Kamala Harris’s Favorite Songs: Remembering “Mood Mix” at The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

A few days after we learned that American President Joe Biden announced he would complete the rest of his presidential term without running for re-election, Biden also declared his support for Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place in the upcoming race. As of July 22, 2024, Kamala Harris is the presumptive Democratic nominee for President.

In the meantime, we decided to explore Kamala Harris’s musical tastes, and what better way than to revisit an episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where then-Senator Kamala Harris shared some of her favorite songs in an informal and fun video featuring a diverse playlist titled “Senator Kamala Harris’ Mood Mix.“

This episode aired in January 2019, a few months before the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe. Below is the list of Kamala Harris’s favorite songs and some background information.

“Check The Rhime” by A Tribe Called Quest

Kamala Harris: A song that makes me dance.

“Check The Rhime” is one of A Tribe Called Quest’s most iconic tracks, released as the lead single from “The Low End Theory.” The song stands out for its smooth jazz samples, clever rhymes, and the natural chemistry between Q-Tip and Phife Dawg. The lyrics reflect the band members’ everyday experiences and personal stories, while the relaxing and catchy beat invites listeners to groove along.

A Tribe Called Quest is an American hip-hop group formed in 1985. Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and Jarobi White are members. The group originates from Queens, New York, and is known for its intelligent lyrics, innovative beats, and unique blend of jazz and hip-hop. The band is widely recognized as one of hip-hop’s most influential and creative groups.

The group released their debut album, “People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm,” in 1990, but it was with their second album, “The Low End Theory,” released in 1991, that they truly made their mark. This album is considered a milestone in hip-hop, mixing jazz samples with rap beats, creating a new and original sound that would influence many artists for decades.

“Purple Rain” by Prince

Kamala Harris: Song from a favorite movie.

Prince Rogers Nelson, known as Prince, was a groundbreaking American musician celebrated for his genre-blending style, combining funk, rock, R&B, and pop. His influential career spanned over four decades, and his unique sound and flamboyant performances.

“Purple Rain,” released in 1984, is a film and a song by Prince. The semi-autobiographical film stars Prince as “The Kid,” a young musician navigating personal and professional challenges. It was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $70 million and winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score.

Known for its powerful ballad style, the song features emotional vocals, dramatic guitar solos, and lush string arrangements, making it a standout in Prince’s discography.

“Shallow” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper

Kamala Harris: Song from a favorite movie.

“Shallow” is a song from the 2018 film A Star Is Born, directed by Bradley Cooper and starring Cooper and Lady Gaga. The song was written by Lady Gaga, Andrew Wyatt, Anthony Rossomando, and Mark Ronson. It features a duet between Gaga and Cooper and plays a pivotal role in the film’s storyline, highlighting the characters’ emotional connection and personal struggles.

The track was a major success, topping charts worldwide and receiving widespread acclaim. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. “Shallow” is known for its powerful and heartfelt lyrics and moving vocal performances by both artists.

Kamala Harris’s selection of “Shallow” reflects her appreciation for contemporary music.

“Lemonade” by Beyoncé

Kamala Harris: A lot of songs for a cookout.

Kamala Harris’s choice for a cookout music, Beyoncé’s Lemonade, reflects a love for impactful music. Beyoncé, born September 4, 1981, in Houston, Texas, is a renowned singer, songwriter, and actress known for her powerful voice and influential music. She gained fame as the lead singer of Destiny’s Child and later enjoyed a successful solo career.

Released on April 23, 2016, Lemonade is Beyoncé’s sixth studio album, notable for its 12-song visual format, which includes a film that premiered on HBO. The album blends genres like pop, R&B, rock, and country and explores empowerment, resilience, and personal growth themes.

Tracks like “Formation,” “Sorry,” “Hold Up,” and “Freedom” highlight the album’s diverse style and thematic depth. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and won the Grammy Award for Best Urban Contemporary Album.

“Oh Happy Days” by Edwin Hawkins

Kamala Harris: A song that lifts my spirits.

Kamala Harris’s pick for a song that lifts her spirits, “Oh Happy Day” by Edwin Hawkins, is a classic gospel track released in 1968. Edwin Hawkins was a pioneering gospel musician known for bringing contemporary gospel music to a broader audience.

Originally a hymn, the song became widely popular due to its upbeat arrangement and uplifting lyrics. “Oh Happy Day” features a joyful choir performance and a catchy melody celebrating faith’s transformative power. The track became a hit, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning a Grammy Award for Best Soul Gospel Performance.

“Sun is Shining” by Bob Marley & The Wailers

Kamala Harris: Song to play loud.

“Sun Is Shining” by Bob Marley & The Wailers is a classic reggae track from the 1970s. Bob Marley, a legendary Jamaican musician, is renowned for popularizing reggae music worldwide with his powerful messages of peace and social justice.

“Sun Is Shining” was originally recorded during the sessions for Marley’s 1971 album Soul Rebels. The song is known for its uplifting and feel-good vibe, characterized by Marley’s smooth vocals, rhythmic reggae beats, and positive lyrics about the joy and warmth brought by the sun. It has been celebrated for its infectious energy and has remained a favorite in Marley’s extensive catalog.

“Push It” by Salt-N-Pepa

Kamala Harris: Song that reminds me of Howard University.

Kamala Harris’s choice for a song that reminds her of Howard University, “Push It” by Salt-N-Pepa, is a classic hip-hop track from the late 1980s. Released in 1987, the song is one of the pioneering hits by the pioneering all-female rap group Salt-N-Pepa, known for their impactful contributions to hip-hop.

“Push It” was a breakout hit for the group, known for its catchy beat and infectious energy. It became a defining track of the era, celebrated for its bold, confident lyrics and memorable chorus. The song’s success helped establish Salt-N-Pepa as a major figure in hip-hop, breaking barriers for women in the genre.

“Young, Gifted and Black” by Aretha Franklin

Kamala Harris: Favorite song from my childhood.

“Young, Gifted and Black” by Aretha Franklin is a powerful and inspiring song that showcases Franklin’s deep connection to themes of empowerment and pride. Released in 1969, it was a tribute to the achievements and potential of Black youth during the civil rights movement.

Nina Simone wrote the track and originally recorded it in 1969, but Aretha Franklin’s version, released on her album This Girl’s in Love with You, brought the song widespread acclaim. Franklin’s rendition is celebrated for its soulful delivery and uplifting message, emphasizing the strength and promise of young Black individuals.

“The Ghetto” by Too Short

Kamala Harris: A song that makes me think of Oakland.

This track, released in 1990, is a quintessential example of Too Short’s influential West Coast rap style.

Too Short, a pioneering rapper from Oakland, is known for his raw and authentic portrayal of life in the city. “The Ghetto” reflects his deep connection to Oakland, capturing the struggles and realities of urban life with his distinctive voice and storytelling.

The song is celebrated for its gritty lyrics and funky beats, representing Too Short’s impact on the Bay Area rap scene and his role in shaping the sound of West Coast hip-hop.

“HUMBLE.” by Kendrick Lamar

Kamala Harris: Favorite song by a California rapper.

“HUMBLE.” by Kendrick Lamar, is a standout track from his 2017 album DAMN. Kendrick Lamar, a prominent figure in West Coast hip-hop, is known for his thought-provoking lyrics and innovative sound.

Released as a single in March 2017, “HUMBLE.” quickly gained acclaim for its powerful beat, sharp lyrics, and social commentary. The song’s minimalist production and direct message highlight Lamar’s ability to address themes of self-awareness and authenticity while critiquing materialism and vanity.

“HUMBLE.” received widespread recognition, including a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song, and solidified Kendrick Lamar’s reputation as one of the leading voices in contemporary hip-hop.

“One Nation Under A Groove” by Funkadelic

Kamala Harris: A presidential song.

Kamala Harris’s choice for a “presidential song,” “One Nation Under A Groove” by Funkadelic, reflects a celebration of unity and social consciousness. Released in 1978, this track by the pioneering funk band Funkadelic, led by George Clinton, is a landmark in the funk genre.

“One Nation Under A Groove” is renowned for its infectious rhythm and message of inclusivity and collective strength. The song features a dynamic blend of funk, rock, and soul, driven by a compelling bassline and energetic grooves that exemplify Clinton’s innovative approach to music.

The track reached number one on the Billboard Soul Chart and became an anthem emphasizing unity and positive change. Its enduring appeal and powerful message make it a fitting choice for a song that embodies aspirational values.