Obama taps Chika, Jason Isbell for eclectic summer playlist

Obama at podium

Barack Obama's 2020 summer playlist includes recent songs from Alabama natives Jason Isbell and Chika.The Plain Dealer

The latest feather in the caps of breakout Alabama musicians Chika and Jason Isbell: Making the cut for Barack Obama’s 2020 summer playlist.

The former president dropped the list Monday via social media, which coincided with the start of the Democratic National Convention. Naturally it tied in, including songs from some artists booked to perform at the event, such as The Chicks, Common, Jennifer Hudson and John Legend. Among his selections were “Be Afraid” by Isbell & The 400 Unit and “Crown” by Chika.

Obama, 59, did include plenty of classics, such as War’s “All Day Music”, Otis Redding’s “These Arms of Mine,” Billie Holiday’s “I’ll Be Seeing You” and Bonnie Raitt’s “Nick of Time.” Yet his selections also had a distinct Hangout Fest vibe thanks to a string of artists who’ve played that event, including Isbell, Chika, Khalid, Mac Miller, Childish Gambino, Haim, Anderson.Paak and Tank & the Bangas. Not to mention Billie Eilish, booked to headline the postponed 2020 fest.

As you might expect of two artists known for their engagement on social media, Isbell and Chika both had quick responses. Isbell said on Twitter, “The band and I attended both your inaugurations. Had some of the best conversations of my life on those days. It’s a great honor to see our song here alongside such great pieces of music.”

He also had a snappy comeback for a listener who threatened to burn his band T-shirt, advising him to take some basic fire-safety precautions. “I’m not confident you won’t burn the house down,” he said.

Chika, true to form, was a bit more exuberant, prolific and profane.

In a series of tweets she said, “a song i wrote at 19 after dropping out to pursue music, while living and home and working at f----n chipotle ended up on Obama’s 2020 summer playlist … what thee f---?” Followed by “full circle moments have not hit as hard before this week, I promise you. I’m feeling everything rn.” And then, “i know it may seem like i talk a lot of s--- on here, but imagine literally having a dream from childhood, working your ass off, risking your mental health, and seeing it pay off. bro. lemme log off and celebrate life real quick.”

She has indeed had a big week: Her music was prominently featured in the Netflix action film “Project Power” and she was included in XXL magazine’s annual “Freshman Class” elite.

“Crown,” appropriately, is about persevering with her dream: “Now my little hobby turned to cashin’ out/ Thinking ‘bout who I’d be if I listened to doubt/ Said I’d never do it, well look at me now/ Young girl, old dream/ Old soul, oh dear/ Plan B, plan well/ Good luck, no fear/ Just wait and God will tell you when the time’s near/ But if I never jump then I die here.”

“Crown” is a track from the EP “Industry Games,” released earlier this year. It’s also one of the selections from a stellar acoustic set on NPR’s “Tiny Desk” performance series. (You’ll find at the 12:44 mark in the YouTube clip.)

The 400 Unit track, “Be Afraid,” is also new. It’s on “Reunions,” the album the band released in May. In it, Isbell has written an anthem that’s both a call for artists to measure up to troubled times and speak out, and an indictment of those who don’t. “We’ve been testing you and you failed/ To see how long you could hold it in before you screamed but you only exhaled.

“Over the past few months, I’ve spent a lot of time listening to music with my family. I wanted to share some of my favorites from the summer –– including songs from some of the artists performing at this week’s @DemConvention,” Obama wrote. “As always, it’s a mix of genres that travels through various eras. I think there’s something in here for everybody – hope you enjoy it.”

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.