Classic Western hip-hop songs recommended for summer

AnacondaNicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj – Anaconda

The intensely provocative lyrics that weaponize her physical allure to tease men are absolutely striking.

This is a work released in August 2014 by Nicki Minaj, an artist from Trinidad and Tobago who cemented her position as a leading female rapper.

Included on the acclaimed album “The Pinkprint,” the track boldly reconstructs a male-perspective song through sampling into a piece where a woman actively flaunts her sexuality.

It was so extreme that it was even banned from being played in certain regions.

The music video shocked the world, surpassing 100 million views in just 11 days after its release.

When you want to express yourself with confidence, why not surrender to the powerful beat of this track?

I Said What I SaidDrumma Boy, Ludacris, Snow Tha Product

Drumma Boy – I Said What I Said ft Ludacris & Snow Tha Product [Official Lyric Video]

Music producer Drama Boy, female rapper Snow Tha Product, and Ludacris, a rapper who was hugely popular during a period of the hip-hop scene.

Their star-studded trio created the classic track “I Said What I Said.” The beat is modern trap, but Ludacris’s tight rhymes and flow instantly bring back the vibe of the 2000s hip-hop era.

Good LifeKanye West

Kanye West – Good Life ft. T-Pain

This is a song released in 2007 by Chicago-born rapper Kanye West.

The track drew attention at the time for sampling Michael Jackson’s classic “P.

Y.

T.” It even entered the charts before its official release, and its achievements were recognized with a Grammy Award.

The anime-style music video is also highly detailed, and it’s fun to look out for Michael Jackson’s appearance somewhere in the visuals.

It’s a refreshing track that’s perfect for summer—great to both listen to and watch.

The LightCommon

Common – The Light

LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE is a timeless classic by Common, the rapper from Chicago, USA.

Among its tracks, THE LIGHT shines especially bright: built on a J Dilla beat that samples Bobby Caldwell’s beloved song, it’s a gem where Common’s brilliant lyrics showcase a pure, straightforward love.

If you’re looking to feel fresh, positive vibes this summer, don’t miss it!

WAIT FOR U ft. Drake, TemsFUTURE

Future – WAIT FOR U (Official Music Video) ft. Drake, Tems

One of the rappers who represents the American hip-hop scene, Future is a heavyweight you always see on the charts, with numerous hit songs to his name.

Among his works, a track I especially recommend for summer is “WAIT FOR U” featuring Drake and Tems.

Teaming up with the hugely popular rapper Drake and R&B singer Tems, the song has an overall downcast, mellow vibe.

If you’re looking to cool off with music during the hot summer, this is a must-listen!

Temperature’s RisingMobb Deep

Mobb Deep – Temperature’s Rising

A hip-hop classic by Mobb Deep that delivers a refined underground sound geared toward connoisseurs, with hardcore rhymes and a rugged, no-nonsense beat.

Its cool, summer-ready vibe is sure to elevate your mood.

Drop It Like It’s HotSnoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg – Drop It Like It’s Hot (Official Music Video) ft. Pharrell Williams

Snoop Dogg’s classic “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” released in 2004, is the song that propelled him to global fame.

It was composed by the multi-artist Pharrell, who later recorded the mega-hit “Happy.” When Pharrell went to the studio to make a track for Snoop at the time, it’s said that the Crips, a famous Los Angeles gang, were waiting for him.

They supposedly told him, “Make a great song for Snoop Dogg,” but the intense atmosphere overwhelmed him, leading to a harder-edged track (lol).

By the way, because the song is so well known, it’s often played at BBQs in the U.

S.