The yearly favored song collection of former U.S. President Barack Obama for 2023 was unveiled today (Dec. 29). Several Latine artists, including Shakira, Karol G, Peso Pluma, and Indigo De Souza, are among his top picks.
Obama’s highly anticipated compilations have become a cultural tradition. Annually, he shares his selections of favored summer tunes, movies, books — and the most anticipated: his recapitulation of melodies.
Among the favorite tunes of 2023 compilation by Obama are three tracks by Latine performers. The foremost track listed is “TQG” by Karol G and Shakira. The two Colombian divas collaborated on the powerful song to seemingly critique their former partners. While delving into past relationships in the lyrics, Shakira and Karol G also uplifted each other. The collaboration reached its peak at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Karol G subsequently made history with her Mañana Será Bonito album. She became the first woman to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart with an entirely-Spanish LP.
Obama also highlighted the “La Bebe” remix by Mexican reggaetonero Yng Lvcas and Mexican music luminary Peso Pluma. This marked Peso Pluma’s first foray into a reggaeton track after rising to prominence with corridos tumbados. The remix peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Earlier in October, Yng Lvcas discussed the genesis of the remix with Remezcla.
“[Peso Pluma] expressed his affection for the song, and we created the remix,” shared Yng Lvcas. “We had Hennessy. We enjoyed some joints, and we fashioned the song. The remix has soared to the stratosphere.”
The third Latine artist mentioned in Obama’s compilation is Indigo De Souza. He featured the poignant ballad “Younger & Dumber” by the Brazilian-American vocalist. The song was included in her album All of This Will End.
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