The summertime is a time capsule more than anything else. One that includes the music that rap heads used to as a proper soundtrack to push their cookouts, kick backs, block parties, and the levels that would later become a prideful anecdote.
To commemorate the season, Hip-Hop Wired has assembled a Wired 25 list of the top 25 songs of summer 2014. We won’t keep you long, because you’re here for the music anyway. Hit the jump to see what records were selected.
Leave your thoughts and critiques in the comments.
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Photo: Instagram
25. Action Bronson – “Easy Rider”
Bronsolino paints pictures with his words, which makes his songs entertaining more often than not. Add some production from Party Supplies into the concoction and it’s pretty much all she wrote.
24. Fabolous – “Cuffin Season”
Our hopes for Loso’s Soul Tape 3 track to take off were high, especially when 50 Cent joined him on the remix. But in the in, the song never reached its tipping point.
23. Jeezy – “Me OK”
Though Jeezy’s later Seen It All: The Autobiography singles would have a greater impact earlier on, this Drumma Boy-produced record managed to hold its own.
22. DJ Khaled ft. Jay Z, Rick Ross, Meek Mill, & French Montana – “They Don’t Love You No More”
Khaled has definitely had better summers that the one that just passed, but of this feature-laden cut is the standout of the records he released.
21. Rich Homie Quan ft. Problem – “Walk Thru”
Quan’s cut dropped nine months ago, but again, this cut is a tale of the times and how long it can take for songs to reach their fullest potential.
20. Kid Ink – “Main Chick”
Kid Ink was one of many rappers who jumped on the DJ Mustard train. Luckily for him, it resulted in a win.
19. Jeremih ft. YG – “Don’t Tell ‘Em”
Again, DJ Mustard’s production guided a track to the promise land. We do, however, have to tip our hats towards the Chicago native for making the record catchy.
18. Migos “Fight Night”
Many assumed that Migos would have their 15 minutes of fame and fizzle out. The southern trio, however, continue to return with records that move the clubs. There’s no denying the one above.
17. Trey Songz – “Na Na”
DJ Mustard strikes again. Need we say more?
16. Rich Gang ft. Rich Homie Quan & Young Thug – “Lifestyle”
There’s a strange beauty in Thugga’s mush-mouthed jargon; one that’s driven by melodies that are sonically appealing. When he teams up with Quan, the results usually speak for themselves.
15. Tinashe ft. Drake & OB O’Brien – “2 On (Remix)”
A proper remix from Drizzy will take your cut to astronomical levels. Tinashe was already on an upward trajectory before the OVO founder entered the fold, but the superstar’s verse definitely helped.
14. K. Camp ft. 2 Chainz – “Cut Her Off”
The Atlanta newcomer is proving himself to be quite capable of delivering hit records. Though this one dropped long before the summer, the proof of its potency didn’t arrive until the warmer months.
13. Usher – “Good Kisser”
Why this song isn’t a mega hit is beyond us.
12. Cormega – “Industry”
From Cormega’s stellar Mega Philosophy LP comes this accurate description of the terrain of the rap game. How about you learn yourself something, as grandmother would say.
11. Lil Wayne ft. Drake – “Believe Me”
The YMCMB rappers make for one hell of a tandem anytime they link up.
10. ScHoolboy Q – “Studio”
Quincy contributed a jam to represent the softer side of the summer. Who can be mad at that?
9. YG ft. Drake – “Who Do You Love”
It’s impossible to avoid dancing when the Compton rapper’s My Krazy Life jam spins in the serato.
8. Wiz Khalifa – “We Dem Boyz”
There’s nothing like a club heater that inspires camaraderie among one’s friends at parties. This year, fans can thank the Taylor Gang frontman for that.
7. Chris Brown ft. Lil Wayne & French Montana – “Loyal”
This single was huge, but it ultimately didn’t reach pinnacle levels because Breezy was imprisoned as it peaked.
6. Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX – “Fancy”
Like it or not, the Aussie rap star created a record that we’re likely to hear for years to come.
5. T.I. ft. Young Thug – “About The Money”
Despite not receiving a proper push on radio, fans clamored to T.I.P.’s melodic, yet trunk rattling jam. And no, we still haven’t the slightest clue what Thugga is saying.
4. Jeezy ft. Jay Z – “Seen It All”
The Snowman and Hov cooked up a coke rap masterpiece with this cut. We need a video, fellas.
3. Bobby Shmurda – “Hot Ni**a”
The unlikely champion of summer 2014 is this East Flatbush, Brooklyn native. And all it took was an infectious dance and hat toss to do it.
2. Rae Sremmurd – “No Flex Zone”
Mike WiLL Made It’s young protege’s have folks twice their age chanting their words and cranking their “turn up” arms simultaneously. Mission accomplished.
1. Drake – “0-100”
Drizzy’s puts numbers on the boards any time he releases a new cut. This cut slowly burned its way to greatness.
