Back in the day: 25 R&B and hip hop classics that remind you of summer

A cookout or beach playlist is never complete without the hit single “Summertime” by DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince. The song may have been released 30 years ago, but it’s one of those timeless tracks that are easily identifiable from the first line saying, “Drums please!” So be sure to grab a drink and catch some rays because "Summertime" is all about allowing people to sit back and unwind. 

If you’ve ever heard someone say, “It feels like Amerie weather today,” they’re referencing the singer’s debut single, “Why Don’t We Fall In Love.” Not only are listeners drawn in by the horn and bass sounds, but the video makes people feel giddy like on the first day of summer. As Amerie takes a walk through her neighborhood, sees kids playing basketball, and strolls her way through the park, the video feels like a chill and laid-back summer day.

The video for 2Pac’s “I Get Around” is the ultimate pool party session. It basically makes any viewer want to chill at a nice mansion in the hills, invite their close friends, eat good food, and of course jump in the pool. “I Get Around” was released in June 1993, so it was definitely the song to play at all summer parties.

Although The Gap Band’s “Outstanding” was released during the fall season, it’s still one of those tracks that is played at summer parties. For old-school music lovers, it’s the perfect combination of R&B, soul, and funk that is sure to get anyone to do a little two-step. 

The summertime is typically a popular season for traveling to a nice beach getaway. Snoop Dogg and Pharrell made that move in their video for “Beautiful,” in which the two see the lovely sights and people of Rio de Janeiro. If people didn’t know much about Brazil before, this video made people want to explore the country a lot more. 

Rick Ross is known for making listeners want to live a life of luxury. He does just that on his hit single “Aston Martin Music,” alongside Drake and Chrisette Michele. When Michele starts the song with, “Vibin' to the music, this is how we do it all night / Breezin' down the freeway just me and my baby in our ride,” the lyrics alongside the breezy production make for enjoying a warm day while riding in a luxurious automobile.

Sisqo’s breakthrough solo hit “Thong Song” may have been released in the winter of 2000, but by the summertime, it was heard across beaches and yacht parties everywhere. The video shows the Dru Hill frontman in full Sisqo form—metallic hair and acrobatic dance moves while being surrounded by scantily clad women on the beach.

After Nelly had massive success with his debut album Country Grammar, fans wondered how the St. Louis native would attempt to outdo it with his sophomore effort. When he released his follow-up album Nellyville, one of his most popular singles to date is The Neptunes-produced track “Hot in Herre.” The music video is the perfect example of how hot and steamy it could get while dancing in a club.

During the ‘90s, rappers were adamant about using soul and funk samples from the old school eras. This was evident when Ice Cube sampled The Isley Brothers’ “Footsteps in the Dark” on his hit single “It Was a Good Day.” The simplicity of the video shows how a good day is enjoying some of the simple things in life, from hanging out with friends to playing dominoes, to watching a basketball game.

The Butterfly era of Mariah Carey is when fans got to see more of the singer’s sensual and sexier side. Her hit single “Honey” is a fun-loving track produced by Diddy and Stevie J. As the video shows Carey jet skiing and frolicking on a beach, it’s definitely a summer staple.

The early 2000s was a great time for R&B and hip-hop, especially when the genres saw a lot of crossover. Jagged Edge teamed up with Nelly on their hit single “Where the Party At,” making it one of the group’s biggest singles to date. The video is filled with the group members making their way across the beach, as women are lounging in the sun, getting tans, and enjoying libations.

Ashanti, also known as the princess of Murder Inc., dominated the R&B airwaves in the early 2000s. Her hit single “Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)” reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. In the video, Ashanti is dawning the perfect tan as she galavants on the beach with her boyfriend, making for a perfect summer day. 

If you’re attending a ‘90s party, there is a strong chance you would hear Mark Morrison’s “Return of the Mack.” Hate it or love it, but DJs can get any audience hype when this song is played.

By 2003, Beyoncé was already a household name since her days with Destiny’s Child and people were curious how she would fair as a solo artist. Fans got to see it first hand when she released her solo single “Crazy In Love” alongside Jay-Z. It was the start of Beyoncé having a hold on fans always willing to break out her video choreography at any given moment.

Diddy has praised himself as being a remix king, so it was only right when released his album We Invented the Remix. As a sequel to his part one hit with Usher, he decided to release “I Need a Girl (Part Two)” alongside Ginuwine, Loon, and Mario Winans. It gave the single a fresh dance-heavy production in comparison to the first version.

Sometimes a summer party requires the perfect anthem for women. That’s where Lil’ Kim’s “Not Tonight” comes in as she recruits Da Brat, Angie Martinez, Missy Elliott, and Left Eye for the assist. The video is perfect as the ladies gather to be wined and dined, waited on hand and foot, and simply party with their fellow friends.

The video for Jay-Z's “Big Pimpin’” is all about living it up while partying on a yacht. It's the epitome of having a good time—inviting all your friends, dancing, smoking cigars, and sipping libations while sailing the cerulean blue seas.

Estelle reached mainstream status when she collaborated with Kanye West on her hit single, “American Boy.” The infectious beat produced by will.i.am is perfect for getting people to the dance floor.

Zhané’s “Hey Mr. DJ” is the song you expect to hear for any weekend turnup. Whether you call your friends to attend a house party or a night out at the club, “Hey Mr. DJ” is all about the DJ playing your favorite tune to keep you dancing.

“Mo Money, Mo Problems” may have been released in 1997, but it’s still an anthem to this day. Diddy, a.k.a. Puff Daddy, knows how to bring the best out of artists he works with. This was no different as The Notorious B.I.G. and Mase trade verses and the video gave quite the fashion statement as it had people wanting to adorn themselves in shiny suits.

It's when fans hear Janet Jackson sing her famous line, "Like a moth to a flame burned by the fire / My love is blind, can't you see my desire?" that puts them into a trance. The smooth sounds of Jackson's "That's The Way Love Goes" is a mid-tempo groove that is fitting for a listener's chill summer mood. 

There was a time when a hook from the late Nate Dogg was the icing on the cake for a hit song. It was no different when Nate was recruited by Ludacris on the rapper's hit song, “Area Codes.” The song gives the sense of being able to fly anywhere, meet up with people, and have a good time.

Although LL Cool J's hit song "Loungin (Who Do Ya Luv)" is mainly about the rapper telling a woman that he can treat her better than her current man, the video also showcases a massive block party. Since the song was released during the summer of '96, it was sure to be heard at many parties and kickbacks.

For music listeners that love classic hip-hop, radio station 93.5 KDAY is a staple for Los Angeles listeners. One song that is sure to be in the rotation is The Dove Shack’s hit track “Summertime in the LBC.” In the video, the crew is seen hanging out at a park, eating BBQ, and drinking some fine beverages. The song probably didn’t get much play outside of California, but it’s a definite summer playlist addition. 

From the breezy Tim & Bob production, Bobby V.’s debut single “Slow Down” was a smooth contender for song of the summer in 2005. The video shows Bobby taking in the sights of Los Angeles when a woman catches his eye. “Slow Down” is the type of song when people are hoping to find a little summer love.