Barack Obama And Joe Biden Expressed Their Sadness Over The Loss Of Harry Belafonte

Several artists and public figures have taken to social media to express their sadness over the loss of Harry Belafonte. Yesterday (April 25), the singer died of congestive heart failure at 96 years old, while in his Manhattan home.

Belafonte was known for popularizing calypso music with songs like “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song),” “Jump In The Line (Shake, Señora),” and “Jamaican Farewell.” He was also an outspoken advocate for racial equality and worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr., and was an open critic of George W. Bush’s policies as well.

Yesterday, beloved former President Barack Obama took to Twitter to honor Belafonte and share condolences to his loved ones.

“Harry Belafonte was a barrier-breaking legend who used his platform to lift others up,” said Obama. “He lived a good life — transforming the arts while also standing up for civil rights. And he did it all with his signature smile and style. Michelle and I send our love to his wife, kids, and fans.”

President Joe Biden also reflected on Belafonte’s legacy, saying, “Jill and I are saddened by the passing of a groundbreaking American who used his talent and voice to help redeem the soul of our nation. Harry Belafonte’s accomplishments are legendary and his legacy of outspoken advocacy, compassion, and respect for dignity will endure forever.”

Malia Obama Hangs Out With Biden’s Grandkids

Malia Obama was seen hanging out with President Joe Biden’s grandkids in New York. The 24-year-old daughter of former President Barack Obama looked happy as she strolled through the streets of the city. Malia and the Biden grandkids, Maisy, Finnegan, and Beau, all got lunch together at Charlie Bird in SoHo. They then hit the streets together for a walk in the beautiful spring weather. Malia and the group were also accompanied by what looks to be a potential new love interest for the former president’s daughter.

Malia Obama is the eldest daughter of former U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. She was born in in Chicago. Malia spent much of her young life in the public eye and attended prestigious schools in Washington, D.C. She gained media attention for her fashion choices and was often seen accompanying her parents on official trips and events. In 2016, she took a gap year before attending Harvard University, where she studied sociology and graduated in 2021. Malia is also involved in social activism and often speaks out about issues such as climate change and women’s rights.

Malia’s Life After The White House

Malia Obama
Malia Obama is seen Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bellocqimages/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images) via Getty

Malia Obama has maintained a relatively low profile since her father’s departure as president. In 2018, she started an internship with the Weinstein Company in New York City, but she soon departed because of Harvey Weinstein’s public history of sexual misconduct. As part of her social advocacy, Malia has participated in demonstrations against the Dakota Access Pipeline and the unrest in Charlottesville, Virginia. Additionally, she served as a production aide on the HBO series Euphoria in 2019. Malia graduated from Harvard University in 2021.

Now that she is finished with college, Malia wants to delve further into a career in the field of film and television. Not only did Malia work on Euphoria, she also helped pen the new series from Donald Glover, Swarm. Glover called her “an amazingly talented person.” He likes her work so much that he’s now brought her on to develop a short film for his production company. Whatever happens next for her, it seems Malia is keen to make a name for herself outside of her father’s tenure as president.

[Via]

Barack Obama Shares Favorite Songs Of 2022 Featuring Beyoncé, SZA, & More

Barack Obama has shared a list of his favorite songs from 2022 on social media. The star-studded group features Kendrick Lamar, Ethel Cain, Beyoncé, SiR, Steve Lacy, and many more.

“I always enjoy sharing my end of year music playlist with all of you — and this year we heard a lot of great songs. Here are some of my favorites,” Obama captioned the post.

He also asked his followers to share their favorites from the last year as well.

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD – MARCH 23: U.S. President Barack Obama waves after he spoke during the SelectUSA Investment Summit March 23, 2015 in National Harbor, Maryland. The summit brought together investors from around the world to showcase the diversity of investment opportunities available in the U.S. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Other artists with songs selected by Obama include Bad Bunny, Burna Boy, Zach Bryan, SZA, and Lizzo, among others.

Ethel Cain reacted to her inclusion on the list in a tweet posted on Friday: “Did not have a former president including my anti-war, anti-patriotism fake pop song on his year end list on my 2022 bingo.”

“The neighbor’s brother came home in a box/ But he wanted to go so maybe it was his fault/ Another red heart taken by the American dream,” Cain sings on “American Teenager.”

In addition to his favorite music, the former President also shared his top picks for the best movies and books of 2022.

“I saw some great movies this year – here are some of my favorites. What did I miss?” Obama wrote.

For his favorite films, Obama went with Aftersun, Tár, Decision to Leave, Top Gun: Maverick, and more. He also included Descendant, although he admitted he’s biased as his company, Higher Ground, produced it.

Check out Barack Obama’s favorite songs below.

[Via]

Barack Obama Shared His Favorite Songs Of 2022 With Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, And More Surprise Picks

Barack Obama has shared his highly-anticipated year-end lists for 2022, including one for the songs he loved the most. While Obama has some obvious picks, as artists like Maggie Rogers (included for “That’s Where I Am”) and SZA (included for “Shirt”) have made the list in previous years, he also did some artist discovery this year it seems.

He included Ethel Cain’s “American Teenager” and Rosalía’s “Saoko,” from her album, Motomami. Obama also loved releases by Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, and Lizzo while spotlighting rising artists like Sudan Archives, Omar Apollo, Ayra Starr, Rema, Plains, Zach Bryan, and more.

“I always enjoy sharing my end of year music playlist with all of you — and this year we heard a lot of great songs,” he captioned. “Here are some of my favorites. Are there any songs or artists I should check out?”

Some of the artists who were included on Obama’s favorites of 2022 have also started responding. “did not have a former president including my anti-war, anti-patriotism fake pop song on his year end list on my 2022 bingo,” Cain posted on Twitter.

As for the public’s reactions to Obama’s playlist, social media users have been disappointed by the lack of Drake and Taylor Swift, as well as suggesting he checks out Goose, Arctic Monkeys, and other 2022 albums before December ends.

Some of the artists mentioned are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

President Barack Obama Shares Statement Remembering Queen Elizabeth II

President Barack Obama Shares Statement Remembering Queen Elizabeth II

Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, former president Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama released a statement in celebration of the Queen’s 96 years of life.

“Michelle and I were lucky enough to come to know Her Majesty, and she meant a great deal to us,” the former president wrote. “Back when we were just beginning to navigate life as President and First Lady, she welcomed us to the world stage with open arms and extraordinary generosity.”

He added, “Time and again, we were struck by her warmth, the way she put people at ease, and how she brought her considerable humor and charm to moments of great pomp and circumstance.”

You can read the full statement below.

The post President Barack Obama Shares Statement Remembering Queen Elizabeth II appeared first on The Source.

The Obamas Return To White House For Historic Unveiling Of Official Portraits

the obamas

The official portraits of Former President Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama are now on display at the White House.  The former First Couple returned to the White House for the unveiling of the historic portraits of the first Black President.  

President Biden honored the pair by saying, “Welcome home.”  He said Obama’s tenure was marked by integrity, decency, moral courage and doing what’s right.  Biden looked at Michelle Obama and noted, “He couldn’t have done it without you.” Calling the former FLOTUS, “one of the most consequential First Ladies.”

The former President praised Biden as a true partner and a good friend.  He also thanked members of his former staff, calling them talented, selfless and idealistic.

READ MORE: 44th President Barack Obama Reveals His 2022 Summer Playlist

First Lady Michelle Obama talked about raising two daughters in the White House for eight years and called it a special place.

Michelle also made comments that insiders believe were directed at the Trump administration. “The people make their voices heard with their vote,” and “we hold an inauguration to ensure a peaceful transition of power.” She added, “once our time is up, we move on.”

 The historic unveiling marks the return of the tradition of sitting presidents welcoming their predecessors for official portrait unveilings, regardless of party.

Share your thoughts and comments with us on social media.

The post The Obamas Return To White House For Historic Unveiling Of Official Portraits appeared first on The Source.

Barack Obama Drops His 2022 Summer Playlist

Barack Obama

Former President Barack Obama posted a list of tunes he has been jamming to. The list contains many new hip-hop artists that have been making waves in the industry. In a recent tweet, former President Barack Obama shared a list of jams he has added to his summer playlist. In the Tweet, he listed bangerz […]

The post Barack Obama Drops His 2022 Summer Playlist appeared first on SOHH.com.

44th President Barack Obama Reveals His 2022 Summer Playlist

AP obama correspondents   jef

Former President Obama is out with his annual 2022 Summer Playlist.  He took to social media Tuesday to reveal the list, which spanned multiple genres in music.  Artists such as Beyoncé, Burna Boy, Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny, Tems and Prince graced the 22-song playlist. 

READ MORE: Barack Obama Reunites With Young Boy Who Touched His Hair, 13 Years Later

The 44th President also included newcomers Doechii with “Persuasive,” and Pheelz & BNXN fka Buju “Finesse,” along with the classic “When I B On Tha Mic” from Rakim and Guantanamera” by Wyclef and Lauren Hill

 Obama said he is excited to share the playlist every year, because he learns about new artists from the replies, saying it is “an example of how music really can bring us all together.”

Share your thoughts and comments with us on social media.

The post 44th President Barack Obama Reveals His 2022 Summer Playlist appeared first on The Source.