Filed under: Music
It's that time of the year again, when barbecues blaze and fireworks dazzle. And, of course, you have to have the right music to groove to. We gathered some of our favorite summer songs - past and present - to create a special Fourth of July playlist for y'all. Enjoy!
Artist: George Clinton
Factoid: From one dog to another - Clinton's classic party jam was sampled by Snoop Dogg for his debut solo single 'Who Am I? (What's My Name).'
BVs Fourth of July Playlist
Song Title, Year: 'Atomic Dog,' 1982
Artist: George Clinton
Factoid: From one dog to another - Clinton's classic party jam was sampled by Snoop Dogg for his debut solo single 'Who Am I? (What's My Name).'
Song Title, Year: 'Day & Night,' 1988
Artist: Al B. Sure
Factoid: During the New Jack Swing era, Mr. 'Day & Night' helped discover R&B acts such as Jodeci and Tevin Campbell.
Song Title, Year: 'Meeting in the Ladies Room,' 1984
Artist: Klymaxx
Factoid: Ladies, if you're putting your hands all over another woman's man be prepared for a few repercussions. Or better yet, a meeting in the ladies room. Hence, Klymaxx's 1984 hit single, which peaked at the number 22 slot on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play chart.
Song Title, Year: 'Gypsy Woman' (She's Homeless), 1991
Artist: Crystal Waters
Factoid: With jazz legend Ethel Waters as her great-aunt, Crystal Waters might well have been preordained for musical success. The singer's 1991 single, 'Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless),' became an instant classic once it skyrocketed to the number two slot on the UK's singles chart, making it the highest-debuting single for a new act at the time.
Song Title, Year: 'Summer Time,' 1991
Artist: DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince
Factoid: DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince's tales about an average summer day in West Philadelphia made for a laidback sound so vivid that it got the duo their second Grammy.
Song Title, Year: 'Saturday Love,' 1986
Artist: Alexander O'Neal & Cherrelle
Factoid: Although this sweet weekend dance track is often listed as 'Alexander O'Neal featuring Cherrelle,' the song actually appeared on Cherrelle's 1986 sophomore effort, 'High Priority.'
Song Title, Year: 'Rump Shaker,' 1992
Artist: Wrecks-N-Effect
Factoid: Alongside hit producer and mentor Teddy Riley, Pharrell Williams was responsible for crafting and co-writing everyone's favorite tail feather anthem.
Song Title, Year: 'Summer Rain,' 2000
Artist: Carl Thomas
Factoid: On 'Summer Rain' Thomas samples Stevie Wonder's 1976 ballad 'Summer Soft' - go figure.
Song Title, Year: 'I Get Around,' 1993
Artist: Tupac
Factoid: Before Tupac "got around" to his Death Row Records days he was affiliated with the Oakland-bred rap group Digital Underground, who are featured on this bouncy summer hit.
Song Title, Year: 'Forget Me Nots,' 1982
Artist: Patrice Rushen
Factoid: Critically acclaimed actor Will Smith made sure the public didn't forget about Rushen's 1982 Grammy-nominated recording when he sampled the track for his smash hit 'Men in Black.'