Former President Barack Obama surprised many with his recent summer playlist as it included Charli XCX’s track “365”. It again led many to speculate whether he truly listens to all the songs that he recommends or whether his playlist recommendations are put together by others.

Well, in a new podcast interview, he quickly demonstrated his awareness of Charli XCX.

Obama was quizzed on the “I Had It” podcast by hosts Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan. The women do a quick-fire round of questions asking guests whether they’ve “Had it or hit it” (i.e. have you had enough of vs. are you keen on it).

One “Had it or hit it” question they gave to Obama was simply “Brat Summer”.

English singer Charli XCX released her latest album, Brat, in June. It proved her biggest success and fans have since heralded summer 2024 as “Brat summer”.

Linking it to politics, Charli herself announced that Kamala Harris “is brat” when the Vice President replaced Joe Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket.

Asked whether he’d “Had it or hit it” with ‘Brat Summer’, Obama replied, “Hit it!”

“You know, I just put out my playlist, and [Charli XCX track] ‘365’ is on it. And it is a great album.

“People question sometimes whether I’m actually listening to all this music. As I’ve testified before, I am. Charli XCX, she knows what she’s doing.”

“Should we have a little line?”

When Obama published his summer playlist, many people expressed joy and surprise at the inclusion of Charli XCX.

Many raised an eyebrow as “365” could be interpreted as being about party drugs.

“365, party girl (bumpin’ that),” sings Charli XCX. “Should we do a little key? Should we have a little line?”

Others were still not assured by Obama’s answer that he is familiar with “365”. He pronounced it “three-sixty-five”, while Charli XCX sings it as “three-six-five”.

Many others just praised Obama for his good taste.

Charli XCX is about to embark on a joint North America tour with Troye Sivan entitled Sweat. It launches on September 14 in Detroit, Michigan.

Related
Brat summer is officially over. Here’s how the gays are coping.

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