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!
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Classic Western hip-hop tracks recommended for summer (71–80)
Growing PainsLudacris
The Illinois-born rapper Ludacris is also active as an actor and appears as a main cast member in the popular car-action film series The Fast and the Furious.
Many of you may already know him.
Among his classic tracks, the one I recommend for summer is Growing Pains.
It’s a song from his 2001 album Word of Mouf and remains popular among heads even today.
With its chill production, it’s perfect for summer evenings.
Kick PushLupe Fiasco
Kick Push is a classic packed with Chicago rapper Lupe Fiasco’s love for skateboarding.
Over a catchy, cool track, he delivers smooth flow and delivery while firing off lyrics that serve as a kind of antithesis to the anti-skate crowd that treats skaters like troublemakers.
The lyrics also highlight the appeal of skating.
The melody glides as smoothly as skating itself, making it perfect for a sunny, clear day.
Hip Hop HoorayNaughty By Nature
When it comes to songs that combine the cheerfulness and strength of summer, this track surely comes to mind.
Released in December 1992 as a signature song by Naughty by Nature, it expresses love and respect for hip-hop culture.
The chorus chant, “Hey! Ho!”, is memorable, and the melody makes you want to move your body.
It gained huge popularity worldwide, ranking high on the U.
S.
Billboard charts.
The music video, directed by Spike Lee, features many notable figures, including Queen Latifah and 2Pac.
It’s a perfect song for summer drives and parties, and as an iconic 90s hip-hop classic, it remains beloved by many fans today.
Classic Western hip-hop tracks recommended for summer (81–90)
Party Ain’t A PartyQueen Pen
Rapper Queen Pen, known for her glamorous, charismatic style, made a mark especially in the ’90s hip-hop scene.
Among her work, the 1998 release “Party Ain’t a Party” stands out with its memorable hook that repeats the title phrase.
The track features a range of rappers, including Mr.
Cheeks, whose verses blend seamlessly with Queen Pen’s, creating a clear, breezy vibe that feels perfect for summer.
Ice Cream ft. Ghostface Killah, Method Man, CappadonnaRaekwon
Wu-Tang Clan, the hip-hop crew that represents Staten Island, floating in New York Bay.
In their classic track “ICE CREAM,” a song about friendship among the crew, the mic is passed between Raekwon—affectionately known as the Chef—Ghostface Killah with his funky, freaky flow, the ever-smoky Method Man, and Cappadonna.
Over a hard-hitting beat, tense, razor-sharp rhymes fly back and forth in this timeless piece.
Perfect for a hot, humid summer night!
Bad Boyz feat. Barrington LevyShyne
Shyne is active as both a rapper and a politician from Belize, a country located around the Caribbean.
His track “Bad Boyz feat.
Barrington Levy” was released as the lead single from his debut album Shyne, which put his name on the global map.
Being from Central America, his hip-hop strongly reflects reggae influences.
It’s a perfect party song to light up summer nights!
Good TimesStyles p
This hip-hop classic by Styles P gained popularity with a style embraced by hardcore fans, thanks to its richly textured, sample-driven beats.
It’s an invigorating listen, featuring a crisp, refreshing rap flow that makes it perfect for summer as well.