DJ Jazzy Jeff & Mick Boogie's Summertime: The Mixtape
Mixed by two great DJs, this album contains hit after hit from any soul, hip-hip, and R&B summer song you could think of, ranging from Kool & The Gang's Summer Madness to Ice Cube's It Was a Good Day to Pharcyde & Sublime's Summertime to Carl Thomas's Summer Rain. Each track is roughly 1-2 minutes long allowing for a true DJed vibe, one song scratched seamlessly into the next. Enjoy in the car, beach, cookout, or just in the house.
Nas' Illmatic
Every summer needs a classic album, and Illmatic is an undisputedly great record. From the Tri-State or not, N.Y. State of Mind will put you in one. With high caliber 90s lyricism and outstanding beats, you won't be able to stop listening. Even when the topic is serious, Nas finds a way to keep it light and uplifting. Play this while in the crib or rolling around the city.
Lauryn Hill's Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Consider this album your summer school, but a completely enjoyable one about what love really is. Much like Nas, Ms Hill knows how to deliver her message and not bore you. Her genre bending of R&B, Soul, Reggae, Hip-Hop, and Gospel is impeccable and to be envied. Every song has it's own unique sound, guaranteed to keep you entertained. Every head at the cookout will love this, and of course it's great in the car.
Maxwell's BLACKsummers'night
You know I had to throw a little soul in there, and Maxwell is just the man for the job. And with "summer" in the album's title, this joint immediately came to mind. With a distinct voice and smooth instrumentals, this record well ease the thug in you and put some love in your soul. This is perfect for those late night alone with your beau... between the sheets.
One of Hov's most looked over but greatest albums, this album will without a doubt make you feel like a certified G. Drawing inspiration from the film of the same name, Shawn Carter becomes Frank Lucas in the booth. The album was released just before the winter; you can feel the cool breeze seep from your speakers. Blast this in your Caddy and receive head nods a-plenty.
Luke O'Brien's The Dopeness
Despite not being well known, this is the first album I associated with summer and the first that landed on this list. Lead rapper of A Cool Stick, Luke produces a solid solo album. Like American Gangster, The Dopeness is influenced by the Wackness, a movie that expands one boy's summer before he starts college. Every track is smooth and includes great lyricism. I cannot even begin to explain how much I love this album. Perfect in the car or hanging with the boys.
Drake's So Far Gone
If you don't love this album, you're a damn liar. This mixtape ruled the summer of 09, and will continue to rule every summer after it for a time to come. Great lyrics, great samples, great composition. This mixtape is easily the best thing Drake has dropped. It's a masterpiece, and I don't care if I seem like I'm dick riding. Play this anywhere, but especially at a cookout just before the old head dance party commences.
You know I had to include some white boy music, so why not go with the whitest of the white. Using Afro-beat inspired sounds, VW manages to blend in their own preppy sound perfectly. Fun and high paced, this album will have you everywhere between toe tapping and flailing around without fail. The beach with a giant bonfire is the best atmosphere for this music.
Common's Be
Last but not least, we have one of the Chicagoan emcee's greatest albums. Ranging from lines about "being faithful to the end" to "telling 'em fuck 'em like I do the police," this record has something for everyone. Produced mostly by Kanye West, the album will have you bumping. Let this blast at your crib or your car.
There you have it. A little something for your eardrums
to keep 'em pleased all summer long. Enjoy.
Word.
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