Since Memorial Day marked the unofficial start of Summer, the SB Team decided to get together and offer up a mix of what we believe are some quintessential Summer jams. Featuring tracks by Jodeci, Janet Jackson, Kool and the Gang and more, these tunes will make you want to break out the grill and brew up some fresh sweet tea (or mix a Long Island). Tracklisting and purchase links after the bounce.
Janet Jackson "Island Life" (Damita Jo)
"I'd rather
lay up on an island being pampered and getting sloshed than frolicking
with a loved one. This joint sets the mood either way." -nOva
Cameo "Single Life" (Single Life)
"This
song reminds me of jelly sandals, day-glo colors, and hot summer
afternoons. Plus, the bassline is one of the best ever set to music." -ill Mami
A Tribe Called Quest "Check the Rhime" (Low End Theory)
"This
song came out in the summer of 1992 and forever evokes memories of hot
weather for me. The beat thumps and would be welcome at any block party
jam." -ill Mami
Soul II Soul "Back To Life (However Do You Want Me)" (Club Classics Vol. 1)
"Quintessential
party song, especially the acapella version leading up Caron Wheeler
asking 'How do you want me?' Released in Summer of 1989. Always sets
into a frenzy whenever I hear it." -ill Mami
"Summertime" DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince (Homebase)
"No-brainer" -nOva
Jodeci "Get On Up" (The Show. The After Party. The Hotel)
"This
is a cookout track, plain and simple. Funky and carefree and a welcome
departure from the other sexed-up tracks on the album." -nOva
Guy "Groove Me" (Guy)
"From
the opening command to the funky, new jack instrumentation, this banger
by Guy is guaranteed to get people out on the backyard dance floor at
the family BBQ." -Harlem
Eric B. & Rakim "Eric B. Is President" (Paid in Full)
"All
I think of when I hear this song is summer block parties in Brooklyn.
I'm positive that if you go there now and press play on the tape deck,
you'll see a group of BK B-girls come out of nowhere doing the wop." -Harlem
Carl Thomas "Summer Rain" (Emotional)
"The title says it all." -Harlem
LL Cool J "Around The Way Girl" (Mama Said Knock You Out)
"Picture
13-year-old Vivrant sashaying down the streets of Chilltown on a hot
summer day, sporting some fresh fingers waves and bamboo earrings...at
least two pair." - Vivrant Thang
Roy Ayers "Everybody Loves The Sunshine" (Everybody Loves the Sunshine)
"Brings
back fond memories of impromptu cookouts full of spades-playing,
ish-talking, liquor-dranking, and being told to stay out of grown folk
conversations." -Vivrant Thang
The Isley Brothers "Summer Breeze" (3+3)
"Between
Ronnie's vocals and Ernie's guitar work, Lord have mercy this song
makes me feel fine blowing through the jasmine in my mind." -Butta
Nocera "Summertime, Summertime" (Summertime, Summertime)
"Growing
up in South Florida in the '80s, Freestyle was the ish and despite this
vocalist not being able to sing a lick this is one of my favorite songs
from the genre." -Butta
Shabba Ranks "Mr. Loverman" (Rough and Ready Volume 1)
"SHABBA!" -Butta
Kool & The Gang "Summer Madness" (Light of Worlds)
This
is the song that would fortify many Hip Hop and R&B tracks later
on, including DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince's 'Summertime'. It's
relaxing, smooth, and sexy as hell." -nOva
