SoulBounce Sampler

Summer Madness

nOvaMatic  |  05/28/2008 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (8)

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

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