Summer season is a time for warm weather, sunny days, and universal Black BBQ cookouts across the country. The Black cookout is a celebration of holiday reunions, soul food, cousins who argue at the spades table, and of course, great music. Here’s a Black cookout playlist that is filled with songs that will make you smile from old memories while you look to create new ones.
Frankie Beverly & Maze “Before I Let Go”
It should be noted that the first six second beat of this song with lead singer Frankie Beverly’s high vocal “Whooooooooaaaaaaa!!!!!,” note serves as a universal roll call for all at the cookout to unite and dance. The love within this classic is so strong that it’s enough to bring two beefin’ aunties together for their favorite line dance routine.
Anderson .Paak “Am I Wrong”
Crystal Waters “Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless)”
TLC “Baby, Baby, Baby”
WARNING: This song has been known to carry enough emotional nostalgia to make one go 45 minutes deep within the search engine of Facebook looking for their long lost middle-school crush.
The Carters “Nice”
Zhane “Hey Mr DJ”
DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince “Summertime”
There are two known facts in life when it comes to this Hip-Hop first sign of Spring/Summer track:
- “Summertime” is a timeless classic
- Anyone who disagrees has no soul and they prefer to eat their grits cold.
The Internet featuring Kaytranada “Girl”
Chubb Rock “Just the two of Us”
This song does not only shine because of sensational lyricism but it’s true genius of having a great chorus that nobody understands.
Sean Paul “Temperature”
Tony! Toni! Tone! “Me and You”
Mark Morrison “Return of The Mack”
Long before “Likes” and “Views” the only way to get revenge on an EX who did you dirty was to pull up in a brand new car wearing Gucci dark shades while they stood at the bus stop and say “Oh, hey, I didn’t see you there,” then burn rubber once the light turns green before they’re able to respond.
Brandy “Baby”
Jade “Don’t Walk Away”
Beyoncé “Before I Let Go” (Homecoming edition)
Only a legend like Beyoncé can step up to challenge a legendary song and although this latest version is nowhere near an improvement of its predecessor, that doesn’t stop Queen Bey from creating millions of viral moments on Instagram of people doing the bunny hop dance. Why? Because Beyoncé said so that’s why!!!
