed the course…from beginning to the end, because I believe in something inside of me.’
You have left such an impactful legacy on this earth and your very motivation to be the greatest inspires me till this day. Love you eternally. Rest peacefully.”
See a roundup of notable online tributes to Turner below.
I’m so saddened by the passing of my wonderful friend Tina Turner. She was truly an enormously talented performer and singer. She was inspiring, warm, funny and generous. She helped me so much when I was young and I will never forget her. pic.twitter.com/TkG5VrdxXO
I’m so sorry to hear about Tina Turner. I loved Tina and her voice and energy – she was one of the greats. “River Deep, Mountain High” will always be one of my favorite songs. And nothing beats her version of “Proud Mary.” I loved her musical too. Love & Mercy. pic.twitter.com/dZ0swrtmsB
Tina Turner made me see what true independence and greatness was. One of the reasons I felt comfortable doing music that my whole life people told me I couldn’t or shouldn’t do is is watching her sing rock and roll like owner it.God rest u beautiful wonderful legend. Thank u pic.twitter.com/rrJQpHkBwP
This is a sad day for music. The Queen of Rock’n’Roll has passed. Tina Turner, we honor you ! Your legacy will live forever. U showed us all what it means to have the grit and determination to never stop, no matter what life throws our way ! Thank u for all you’ve given us. Now… pic.twitter.com/GdXJ5T1lJz
