Throwing a backyard BBQ party? Kicking back by the pool? You need the right music to soundtrack the event. If hip-hop is your speed, then you want the right mix of warmth, nostalgia, and surprise. Fire up the grill and turn up the music to this hip-hop BBQ playlist.
Camp Lo - “Coolie High”
Arista
Camp Lo’s “Uptown Saturday Night” had no shortage of warm tunes, but this is a sure go-to when you’re trying to add a slice of soul to the party.
Raekwon - “Ice Cream”
Loud Records
A great warm weather song from Raekwon’s “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx”. Don’t play this one at your BBQ if you plan on inviting your mom…unless, of course, she’s a staunch Wu-Tang fan.
DJ Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince - “Summertime”
Jive
“Summertime” is, well, the ultimate summer rap song. No summer/BBQ playlist list is complete without Will Smith and Jazzy Jeff’s smooth jam.
A Tribe Called Quest - “Can I Kick It?”
Jive
This Tribe special has only grown sweeter since the 90s. Fire this one up to promote crowd participation at your party. Can I kick it? Yes, you certainly can.
OutKast - “Spottiedopaliscious”
LaFace
“Her neck was smelling sweeter than a plate of yams with extra syrup,” raps Big Boi on “Spottieottiedopalicious.” And this one is definitely sweet enough to evoke swoons and a tinge of nostalgia.
Showbiz & AG - “Next Level”
Payday
Every BBQ playlist needs an element of surprise. “Next Level” is surely one of those songs that will have people going, “Oh yeah, I haven’t heard this in a while.”
Blackstreet - “No Diggity”
Interscope
Teddy Riley and ’nem swaggering all over a flirty beat. Dr. Dre spitting his most innocuous rhymes ever. Ah, the glory days when people said things like “No diggity.” What’s not to love?
The Notorious B.I.G. - “Big Poppa”
Bad Boy
With this masterfully composed party rap song, Biggie testifies about his fantasy of kicking it with some fly ladies and a T-Bone steak, while smoking in the jacuzzi.
Juvenile - “Slow Motion”
Jemal Countess/Getty
Ideal for the slow, bump and grind segment of your party. When this comes on, watch out for the freaks.
UGK - “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)”
Rick Diamond/Getty
This is just perfect for everything. Pool parties, BBQ parties, weddings, Bar Mitzvahs. Everything. But be careful – “Int’l Players Anthem” will have your guests doing their best Willie Hutch impression, going “I-i-i-i I chooose you, bae.”
Kanye West - “Good Life”
Peter Kramer/Getty
Kanye West and T-Pain bring you to a place where life is good whether “you broke or rich.” One of the highlights from Yeezy’s “Graduation” LP.
Ice Cube - “It Was a Good Day”
Priority
The music video shows Ice Cube rolling through an unusually peaceful day in South Central L.A. The song is exactly 4:20 in length. #coincidence? #methinksnot
Nelly - “Country Grammar”
Universal
Don’t front like Nelly didn’t have the game in a chokehold for 8 months straight. “Country Grammar” is a reminder of the era of rap-singing and left-eye bandaid.
Coolio - “Fantastic Voyage”
Tommy Boy Records
“Fantastic Voyage” is one of Coolio’s better songs not named “Gangsta’s Paradise.” It’s a fun song to bop to, or simply eat potato salad to.
Sugarhill Gang - “Rapper’s Delight”
Sugar Hill
Sometimes you just need a little dash of hip-hop history to go with your BBQ party. For that, simply walk through the legs of Rapper’s Delight bravely into the past. A landmark song so historically essential, it’s preserved by the US Library of Congress.
Ludacris - “Growing Pains”
Scott Gries/Getty
A great tale of survival meets a great summer song. When the going gets tough, just eat some beef ribs.
The Fugees - “Fu-gee-la”
Ruffhouse
A simple but powerful hit single from The Fugees’ sophomore smash album. Before you know it, “Fu-gee-la” is taking over your guests’ bodies and making them move to the rhythm.
Q-Tip - “Life is Better” (Ft. Norah Jones)
Jason Kempin/Getty
A pillow-smooth jazz number from Q-Tip’s "The Renaissance". This is also a great choice if your guests are new to hip-hop.
2Pac - “I Get Around”
Interscope
“Weekends were made for Michelob” raps Digital Underground’s Money B, echoing the vintage beer jingle. Even if you don’t give a whit about Michelob or weekend grilling, you’ll still enjoy this tune on any day of the week.
Nappy Roots - “Po Folks”
Atlantic
Perfect for those sunny days when you want to kick back and reminisce about humble beginnings.
Rehab - “Lawn Chair High”
Attica Sound
Your idea of a party is sitting in the carport, looking down the driveway and watching cars go by? That’s alright, too. It’s not exactly clear which grass they’re rapping about, but who gives a flyin’ paraplegic chicken?
Bubba Sparxxx - “Deliverance”
Beat Club
What’s more relaxing than Sunday morning poetry set to the folky grooviness of Bubba Sparxxx and Timbaland? Blue-eyed rap never sounded so soulful.
Scarface - “On My Block”
Def Jam
In the vein of Ice Cube’s “It Was a Good Day,” Scarface takes us on a journey through his hood in H-town, TX where “everything is everything fo sheezy.” “On My Block” is ultimately about loyalty and friendship, which is what BBQ parties are all about.
David Banner - “Cadillac on 22s”
SRC
David Banner literally put Mississippi on his back. He tattooed his home state on his back and titled his first album "Mississippi: The Album". Most people know Banner for like “Like a Pimp,” but tucked away in the middle of the same album is “Cadillac on 22s,” a stirring warning about the dangerous streets of Mississippi.
Kendrick Lamar - “The Recipe”
Theo Wargo/Getty
A bonus track from “good kid, m.A.A.d city,” “The Recipe” finds Kendrick Lamar and Dr. Dre paying tribute to the triumvirate of the West Coast’s tourist attractions: women, weed, and weather.
Throwing a backyard BBQ party? Kicking back by the pool? You need the right music to soundtrack the event. If hip-hop is your speed, then you want the right mix of warmth, nostalgia, and surprise. Fire up the grill and turn up the music to this hip-hop BBQ playlist.
Camp Lo - “Coolie High”
Arista
Camp Lo’s “Uptown Saturday Night” had no shortage of warm tunes, but this is a sure go-to when you’re trying to add a slice of soul to the party.
Raekwon - “Ice Cream”
Loud Records
A great warm weather song from Raekwon’s “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx”. Don’t play this one at your BBQ if you plan on inviting your mom…unless, of course, she’s a staunch Wu-Tang fan.
DJ Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince - “Summertime”
Jive
“Summertime” is, well, the ultimate summer rap song. No summer/BBQ playlist list is complete without Will Smith and Jazzy Jeff’s smooth jam.
A Tribe Called Quest - “Can I Kick It?”
Jive
This Tribe special has only grown sweeter since the 90s. Fire this one up to promote crowd participation at your party. Can I kick it? Yes, you certainly can.
OutKast - “Spottiedopaliscious”
LaFace
“Her neck was smelling sweeter than a plate of yams with extra syrup,” raps Big Boi on “Spottieottiedopalicious.” And this one is definitely sweet enough to evoke swoons and a tinge of nostalgia.
Showbiz & AG - “Next Level”
Payday
Every BBQ playlist needs an element of surprise. “Next Level” is surely one of those songs that will have people going, “Oh yeah, I haven’t heard this in a while.”
Blackstreet - “No Diggity”
Interscope
Teddy Riley and ’nem swaggering all over a flirty beat. Dr. Dre spitting his most innocuous rhymes ever. Ah, the glory days when people said things like “No diggity.” What’s not to love?
The Notorious B.I.G. - “Big Poppa”
Bad Boy
With this masterfully composed party rap song, Biggie testifies about his fantasy of kicking it with some fly ladies and a T-Bone steak, while smoking in the jacuzzi.
Juvenile - “Slow Motion”
Jemal Countess/Getty
Ideal for the slow, bump and grind segment of your party. When this comes on, watch out for the freaks.
UGK - “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)”
Rick Diamond/Getty
This is just perfect for everything. Pool parties, BBQ parties, weddings, Bar Mitzvahs. Everything. But be careful – “Int’l Players Anthem” will have your guests doing their best Willie Hutch impression, going “I-i-i-i I chooose you, bae.”
Kanye West - “Good Life”
Peter Kramer/Getty
Kanye West and T-Pain bring you to a place where life is good whether “you broke or rich.” One of the highlights from Yeezy’s “Graduation” LP.
Ice Cube - “It Was a Good Day”
Priority
The music video shows Ice Cube rolling through an unusually peaceful day in South Central L.A. The song is exactly 4:20 in length. #coincidence? #methinksnot
Nelly - “Country Grammar”
Universal
Don’t front like Nelly didn’t have the game in a chokehold for 8 months straight. “Country Grammar” is a reminder of the era of rap-singing and left-eye bandaid.
Coolio - “Fantastic Voyage”
Tommy Boy Records
“Fantastic Voyage” is one of Coolio’s better songs not named “Gangsta’s Paradise.” It’s a fun song to bop to, or simply eat potato salad to.
Sugarhill Gang - “Rapper’s Delight”
Sugar Hill
Sometimes you just need a little dash of hip-hop history to go with your BBQ party. For that, simply walk through the legs of Rapper’s Delight bravely into the past. A landmark song so historically essential, it’s preserved by the US Library of Congress.
Ludacris - “Growing Pains”
Scott Gries/Getty
A great tale of survival meets a great summer song. When the going gets tough, just eat some beef ribs.
The Fugees - “Fu-gee-la”
Ruffhouse
A simple but powerful hit single from The Fugees’ sophomore smash album. Before you know it, “Fu-gee-la” is taking over your guests’ bodies and making them move to the rhythm.
Q-Tip - “Life is Better” (Ft. Norah Jones)
Jason Kempin/Getty
A pillow-smooth jazz number from Q-Tip’s "The Renaissance". This is also a great choice if your guests are new to hip-hop.
2Pac - “I Get Around”
Interscope
“Weekends were made for Michelob” raps Digital Underground’s Money B, echoing the vintage beer jingle. Even if you don’t give a whit about Michelob or weekend grilling, you’ll still enjoy this tune on any day of the week.
Nappy Roots - “Po Folks”
Atlantic
Perfect for those sunny days when you want to kick back and reminisce about humble beginnings.
Rehab - “Lawn Chair High”
Attica Sound
Your idea of a party is sitting in the carport, looking down the driveway and watching cars go by? That’s alright, too. It’s not exactly clear which grass they’re rapping about, but who gives a flyin’ paraplegic chicken?
Bubba Sparxxx - “Deliverance”
Beat Club
What’s more relaxing than Sunday morning poetry set to the folky grooviness of Bubba Sparxxx and Timbaland? Blue-eyed rap never sounded so soulful.
Scarface - “On My Block”
Def Jam
In the vein of Ice Cube’s “It Was a Good Day,” Scarface takes us on a journey through his hood in H-town, TX where “everything is everything fo sheezy.” “On My Block” is ultimately about loyalty and friendship, which is what BBQ parties are all about.
David Banner - “Cadillac on 22s”
SRC
David Banner literally put Mississippi on his back. He tattooed his home state on his back and titled his first album "Mississippi: The Album". Most people know Banner for like “Like a Pimp,” but tucked away in the middle of the same album is “Cadillac on 22s,” a stirring warning about the dangerous streets of Mississippi.
Kendrick Lamar - “The Recipe”
Theo Wargo/Getty
A bonus track from “good kid, m.A.A.d city,” “The Recipe” finds Kendrick Lamar and Dr. Dre paying tribute to the triumvirate of the West Coast’s tourist attractions: women, weed, and weather.
Throwing a backyard BBQ party? Kicking back by the pool? You need the right music to soundtrack the event. If hip-hop is your speed, then you want the right mix of warmth, nostalgia, and surprise. Fire up the grill and turn up the music to this hip-hop BBQ playlist.
Camp Lo - “Coolie High”
Arista
Camp Lo’s “Uptown Saturday Night” had no shortage of warm tunes, but this is a sure go-to when you’re trying to add a slice of soul to the party.
Raekwon - “Ice Cream”
Loud Records
A great warm weather song from Raekwon’s “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx”. Don’t play this one at your BBQ if you plan on inviting your mom…unless, of course, she’s a staunch Wu-Tang fan.
DJ Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince - “Summertime”
Jive
“Summertime” is, well, the ultimate summer rap song. No summer/BBQ playlist list is complete without Will Smith and Jazzy Jeff’s smooth jam.
A Tribe Called Quest - “Can I Kick It?”
Jive
This Tribe special has only grown sweeter since the 90s. Fire this one up to promote crowd participation at your party. Can I kick it? Yes, you certainly can.
OutKast - “Spottiedopaliscious”
LaFace
“Her neck was smelling sweeter than a plate of yams with extra syrup,” raps Big Boi on “Spottieottiedopalicious.” And this one is definitely sweet enough to evoke swoons and a tinge of nostalgia.
Showbiz & AG - “Next Level”
Payday
Every BBQ playlist needs an element of surprise. “Next Level” is surely one of those songs that will have people going, “Oh yeah, I haven’t heard this in a while.”
Blackstreet - “No Diggity”
Interscope
Teddy Riley and ’nem swaggering all over a flirty beat. Dr. Dre spitting his most innocuous rhymes ever. Ah, the glory days when people said things like “No diggity.” What’s not to love?
The Notorious B.I.G. - “Big Poppa”
Bad Boy
With this masterfully composed party rap song, Biggie testifies about his fantasy of kicking it with some fly ladies and a T-Bone steak, while smoking in the jacuzzi.
Juvenile - “Slow Motion”
Jemal Countess/Getty
Ideal for the slow, bump and grind segment of your party. When this comes on, watch out for the freaks.
UGK - “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)”
Rick Diamond/Getty
This is just perfect for everything. Pool parties, BBQ parties, weddings, Bar Mitzvahs. Everything. But be careful – “Int’l Players Anthem” will have your guests doing their best Willie Hutch impression, going “I-i-i-i I chooose you, bae.”
Kanye West - “Good Life”
Peter Kramer/Getty
Kanye West and T-Pain bring you to a place where life is good whether “you broke or rich.” One of the highlights from Yeezy’s “Graduation” LP.
Ice Cube - “It Was a Good Day”
Priority
The music video shows Ice Cube rolling through an unusually peaceful day in South Central L.A. The song is exactly 4:20 in length. #coincidence? #methinksnot
Nelly - “Country Grammar”
Universal
Don’t front like Nelly didn’t have the game in a chokehold for 8 months straight. “Country Grammar” is a reminder of the era of rap-singing and left-eye bandaid.
Coolio - “Fantastic Voyage”
Tommy Boy Records
“Fantastic Voyage” is one of Coolio’s better songs not named “Gangsta’s Paradise.” It’s a fun song to bop to, or simply eat potato salad to.
Sugarhill Gang - “Rapper’s Delight”
Sugar Hill
Sometimes you just need a little dash of hip-hop history to go with your BBQ party. For that, simply walk through the legs of Rapper’s Delight bravely into the past. A landmark song so historically essential, it’s preserved by the US Library of Congress.
Ludacris - “Growing Pains”
Scott Gries/Getty
A great tale of survival meets a great summer song. When the going gets tough, just eat some beef ribs.
The Fugees - “Fu-gee-la”
Ruffhouse
A simple but powerful hit single from The Fugees’ sophomore smash album. Before you know it, “Fu-gee-la” is taking over your guests’ bodies and making them move to the rhythm.
Q-Tip - “Life is Better” (Ft. Norah Jones)
Jason Kempin/Getty
A pillow-smooth jazz number from Q-Tip’s "The Renaissance". This is also a great choice if your guests are new to hip-hop.
2Pac - “I Get Around”
Interscope
“Weekends were made for Michelob” raps Digital Underground’s Money B, echoing the vintage beer jingle. Even if you don’t give a whit about Michelob or weekend grilling, you’ll still enjoy this tune on any day of the week.
Nappy Roots - “Po Folks”
Atlantic
Perfect for those sunny days when you want to kick back and reminisce about humble beginnings.
Rehab - “Lawn Chair High”
Attica Sound
Your idea of a party is sitting in the carport, looking down the driveway and watching cars go by? That’s alright, too. It’s not exactly clear which grass they’re rapping about, but who gives a flyin’ paraplegic chicken?
Bubba Sparxxx - “Deliverance”
Beat Club
What’s more relaxing than Sunday morning poetry set to the folky grooviness of Bubba Sparxxx and Timbaland? Blue-eyed rap never sounded so soulful.
Scarface - “On My Block”
Def Jam
In the vein of Ice Cube’s “It Was a Good Day,” Scarface takes us on a journey through his hood in H-town, TX where “everything is everything fo sheezy.” “On My Block” is ultimately about loyalty and friendship, which is what BBQ parties are all about.
David Banner - “Cadillac on 22s”
SRC
David Banner literally put Mississippi on his back. He tattooed his home state on his back and titled his first album "Mississippi: The Album". Most people know Banner for like “Like a Pimp,” but tucked away in the middle of the same album is “Cadillac on 22s,” a stirring warning about the dangerous streets of Mississippi.
Kendrick Lamar - “The Recipe”
Theo Wargo/Getty
A bonus track from “good kid, m.A.A.d city,” “The Recipe” finds Kendrick Lamar and Dr. Dre paying tribute to the triumvirate of the West Coast’s tourist attractions: women, weed, and weather.
Throwing a backyard BBQ party? Kicking back by the pool? You need the right music to soundtrack the event. If hip-hop is your speed, then you want the right mix of warmth, nostalgia, and surprise. Fire up the grill and turn up the music to this hip-hop BBQ playlist.
Camp Lo - “Coolie High”
Arista
Camp Lo’s “Uptown Saturday Night” had no shortage of warm tunes, but this is a sure go-to when you’re trying to add a slice of soul to the party.
Raekwon - “Ice Cream”
Loud Records
A great warm weather song from Raekwon’s “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx”. Don’t play this one at your BBQ if you plan on inviting your mom…unless, of course, she’s a staunch Wu-Tang fan.
DJ Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince - “Summertime”
Jive
“Summertime” is, well, the ultimate summer rap song. No summer/BBQ playlist list is complete without Will Smith and Jazzy Jeff’s smooth jam.
A Tribe Called Quest - “Can I Kick It?”
Jive
This Tribe special has only grown sweeter since the 90s. Fire this one up to promote crowd participation at your party. Can I kick it? Yes, you certainly can.
OutKast - “Spottiedopaliscious”
LaFace
“Her neck was smelling sweeter than a plate of yams with extra syrup,” raps Big Boi on “Spottieottiedopalicious.” And this one is definitely sweet enough to evoke swoons and a tinge of nostalgia.
Showbiz & AG - “Next Level”
Payday
Every BBQ playlist needs an element of surprise. “Next Level” is surely one of those songs that will have people going, “Oh yeah, I haven’t heard this in a while.”
Blackstreet - “No Diggity”
Interscope
Teddy Riley and ’nem swaggering all over a flirty beat. Dr. Dre spitting his most innocuous rhymes ever. Ah, the glory days when people said things like “No diggity.” What’s not to love?
The Notorious B.I.G. - “Big Poppa”
Bad Boy
With this masterfully composed party rap song, Biggie testifies about his fantasy of kicking it with some fly ladies and a T-Bone steak, while smoking in the jacuzzi.
Juvenile - “Slow Motion”
Jemal Countess/Getty
Ideal for the slow, bump and grind segment of your party. When this comes on, watch out for the freaks.
UGK - “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)”
Rick Diamond/Getty
This is just perfect for everything. Pool parties, BBQ parties, weddings, Bar Mitzvahs. Everything. But be careful – “Int’l Players Anthem” will have your guests doing their best Willie Hutch impression, going “I-i-i-i I chooose you, bae.”
Kanye West - “Good Life”
Peter Kramer/Getty
Kanye West and T-Pain bring you to a place where life is good whether “you broke or rich.” One of the highlights from Yeezy’s “Graduation” LP.
Ice Cube - “It Was a Good Day”
Priority
The music video shows Ice Cube rolling through an unusually peaceful day in South Central L.A. The song is exactly 4:20 in length. #coincidence? #methinksnot
Nelly - “Country Grammar”
Universal
Don’t front like Nelly didn’t have the game in a chokehold for 8 months straight. “Country Grammar” is a reminder of the era of rap-singing and left-eye bandaid.
Coolio - “Fantastic Voyage”
Tommy Boy Records
“Fantastic Voyage” is one of Coolio’s better songs not named “Gangsta’s Paradise.” It’s a fun song to bop to, or simply eat potato salad to.
Sugarhill Gang - “Rapper’s Delight”
Sugar Hill
Sometimes you just need a little dash of hip-hop history to go with your BBQ party. For that, simply walk through the legs of Rapper’s Delight bravely into the past. A landmark song so historically essential, it’s preserved by the US Library of Congress.
Ludacris - “Growing Pains”
Scott Gries/Getty
A great tale of survival meets a great summer song. When the going gets tough, just eat some beef ribs.
The Fugees - “Fu-gee-la”
Ruffhouse
A simple but powerful hit single from The Fugees’ sophomore smash album. Before you know it, “Fu-gee-la” is taking over your guests’ bodies and making them move to the rhythm.
Q-Tip - “Life is Better” (Ft. Norah Jones)
Jason Kempin/Getty
A pillow-smooth jazz number from Q-Tip’s "The Renaissance". This is also a great choice if your guests are new to hip-hop.
2Pac - “I Get Around”
Interscope
“Weekends were made for Michelob” raps Digital Underground’s Money B, echoing the vintage beer jingle. Even if you don’t give a whit about Michelob or weekend grilling, you’ll still enjoy this tune on any day of the week.
Nappy Roots - “Po Folks”
Atlantic
Perfect for those sunny days when you want to kick back and reminisce about humble beginnings.
Rehab - “Lawn Chair High”
Attica Sound
Your idea of a party is sitting in the carport, looking down the driveway and watching cars go by? That’s alright, too. It’s not exactly clear which grass they’re rapping about, but who gives a flyin’ paraplegic chicken?
Bubba Sparxxx - “Deliverance”
Beat Club
What’s more relaxing than Sunday morning poetry set to the folky grooviness of Bubba Sparxxx and Timbaland? Blue-eyed rap never sounded so soulful.
Scarface - “On My Block”
Def Jam
In the vein of Ice Cube’s “It Was a Good Day,” Scarface takes us on a journey through his hood in H-town, TX where “everything is everything fo sheezy.” “On My Block” is ultimately about loyalty and friendship, which is what BBQ parties are all about.
David Banner - “Cadillac on 22s”
SRC
David Banner literally put Mississippi on his back. He tattooed his home state on his back and titled his first album "Mississippi: The Album". Most people know Banner for like “Like a Pimp,” but tucked away in the middle of the same album is “Cadillac on 22s,” a stirring warning about the dangerous streets of Mississippi.
Kendrick Lamar - “The Recipe”
Theo Wargo/Getty
A bonus track from “good kid, m.A.A.d city,” “The Recipe” finds Kendrick Lamar and Dr. Dre paying tribute to the triumvirate of the West Coast’s tourist attractions: women, weed, and weather.
Camp Lo - “Coolie High”
Camp Lo’s “Uptown Saturday Night” had no shortage of warm tunes, but this is a sure go-to when you’re trying to add a slice of soul to the party.
Raekwon - “Ice Cream”
A great warm weather song from Raekwon’s “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx”. Don’t play this one at your BBQ if you plan on inviting your mom…unless, of course, she’s a staunch Wu-Tang fan.
DJ Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince - “Summertime”
“Summertime” is, well, the ultimate summer rap song. No summer/BBQ playlist list is complete without Will Smith and Jazzy Jeff’s smooth jam.
A Tribe Called Quest - “Can I Kick It?”
This Tribe special has only grown sweeter since the 90s. Fire this one up to promote crowd participation at your party. Can I kick it? Yes, you certainly can.
OutKast - “Spottiedopaliscious”
“Her neck was smelling sweeter than a plate of yams with extra syrup,” raps Big Boi on “Spottieottiedopalicious.” And this one is definitely sweet enough to evoke swoons and a tinge of nostalgia.
Showbiz & AG - “Next Level”
Every BBQ playlist needs an element of surprise. “Next Level” is surely one of those songs that will have people going, “Oh yeah, I haven’t heard this in a while.”
Blackstreet - “No Diggity”
Teddy Riley and ’nem swaggering all over a flirty beat. Dr. Dre spitting his most innocuous rhymes ever. Ah, the glory days when people said things like “No diggity.” What’s not to love?
The Notorious B.I.G. - “Big Poppa”
With this masterfully composed party rap song, Biggie testifies about his fantasy of kicking it with some fly ladies and a T-Bone steak, while smoking in the jacuzzi.
Juvenile - “Slow Motion”
Ideal for the slow, bump and grind segment of your party. When this comes on, watch out for the freaks.
UGK - “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)”
This is just perfect for everything. Pool parties, BBQ parties, weddings, Bar Mitzvahs. Everything. But be careful – “Int’l Players Anthem” will have your guests doing their best Willie Hutch impression, going “I-i-i-i I chooose you, bae.”
Kanye West - “Good Life”
Kanye West and T-Pain bring you to a place where life is good whether “you broke or rich.” One of the highlights from Yeezy’s “Graduation” LP.
Ice Cube - “It Was a Good Day”
The music video shows Ice Cube rolling through an unusually peaceful day in South Central L.A. The song is exactly 4:20 in length. #coincidence? #methinksnot
Nelly - “Country Grammar”
Don’t front like Nelly didn’t have the game in a chokehold for 8 months straight. “Country Grammar” is a reminder of the era of rap-singing and left-eye bandaid.
Coolio - “Fantastic Voyage”
“Fantastic Voyage” is one of Coolio’s better songs not named “Gangsta’s Paradise.” It’s a fun song to bop to, or simply eat potato salad to.
Sugarhill Gang - “Rapper’s Delight”
Sometimes you just need a little dash of hip-hop history to go with your BBQ party. For that, simply walk through the legs of Rapper’s Delight bravely into the past. A landmark song so historically essential, it’s preserved by the US Library of Congress.
Ludacris - “Growing Pains”
A great tale of survival meets a great summer song. When the going gets tough, just eat some beef ribs.
The Fugees - “Fu-gee-la”
A simple but powerful hit single from The Fugees’ sophomore smash album. Before you know it, “Fu-gee-la” is taking over your guests’ bodies and making them move to the rhythm.
Q-Tip - “Life is Better” (Ft. Norah Jones)
A pillow-smooth jazz number from Q-Tip’s "The Renaissance". This is also a great choice if your guests are new to hip-hop.
2Pac - “I Get Around”
“Weekends were made for Michelob” raps Digital Underground’s Money B, echoing the vintage beer jingle. Even if you don’t give a whit about Michelob or weekend grilling, you’ll still enjoy this tune on any day of the week.
Nappy Roots - “Po Folks”
Perfect for those sunny days when you want to kick back and reminisce about humble beginnings.
Rehab - “Lawn Chair High”
Your idea of a party is sitting in the carport, looking down the driveway and watching cars go by? That’s alright, too. It’s not exactly clear which grass they’re rapping about, but who gives a flyin’ paraplegic chicken?
Bubba Sparxxx - “Deliverance”
What’s more relaxing than Sunday morning poetry set to the folky grooviness of Bubba Sparxxx and Timbaland? Blue-eyed rap never sounded so soulful.
Scarface - “On My Block”
In the vein of Ice Cube’s “It Was a Good Day,” Scarface takes us on a journey through his hood in H-town, TX where “everything is everything fo sheezy.” “On My Block” is ultimately about loyalty and friendship, which is what BBQ parties are all about.
David Banner - “Cadillac on 22s”
David Banner literally put Mississippi on his back. He tattooed his home state on his back and titled his first album "Mississippi: The Album". Most people know Banner for like “Like a Pimp,” but tucked away in the middle of the same album is “Cadillac on 22s,” a stirring warning about the dangerous streets of Mississippi.
Kendrick Lamar - “The Recipe”
A bonus track from “good kid, m.A.A.d city,” “The Recipe” finds Kendrick Lamar and Dr. Dre paying tribute to the triumvirate of the West Coast’s tourist attractions: women, weed, and weather.
