The Perfect Playlist For Your Black Fourth of July Cookout
With the Fourth of July just around the corner and the faint scent of barbecued meats gradually getting stronger, we here at The Root thought we’d do you a solid and provide you with the ultimate Black music playlist that’s perfect for your summer get-together!
Whether you’re a fan of new hip-hop artists like Kendrick Lamar or love classic dance hits from folks like Frankie Beverly and Maze, our list has something for everyone in the family to groove to.
So get ready to break out the brown liquor, grab a plate and slide on over to the dance floor because this Fourth of July cookout is about to get lit!
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“Alright”- Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar dropped an unofficial, official Black anthem with this song. It truly never gets old!
“Summertime”- DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
You already know Will Smith’s “Summertime” would be near the top of this list. Even the music video looks like what the Fourth of July feels like!
“Before I Let Go”- Maze ft. Frankie Beverly
No shade to Beyoncé, but the original “Before I Let Go” by Maze ft. Frankie Beverly is the superior one, and we’ll never miss an opportunity to play it!
“Candy”- Cameo
You know when you hear “Candy,” it’s time for the Electric Slide and another drink! We’ll start, make room!
“America Has a Problem”- Beyoncé
On the Fourth of July, there’s no better song to groove to than Beyoncé’s “America Has A Problem,” because we, as Black people, definitely know it does.
“Feels Good”- Tony! Toni! Toné!
This Tony! Toni! Toné! song doesn’t get the airplay it deserves at parties and cookouts, so we’re gonna change that right now!
“4EVA”- KAYTRAMINÉ
If you fancy house music-inspired tunes, you’ll love this track from KAYTRANADA and rapper Aminé.
“Family Affair”- Mary J. Blige
We don’t need any “hateration” or “holleration” in our Fourth of July function, and that’s exactly why we’re gonna let this Mary J. Blige record rock to keep the right vibes flowing!
“Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder)”- Maxwell
Author’s Note: You should already know how I feel about this song. My history of praising it is well-documented. Of course it’s on the playlist!
“Juicy”- Biggie
For all our New York readers, you’re welcome! We know this song feels like a quintessential New York summer.
“Road Trips”- Drake
No matter how you feel about Drake, this is a fun dance song that deserves at least a spin or two at the function. Once you start dancing, you’ll forget it’s even him!
“Encore”- Cheryl Lynn
Another classic and another opportunity for the grown folks to yell “y’all don’t know nothing about this” to all the younger folks at the function! “Encore” by Cheryl Lynn will always be that one!
“Summertime Magic”- Childish Gambino
Childish Gambino may not use this rap name these days, but we thank him for at least giving us this smooth summertime song before he low-key retired.
