Every summer as a kid I can distinctly remember three things…
- All the fun I could fathom- I’m talking swimming, street lights coming on later, video games, food, a road trip here and there. Seeing all the family I love and sometimes despise seeing.
- It was hot; I can’t name a Dallas summer that didn’t live in the triple digits, even the summers I spent at my grandparents in the country or with my father in Kansas City. If the sun didn’t make it hot the grills and the movement and just the day was filled with enough energy that it got there.
- MUSIC, no matter what location I was in or where I found myself the one thing my body always found was music. From the ‘you don’t know nothing about this’, to the hottest summer singles, to classics that are not to be forgotten and everything in between.
So when I think of the hottest part of the year the things that keep me cool, included and are not limited to fish fries, BBQ, cold drinks (as my NOLA family calls it), and tons of music from the oldies all the way up to the latest and greatest.
So this summer let’s have fun, laugh, smile, shoot your shot at the cutie, and definitely make the most of every day.
Here are your summer must have’s; with some, you may be like ‘come on, I know this already’, but I got a few ‘YOU DON’T KNOW NOTHING BOUT THESE JOINTS’ too.
JUST ENJOY IT.
The Silk Canvas album by VanJess came out last year, but this duo from the UK has been around for a good minute. I remember watching their mash-up videos on YOUTUBE. Now they are out and making hits. They have toured with the likes of Masego and feature both him and GoldLink on their album. They make music that is perfect to cruise to or simply lay up on a Sunday afternoon.
VanJess – Silk Canvas
As sultry and as smooth as summer should be, this album has enticing lyrics, sultry melodies, and some unique instrumentation, not to mention a xylophone. Now I know that might seem minor, but that alone makes me love that particular song off their album.
My top 3:
HoneyWheat
Easy
Addicted
Anderson Paak at this point can do no wrong and Ventura his 4th studio album is proof that he is bringing back what music has been lacking in the last decade or so. True dance music, not just the instructional dance music, the kind where you can bop your head to, tap your foot, or just get up and groove. His west coast electronic influence paired with his joy for implementing snares, horns, and just fresh instrumentation makes his MUSIC GROOVY BABY. In only 11 songs, you get musicality, subtle lyricism, and nostalgic classic vibes. I promise he can keep the grill going and everybody playing spades (or my family’s fav BidWhist) or bones happy. Kids will run, and the grown folks get to do what they typically do. This album is smooth. Along with that Anderson works with some of the best vocally talented people we have to offer from Smokey to The Vocal Bible and even finding a way to get Nate Dogg vocals GENIUS…
Anderson.Paak – Ventura
Top 3:
Come Home ft. Andre 3000
Reachin’ 2 Much feat. Lalah Hathaway
King James
If you didn’t already know, well not only is J. Cole talented himself his Dreamville team has firepower, production, lyricism, and concepts, but the First Lady of Dreamville, Ms. Ari Lennox just dropped the Shea Butter Baby album that will moisturize your skin, inflate your bank account, and help you glow UP! From melodic tunes to subtle post credit scripts that are hysterical and informative, she speaks and it sticks, she is accountable and it’s sexy. Last but not least, she says what she wants and by all means, she can get every single desire. Her voice ripples over her production, especially on her opening ballad Chicago Boy. Her confidence and assertiveness are not for the weak, but her truth is what makes this entire production a hit. But if you are solely stuck on her single Shea Butter Baby that she did for Rocky 8- I mean Creed 2 (same thing), you will be happy to know that it’s even more beautifully organic and natural headwrap melodies throughout her entire 12-song album.
Ari Lennox – Shea Butter Baby
Top 3:
BMO
New Apartment
Up Late
Summer is a time of freedom and fun; it’s a season of blessings and wisdom. I love hearing refreshing music especially from a new artist, so to listen to music that has a timeless sound, you can never go wrong. Devin Morrison does just that with his 2019 debut album Bussin’ , which feels like a summer of BAEcation, Money Deposits, Great Concerts, and Beautiful Sunsets and Sunrises. In 11 songs, he has something for you to live every ounce of your best life. The album is moving forward, growing, and not looking back for a single soul. He jams out and kicks backs, where you can whip up a late night meal or hop in the car and take a cruise after the sun sets to get to a wonderful nightscape.
I look forward to more music by Devin Morrison.
Devin Morrison – Bussin’
Top 3:
No
Love Yourself
Bussin’
Genius and more UK R&B but hey, they have a hot hand! So lets set the record straight Etta Bond is the real deal and her dual EP collaboration He’ Mine and He’s Not Mine is not a Brandy Norwood ballad featuring Monica. No, it’s two separate sides to companionship and commitment on one hand, and she is single and flourishing on the other hand. She has moments where belonging to someone is her ultimate desire. She balances both with catchy singles and visuals, and her low cut is so fitting. I love her sound and look. She is truly someone to keep an eye out for. Even the contrast in the album covers tells of her tale between both circumstances.
Etta Bond – He’s Mine EP & He’s Not Mine EP
Top 6:
Shorny
NGAF
Let Me Hit It
Emotional
More Than A Lover
Love Myself
This summer cool off, relax by the pool, and catch some good music. If you have any lowkey songs, artist, and or albums sharing is caring….
– J. Hall
About J. Hall
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