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 songs recommended for summer (21–30)
WAIT FOR U ft. Drake, TemsFUTURE
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!
I Said What I SaidDrumma Boy, Ludacris, Snow Tha Product
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.
Pump It UpJoe Budden
A hip-hop classic by Joe Budden that presents a texture as a work whose vocal style—incorporating reggae flow as an essence—trickily resonates with the heart.
With a comfortable listen that elevates the mood, it offers a mellow ease perfect for summer as well.
Drop It Like It’s HotSnoop Dogg
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.
Good LifeKanye West
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.