Summer is that time of year when everyone is driving around with their windows down, sunglasses on and most importantly, music blasting. I never fail to hear all kinds of music when I'm driving around with my windows down. I hear a mix of reggae, country, pop, hip-hop - you name it! As summer approaches, there's always a guarantee for some new jams to come out that make summer drives even better. However, this list of suggested list jammin' vibes contain a lot more than the great music that we have received already in 2016.
1. "Work" - Rihanna (feat. Drake).
When Rihanna dropped her 2016 album, "Anti," this song was favored by everyone across the globe. This song has a dance hall beat that has the ability to take complete of control of your whole body as you move your hips from side to side. Every time I listen to this song, I imagine myself on a beach at a cookout with friends and family, and lots of food.
2. "On & On" - Erykah Badu.
This song is perfect for the drive home after a long day of work as you wait in that annoying traffic. The melody that Badu's voice creates goes perfectly with the hip-hop beat, low keys of the piano and steady kicks. I also love the way she carries her voice and has the ability to crescendo and decrescendo. I find myself trying to imitate her singing style as well as trying to be every instrument and sound. It never fails to take my mind somewhere and forget the day.
3. "SpottieOttieDopaliscious" - Outkast.
Our fave hip-hop duo was out long before their many hit singles, including "Hey Ya." This song is seven minutes of straight therapy and heaven to your ears. It makes for a perfect backyard barbecue jam as the grill is smoking and family and friends chatter away. This song sets a really calm and tranquil mood.
4. "Wanna Be Us" - Lil Yachty (feat. Burberry Perry).
Lil Yachty is one of the hip-hop world's newest artists from Atlanta and he has come with a force. He has definitely introduced a new sound to the Atlanta music scene called bubblegum trap in his interview with Noisey Music by Vice. This song never fails to get me moving my head from side to side as it consumes my body with warmth and energy. As you're chilling out with friends on a casual day or night, this song is should be your go-to.
5. "The Sweetest Taboo" - Sade.
The Queen of Quiet Storm, Sade Adu, has a voice that can get you to cry, dance, sing, love - it goes on. This song is perfect to play before you go out at night. Every time I play this song before I go out, it gets me dancing and super excited for the adventure ahead of me. It's a good warm up song.
6. "30 Hours" - Kanye West.
Mr. West did it again this year when he dropped his album, "The Life of Pablo."Emmaneul Flemister, sophomore at the University of Kentucky said, "The album's soundtrack has an amazing list of features but no song has a feature that compliments Kanye as well as this one did, with as little as Andre said on this song." I definitely agree with him. This song is perfect for a road trip with your friends! It gets the adrenaline going and sets a positive and vibrant mood.
7. "One Dance" - Drake (feat. Wizkid & Kyla).
Drake dropped his album, "Views," this year that definitely proved his musical talent and showed how he has perfected his craft over the years. This song has a zest of Caribbean flavor and it is perfect for a day at the pool with an ice cold drink and your sunglasses on. The feature of the Nigerian singer, Wizkid, gives the song a taste of Afrobeats, the trending genre of music in West Africa. If you're not playing this song this summer, you need to re-evaluate your choices.
8. "HiiiJack" - SZA.
With all of the festivities going on, it's always nice to set a day or two aside where you can just relax and let your body recuperate. I love playing this song when I'm trying to unwind and find some serenity. SZA has the voice of an angel and the light-flowery sound that this song has, can lift all the weight and pressure off of you. When you find yourself relaxing somewhere outside in the yard, this song will set the perfect mood.
9. "MADEINTYO" - Lemon Peppers.
With summer comes lots of fun nights with old friends from school and friends that you haven't seen in a while and it never fails to turn into a party. This song is one of the newest to come out of the Atlanta hip-hop scene and it gets the party started with the bass-heavy sound and playful beat it possesses. Play this song with your friends and I guarantee you it's going to be a good time!
10. "Summer Madness" - Kool & the Gang.
The iconic Soul and R&B group has produced many albums, and many songs which I am a fan of. However, this song takes the cake in my books. This song is super groovy and does a great job with getting me to slowly sway from side to side in a soulful motion. On a quiet evening on the deck or on the pouch with a glass of lemonade, this song will aid in the relaxation process. The instrumentation is beyond greatness, and the melody and harmony produced just take it away.
This list of jams is surely going to get your summer together and enhance its greatness! Whatever music you choose, make sure it touches your soul and has an effect on your mood. Have an awesome, musical summer lovely people.
