Summer Playlist- Tyler Cooney

I’m sure at some point during this summer, you and your family, or maybe some friends too, will be heading to the beach. I can probably, honestly say the same about myself, and even though I’m not the biggest fan of the beach, I know that good music always helps to lift my mood. However, there is a certain type of atmosphere that needs to be created with music at the beach, especially in a group of people. Since I mostly only know hip-hop and R&B, this playlist will consist entirely of songs from those two subgenres. Here are ten songs that could possibly slide right into your summer playlist:

1. “Childs Play” by Drake

This song just exudes summertime vibes. The upbeat tempo and Drake’s smooth rapping are perfect whenever your friend hands you the aux cord. This song is almost guaranteed to lift the mood, no matter if it’s raining cats and dogs or sunny and 100 degrees.

2. “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve put this song on in the car, at the beach, with friends, at a party, or really anywhere. This song is perfect for just about any occasion where there is a group of young people. While the lyrics may not be all sunshine and rainbows, the hook is infectious and it is sure to aid in having a good time.

3. “Magnolia” by Playboi Carti

Off his debut album, this smash hit is another upbeat song that almost everyone can vibe with. The bass is hard-hitting and, similar to the previous songs, the hook is infectious and could leave people singing along to it at any given moment.

4. “Till The End” by Logic

For me, I may be a bit biased towards this song, but it has always reminded me of summertime, no matter what time of year it is when I play it. Another happy and upbeat song, Logic spits bars for almost 5 minutes, and while there is no chorus, the sample is enough to get people going.

5. “m y . l i f e (with 21 Savage and Morray)” by J. Cole

Off of his most recent mixtape, “The Off-Season”, J. Cole slides this anthem into the third-track slot. With both Cole and 21 Savages having two of the best verses in 2021, and an awesome hook from Morray, this track has everything one could want to get people up and going.

6. “Passionfruit” by Drake

While this song has a different feel from the rest- more of a chill, relaxing kind of vibe- Drake still manages to make another smash-hit summer record. His smooth singing and rapping over a tropical beat sets the tone for the song. Also, it’s Drake, would you expect anything less?

7. “Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weeknd

This billboard-topping hit from 2015 will always have a spot in most summer playlists, as the Michael Jackson-esque voice that The Weeknd produces will always flow smoothly over this beat. It is perfect for any time of day, but mostly at night. There is a reason that this song spent dozens of weeks on the radio and on billboards.

8. “B****, Don’t Kill My Vibe” by Kendrick Lamar

Perhaps, in some people’s eyes, the best rapper of the modern generation, Kendrick Lamar has had his fair share of hits. This song is no different. There is a certain aura that this song gives off, time after time, and I must say that it never gets old. This will surely entertain a bunch of people if you turn this one on.

9. “Good Life” by Kanye West and T-Pain

The fifth track off the 2007 album “Graduation” from Kanye West, it proves to show its worth, and why it is praised so highly. Every time I hear this song, it brings me back to when I was a little kid, and when my cousins would have this song blasting on the boat speakers. For sure, a must have on your summer playlist.

10. “SICKO MODE” by Travis Scott and Drake

Do I really need to explain? The third track off the 2018 album from Scott, “ASTROWORLD”, features two of the world’s biggest artists, and was the number one song in the world for dozens of weeks. Any time this song is played, there is a little extra something in the air.