Page 14 - The Culture Report

The Culture Report

Former President Obama drops his movie & music list of 2018

Last year ended with a tradition that never fails to go viral. Former President Barack Obama released
his top picks in books, movies, and music for 2018 giving us all a quick summary of everything great
that we may have missed. Obama began posting this list when he was in office, but even after 44 left
the white house, he’s continued to drop a few gems on us, as well as giving us a little insight into what
makes the man smile.

According to him, it’s about, “a chance to
highlight talented authors, artists, and
storytellers, some who are household names and
others who you may not have heard of before.”

The post on his Facebook timeline has already
boosted the YouTube views on many of the songs
listed. Some of those songs were “Could’ve
Been” by H.E.R. (feat. Bryson Tiller), “I Like It
by Cardi B” (feat. Bad Bunny and J Balvin), and
“Bad Bad News” by Leon Bridges. Though he’s
a known fan of Kendrick Lamar, it might still
surprise you to find “Wow Freestyle” by Jay
Rock (feat. Kendrick Lamar) on the list. What
probably won’t surprise you is the inclusion of
“Apes••t” by The Carters. Beyonce sang at
Obama’s inauguration, so her and hubby Jay-Z
being on the list shouldn’t have shocked anyone.

Another non-shocking, but fun, pick was his top book, Becoming by Michelle Obama. He lists the
worldwide bestseller as “obviously my favorite!” Contrasting himself from our current president
couldn’t be easier as Obama flaunts the fact that, you know, he reads. Other titles include the classic
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe and the There There by indigenous author Tommy Orange.

His top movies included films from the sci-fi/fantasy realm like “Annihilation” and “Black Panther”
but also the Spike Lee indie release “BlacKkKlansman.” Social media is buzzing on what they agree,
or disagree on.

Does your list have any matches with Obama’s?

ANB House of Royalty Publications