Classic Western hip-hop songs recommended for summer
Hip-hop and summer.
Hip-hop often seems to feature summer as a theme, but surprisingly, there aren’t actually that many hit songs that revolve around it.
So, this time I’ve put together a selection of Western hip-hop tracks perfect for summer!
I’ve picked songs that not only explicitly focus on summer, but also tracks that are beloved overseas as classic summer anthems—choices that fit the season from a variety of angles.
There are old-school classics in the mix too, so if you’re into 90s or 2000s hip-hop, this is a must-check!
- Classic Western songs to listen to in July: summer anthems and popular hits
- [US] Great Hip-Hop Classic
- Classic R&B songs perfect for summer: recommended popular tracks
- A roundup of 90s Western hip-hop: classics from the golden era
- [2025] Recommended popular melancholic summer classics in Western music
- [Latest] Trends in Western Hip-Hop Music [2025]
- [Western Music] Summer songs that were hits in the ’90s: Recommended classics and popular tracks
- Summer songs from Western music that were hits in the 2000s
- [Western music] Classic upbeat hip-hop tracks
- [Hip-Hop Classics] Timeless HIPHOP / Golden Oldies
- A Guide to Western Rap: Introducing Legendary Classics
- [2025 Updated Edition] Western songs to listen to in summer: recommended summer tracks
- Golden age of Western music! Recommended summer songs that were hits in the 80s
Classic Western hip-hop tracks recommended for summer (71–80)
Summer Drop (feat. Anderson .Paak)Cordae
Cordae’s track carries a nostalgic vibe that evokes memories of summer.
Born from a collaboration with Anderson .
Paak, the song features a sound reminiscent of ’90s hip-hop.
Its funky, laid-back feel is perfect for hot summer days.
Produced by J.
Cole, the track was released on August 27, 2024.
As the lead single from Cordae’s forthcoming album “The Crossroads,” it’s sure to raise fans’ expectations.
It’s a comfortable tune you’ll want to play as summer comes to a close—be sure to check it out.
Still D.R.E. ft. Snoop DoggDr. Dre
Dr.
Dre, a former member of the legendary hip-hop group N.
W.
A and a rapper who has produced massive solo hits, has created numerous classics over the years.
Among them, this track featuring Snoop Dogg became an especially big hit.
Released in 1999, it drew attention as Dre’s comeback single and proved to the world that his musical prowess was as strong as ever.
Snoop Dogg’s laid-back yet skillful rap is particularly memorable—be sure to check it out.
Nice For WhatDrake
This hip-hop classic by Drake showcases high-quality rap skills that firmly assert his dominant presence in the mainstream.
Its polished, summer-ready sound offers a sophisticated listen that evokes a fresh, uplifting feeling.
Be FaithfulFatman Scoop
As the name suggests, rapper Fatman Scoop is known for his big-bodied trademark presence.
His 1999 release “Be Faithful” is a slightly unusual hip-hop tune featuring the rap group The Crooklyn Clan.
A repeating main phrase—almost like a guitar riff—loops in the background the entire time, with no major shifts in the song’s structure.
Yet over that, he comes in hard with loud, driving rap, creating a strangely compelling feel on first listen—and once it clicks, your energy shoots way up.
It’s the perfect track to blast when you want to go all out under the summer sun!
Did It FirstIce Spice, Central Cee
Ice Spice, a female rapper from the Bronx.
Her sound, born from the streets of New York, captivates young listeners and doesn’t let go.
This track, which fuses UK drill with Jersey club, is a cool song themed around payback against a cheating partner.
Its simple yet profound lyrics sharply portray modern relationships.
Included on her debut album “Y2K!” released in July 2024, this ambitious piece showcases Ice Spice’s growth.
While tapping into the latest trends in Western pop, it deftly expresses Gen Z emotions—making it a perfect companion for summer drives.
Big Pimpin’ ft. UGKJay Z
Jay-Z, the rapper known as the highest-earning artist in the world, is a deft businessman who has also achieved commercial success in music, delivering hit songs through collaborations with numerous famous singers.
One such collaboration is with UGK, the rap duo recognized as pioneers of Southern rap, on the track “Big Pimpin’ ft.
UGK.” If you like summer-ready, Latin-influenced rap, this one’s a must-check.
Me And My Crazy WorldLost Boyz
Lost Boyz, a hip-hop group from New York, USA.
Their 1997 release “Me and My Crazy World” is a supreme number whose groovy rap instantly cranks up the excitement for summer.
At the same time, the track has an interesting twist, featuring strings and synth tones that sparkle like glass beads.
The quirky, story-driven music video—so characteristic of the ’90s—is also worth checking out, so why not watch it together with the song?