The weather is breaking, the sun is shining, and violence is escalating. That can only mean that Summer is finally here. In the weeks following Memorial Day, the Summer has always been owned by less clothing, pools, great parties and even better music. In honor of the new season, this week’s Wired 25puts together some of the greatest summer songs of all time. Whether the song came out in the summer, reminds you of the summer, or just talks about the summer, all your favorites are here. Hit the jump to start the countdown.
James Todd Smith let the world know what kind of woman he was into. Bamboo earrings and extensions in her hair.
17. Lil Wayne – “A Milli” (Produced By Bangladesh) Tha Carter III, 2008
Lil Wayne owned the summer with his repetitive yet hypnotic song off of his most commercially successful album, Tha Carter III.
16. DJ Khaled ft. Drake Rick Ross n Lil Wayne – “I’m On One” (Produced By T-Minus) We The Best Forever, 2011
DJ Khaled’s knack for making great posse cuts was on full display last summer as “I’m On One” was played everywhere.
15. Ice Cube – “It Was A Good Day” (Produced By DJ Pooh) The Predator, 1993
Ice Cube lamented about a good day for a gangster in this hip-hop classic.
14. 2 Pac – “I Get Around” (Produced By Shock G) Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z., 1993
2Pac showed his fun side by getting back to his Digital Underground roots.
13. Nelly – “Hot In Herre” (Produced By The Neptunes) Nellyville, 2002
Nelly was a rising star, but “Hot In Herre” shot the St. Louis product to the moon with help from The Neptunes.
12. Puff Daddy ft. The Lox, Lil Kim and The Notorious B.I.G. – “It’s All About The Benjamins” (Produced By Deric “D-Dot” Angelettie) No Way Out, 1997
Puff Daddy and The Family were untouchable and shined even brighter without their fallen comrade.
11. Juvenile ft. Mannie Fresh and Lil Wayne – “Back That Azz Up” (Produced By Mannie Fresh) 400 Degreez, 1999
Cash Money Records put a stamp on the New Orleans sound with the classic anthem for rump shaking.
10. Jay-Z ft. UGK – “Big Pimpin” (Produced By Timbaland) Vol. 3 The Life and Times of S. Carter, 2000
Jigga has held us down for countless summers, but no song puts you in a warmer mood than the UGK-assisted single.
9. The Notorious B.I.G. – “Hypnotize” (Produced By Puff Daddy and The Hitmen) Life After Death, 1997
The Notorious B.I.G.’s death that spring only catapulted the popularity of his Life After Death lead single.
8. Busta Rhymes – “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See” (Produced By Shamello and Buddah) When Disaster Strikes, 1997
Busta Rhymes’ breakthrough sound on this record showed that he’s more than just a scene stealing feature artist.
7. 50 Cent – “I Get Money” (Produced By Apex) Curtis, 2007
Just when people counted the magic of 50 Cent out, he came back with arguably his biggest record to date.
6. DMX – “Ruff Ryders Anthem” (Produced By Swizz Beatz) It’s Dark And Hell Is Hot, 1998
Nearly 15 years later, DMX’s growling and raucous record can still put a party on tilt.
5. Fat Joe ft. Remy Ma – “Lean Back” (Produced By Scott Storch) True Story, 2004
Fat Joe’s record setting single made it cool to be lazy in the club.
4. Snoop Dogg – “Gin & Juice” (Produced By Dr. Dre) Doggystyle, 1994
For any further proof that Dr. Dre had the magic touch, one had to look no further than this record featuring the young Snoop Doggy Dogg.
3. Method Man ft. Mary J. Blige – “I’ll Be There For You/You’re All I Need To Get By” (Produced By RZA and Puff Daddy) Tical, 1995
What’s summer without summer love? Method Man & Mary J. Blige provide the blueprint that hasn’t been bested 13 years later.
2. Dr. Dre – “Nuthin But A G Thang” (Produced By Dr. Dre) The Chronic, 1992
When you look up West Coast Hip-Hop in the dictionary, a picture of Dr. Dre will come up and this song is a huge reason why.
1. DJ Jazzy Jeff And The Fresh Prince – “Summertime”(Produced By K Fingers and Hula) Homebase, 1991
They don’t make them like this anymore. A good clean fun song that captures exactly what summer to a Hip-Hop head is all about.
