(Editor’s note: Fourth of July sets off BBQ season. Actually, Memorial Day does, but, with climate change, you never know these days. At any rate, as you know, every BBQ needs some jams. This isn’t even close to an exhaustive list, but EIC Vince Thomas and deputy editor Khalid Salaam have a few joints that you’d do well to add to your BBQ playlists.)
“Summertime” — DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince
VINCE: This is the summer BBQ Jam standard for an entire genertion.
“Summertime In The LBC” — Dove Shack
The Dove Shack – Summertime in the LBC by FlyestOne
KHALID: The most slept-on great summertime song ever.
“One More Chance” Remix — Biggie Smalls
KHALID: If you don’t play this, what’s the point of even having music playing at all?
“Selfish” — Slum Village (ft. Kanye West and John Legend)
VINCE: It’s all about the keys.
“1 Thing”– Amerie
KHALID: For a second there, Amerie had the R&B game by the balls.
“Before I Let Go” — Frankie Beverly and Maze
VINCE: Especially if Baby Boomers are present.
“Step In The Name Of Love”– R.Kelly
KHALID: A classic, even by classic standards. Will have people who don’t even dance, trying to “step.”
“Fancy” — Drake
VINCE: For the ladies.
“Doggy Dogg World” — Snoop Dogg (ft. The Dogg Pound)
VINCE: For the new school groovers and crooners.
“Wanna Be Startin’ Something” — Michael Jackson
KHALID: Mike was angry and confrontational on this joint, while at the same time kept his usual pop sentiment. A top five MJ song and in the conversation for his best ever.
“Can’t Knock The Hustle” — Jay-Z (ft. Mary J. Blige)
VINCE: Find the edited version and this can entertain three generations.
“Round and Round (Merry Go ‘Round of Love” — Guy
VINCE: New Jack Swingin’ ‘n thangs.
“Lady” — D’Angelo
VINCE: For the couples. Breezy and romantic. It’s gutter too, though.
“International Player’s Anthem”– UGK/OutKast
KHALID: I wouldn’t trust anyone who didn’t like this song.
