Barack Obama is back at it, dropping his highly anticipated annual favorite music list — and this year, one rising star couldn’t believe she made the cut. Venice-born R&B singer ROE, whose independently released track has been quietly making waves, was blindsided when her song landed on the former president’s playlist.
TMZ Hip Hop caught up with ROE in Los Angeles amid the buzz, and she told us she had absolutely no idea how Obama discovered her track — but she’s beyond thankful that he did.
“I was literally leaving the gym when my BFF started blowing up my phone with emojis,” ROE laughed. “I knew immediately something had gone viral!”
Family Reactions: Total Chaos!
The first person ROE called after hearing the news? Her mother, who reportedly screamed down the phone with excitement. But that wasn’t all — her grandmother, a hardcore Obama fan, was equally ecstatic, cementing this moment as a multi-generational celebration of ROE’s breakout success.
“My grandma was literally in tears,” ROE said. “It’s wild to think Barack Obama is listening to my music. Just wild.”
Obama’s Eclectic 2025 Playlist
ROE wasn’t the only star to make Obama’s list this year. The former president showcased his famously diverse taste, including:
- Gunna – Hip hop vibes that dominated the year
- BLACKPINK – K-pop global sensations
- Rosalía – Spanish powerhouse singer
- Kendrick Lamar – Hip hop royalty
- Drake – Chart-topping hits
This eclectic mix confirms that Obama’s playlists remain a barometer for trending, boundary-pushing music across genres — and this year, an indie R&B artist officially made the cut.
ROE’s Career on the Rise
For ROE, this recognition couldn’t have come at a better time. She’s gearing up to release a full-length album next year, which will continue the themes of her acclaimed “Oakwood” EP.
“Making Obama proud? That’s the energy for the next album,” ROE told us. “I’m really trying to push myself creatively, and this just gives me so much motivation.”
Fans are already buzzing on social media, calling the recognition “a career-defining moment” for the indie singer. Some have even dubbed her the next big R&B breakout thanks to Obama’s stamp of approval.
Why This Matters
Landing a spot on Barack Obama’s playlist has become a coveted badge of honor for musicians, giving indie and mainstream artists alike a massive visibility boost. Previous years have shown how even lesser-known acts can explode in popularity after getting the former president’s nod.
For ROE, it’s not just a viral moment — it’s a career-defining validation for the hard work she’s put into her music. With her album on the horizon, her rise in the R&B scene looks unstoppable.
What’s Next for ROE?
As ROE prepares to drop her new album next year, fans are watching closely to see how she leverages this unexpected boost. Social media chatter is already hinting at potential collaborations and high-profile performances, with many calling her “the artist to watch in 2026.”
“It’s crazy to think about where this could go,” ROE said. “Obama heard my song. People are hearing my song. I’m just trying to make the next moves right.”
Stay tuned to The Pop Radar for more exclusive updates on ROE, her upcoming album, and all the viral music moments that are shaping the next wave of R&B.
