Ballerific Summer: The Best R&B and Hip-Hop Anthems To Get Your Cookout Started

As the days heat up and the shorts get shorter, there’s no doubt that summer has arrived. With that comes the quintessential cookout, which wouldn’t be complete without the perfect playlist. 

Nothing sets the perfect vibe for these functions quite like a smooth blend of old-school R&B from legends such as Luther Vandross and Frankie Beverly & Maze. Rap OGs such as Will Smith and LL Cool J have also given us timeless bops that have become staples year after year. However, this doesn’t mean that this era of emerging artists hasn’t mastered the art of creating an immaculate barbeque anthem.

While there are many variations of hip-hop and R&B, cookout music playlists should be carefully curated. They should include something for all age ranges in attendance at the function.  Therefore, your speakers blast classics such as Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” and Lauryn Hill’s “Doo Wop (That Thing)” with contemporary hits such as SZA’s “Hit Different” and H.E.R. & YG’s “Slide” to keep the energy fresh and current.

No matter how you choose to structure your day on the grill, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Will Smith’s “Summertime” must be the first on the list. Feel free to find inspiration from our cookout classics, seen below.