#legend's picks: R&B/Hip Hop songs of the summer

With August flying by, I thought it might be nice to compile some of our favourite releases of this summer before it officially comes to a close. Included are some big name bangers as well as some unknown and underrated releases. So, without further ado, here is a curated playlist of 15 recent R&B/Hip Hop releases to last you the rest of your summer.

1. RNP (YNB Cordae ft. Anderson .Paak)

Although this list is in no particular order, I’m going to start off with my personal favourite release of the summer. YNB Cordae is having a big year and a huge summer—the 21-year old rapper was named a member of XXL’s 2019 Freshman Class, has featured on tracks from Chance, H.E.R, Aminé and more, and released his debut studio album on July 26. Paak’s electric joy is contagious, and the section of the song where the two artists trade off in call-and-response is too smooth.

2. Hair Down (SiR feat. Kendrick Lamar)

Released on August 8th, this is Kung Fu Kenny’s third appearance on a track this year. Top Dawg label mates SiR and Kendrick drip with confident nonchalance on one of the waviest songs of the summer. The music video for the song is also a must-see.

3. Simmer (Mahalia ft. Flohio) [Nao Remix]

Released just this past week, NAO’s remix of Mahalia’s single is a beachy, uptempo track that’s perfect for beach parties and summer pregames. If you haven’t heard of the singer yet, you’d better study up now before she takes over. Mahalia is on the fast rise, and if the singles that she’s released give any clue into what’s in store for her upcoming album in September, she’s about to blow up. And for those who haven’t listened to it yet, Mahalia’s previous single, “I Wish I Missed My Ex” is incredibly fun and one of my favourite tracks from last summer.

4. Summertime in Paris (Jaden Smith ft. Willow Smith)

Some dreamy, summery vibes from the Smith siblings on one of the best songs off of ERYS, Jaden’s sophomore album and narrative sequel to SYRE. Willow’s crooning vocals definitely shine on this track. Combined with some sleepy electric guitar strums and melodic mandarin riffs on a bridge sung by Kris Wu, the song feels like a warm, nostalgic summer evening.

5. Sacrifices (Dreamville feat. EARTHGANG, J. Cole, Smino, and Saba)

With the insanely stacked lineup of featured talent, there’s no way “Sacrifices” wasn’t going to be good. Smino and Saba join Dreamville artists EARTHGANG and J.Cole on the concluding song of Revenge of the Dreamers III, the third compilation album by J.Cole’s record label.

6. Do My Thing (Erika de Casier)

The fact that “Do My Thing” has under 200,000 listens on Spotify qualifies the song as, in my opinion, criminally underrated. One of my friends recommended Erika de Casier’s album, Essentials, to me recently and it’s been on repeat ever since. Don’t sleep!

7. The Lay Down (DRAM feat. H.E.R. and WATT)

Big Baby DRAM is back and ready to sing. DRAM’s release of this single featuring H.E.R and Watt came with a note, in which the rapper declared that “No one sings anymore. Ain’t no true SANGERS out there!” So, the rapper’s sophomore album will be much more R&B and Soul than Hip Hop. But, if this single is any indication of the rest of the album, then I’m very ready for it.

8. EARFQUAKE (Tyler the Creator)

You know I couldn’t make a summer 2019 playlist without putting Tyler on here. I’m assuming most of you have heard “EARFQUAKE” at this point, but I’m still going to put it on this list because it’s so good. Playboi Parti and Tyler definitely made one of the summer’s most recurring ear worms.

9. Sonshine (Deaton Chris Anthony, UMI)

This song is like the embodiment of summer relaxation. The melody is hypnotic and intoxicating and automatically makes me start to zone out and daydream. Deaton Chris Anthony’s production is a perfect accompaniment to UMI’s airy, languid vocals.

10. Good For You (Blood Orange)

Angel’s Pulse is definitely one of my top albums of this summer, so it was hard to choose one song. Releasing the album less than one year after Negro Swan, Blood Orange (Dev Hynes) is back with a sound that is artistic, fresh and nuanced. “Good For You” features Justine Skye for a rich groove that lays Skye’s soulful voice over Dev’s distorted, atmospheric instrumentals. Close runners-up were “Benzo”, “Dark and Handsome” feat. Toro y Moi, and “Take It Back” feat. Arca, JOBA and Justine Skye.

11. Zulu Screams (GoldLink)

GoldLink’s new album, Diaspora, is, in my opinion, a collection of his best music to date. The entire album is a fusion of genres and cultural influences that are international in scope. Equipped with an infectious pulsing dance beat, “Zulu Screams” was the first single off of Diaspora, and it’s a good representation of the energy that permeates the entire album.

12. 100 Degrees (Rich Brian)

This was a big summer for 88rising and the empowerment of Asian youth. Whether or not you agree with the many 88rising fans callingThe Sailor AOTY, the album has undoubtedly proven Rich Brian’s chops as a mature artist. While “100 Degrees” is probably the most apt for a summer playlist, be sure to also check out some of the album’s other fire tracks, like “Curious”, “Kids” and “Yellow.”

13. Good Girls (AUGUST 08 feat. Duckwrth)

While Rich Brian has been getting quite a bit of press and praise, we can’t overlook one of the more underplayed and underrated members of 88rising. K-Town raised AUGUST 08 has been one of my favourite artists of the 88rising crew, and this song off his new album Happy Endings* is a perfect display of his songwriting talent and singing chops.

14. LOVE AGAIN (Daniel Caesar ft. Brandy)

The beginning of the summer saw Daniel Caesar quietly and suddenly drop his newest album, Case Study 01—his second studio album since Freudian. Aptly named, the album sees Caesar grow and experiment sonically and artistically. “LOVE AGAIN” is one of my favourite tracks on the album—Caesar’s trademark runs are paired perfectly with Brandy’s honeyed vocals.

15. Hot Girl Summer (Megan Thee Stallion ft. Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla Sign)

And, last but not least, I feel like making a summer 2019 playlist means I’m obligated to include Megan Thee Stallion’s iconic “Hot Girl Summer.” The source of inspiration for countless instagram captions and twitter memes, the song’s title has caught on almost as rapidly as the artist who made it. From being named one of XXL’s 2019 Freshman Class to releasing her massive summer single, the self-proclaimed “H-Town Hottie” is rapidly taking over.