Hip-Hop Wired taps into our zen space amid bone-chilling cold fronts and torrential downpours of snow with thoughts of warmer weather. That said, we present 20 Hip-Hop songs that scream summer.
Analyzing past summers, and the memories of cookouts, block party, and all sorts of other tomfoolery we experienced, the Hip-Hop Wired team crafts a list of cuts that are essential to the season. Take a stroll down memory lane after the jump.
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Photo: YouTube
DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince – “Summertime”
The Philadelphia legends created the alpha and omega of summer anthems. What better place to start?
Tupac Shakur – “I Get Around”
The aforementioned track holds the crown, but this song puts up a very good fight.
Wreckx-n-Effect – “Rump Shaker”
Ask anyone old enough to have experienced this record at its peak popularity about what happened when it played. It’s a summertime favorite, for sure.
The Notorious B.I.G. ft. Puff Daddy & Ma$e – “Mo Money Mo Problems”
Say what you want about the “Jiggy Era,” this track gets all of my loyalty and patience.
K7 – “Come Baby Come”
HBCU ‘nalia, beepers, and jean shorts? 1993, is that you?
DJ Kool – “Let Me Clear My Throat”
“I hate this record,” said no one ever.
Chubb Rock – “Treat Em Right”
Any DJ who doesn’t play this at your summer block party is basura. Look it up.
Method Man ft. Mary J. Blige – “All I Need (Puff Daddy Remix)”
To be totally honest, you can’t go wrong with any version of this classic.
Jay Z – “Big Pimpin'”
This song echoes summer, excessive amounts of cash…. and misogyny.
DMX – “Ruff Ryders Anthem”
The probability of a chain snatching occurring heightened when this record played. Oh, the good old days.
Ghost Town DJs – “My Boo”
Twerking isn’t new by any stretch of the imagination. And this summer anthem is proof.
The Notorious B.I.G. – “Machine Gun Funk”
We’re all for playing Biggie’s Ready To Die standout in the Land Cruiser jeep. There’s no country for the Mac-10, though.
Missy Elliott – “Get Ur Freak On”
See what happened when Missy performed this track at the Super Bowl? Case closed.
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony – “1st Of Tha Month”
Whoever says the summer should be turned up at all times is crazy. Tracks like this are need for mellower moments.
Beenie Man ft. Mya – “Girls Dem Sugar”
Bring your lady close when this plays. Especially if it’s summer.
Busta Rhymes – “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See”
Busta’s flow, the drums, and the video made this track one of the best in Hip-Hop history.
Jadakiss ft. Styles P & Eve – “We Gon’ Make It”
Turn this on, no matter where you’re at, and peep everyone’s reaction.
Nas – “Made You Look”
Nasty Nas owned the streets with this heater.
Outkast – “Southernplayalisticadillacmusik”
Very few vibes compare to those heard on an Outkast track.
Dr. Dre ft Snoop Doggy Dogg – “Nuthin But A G Thang”
A young Dre and Snoop get a 10 for authenticity, and in turn received all of our love in years to come.
