The Songs of My Summer

By Christopher Brocker
Assistant Music Director

The summer of 2020 has been one of the most hectic in our lifetime. August is still around the corner and it’s tough to be optimistic considering everything.

However, through the turbulence great music has released. This playlist contains music that was released predominately this summer and entirely within this year, ranging from Afrobeat, R&B, hip hop and more.

“Give It To Me”

Pink Sweats is an emerging R&B singer from Philadelphia with serious pop star potential. “Give It To Me” is a groovy track with heavy brass instrumentation. “Icy,” which also comes from his latest release The Prelude-EP, is featured on the playlist.

“Dangerous Love”

Tiwa Savage’s position is solidified in the Afrobeat or Afrowave genre. The Nigeran-born artist has become an international superstar. Savage is one of my favorite artists within that space and I’ve been impatiently waiting for a new album from her.

“Dangerous Love” is another enjoyable track with lines like “I’ve been in my room but, I know outside there’s sunshine” which those in quarantine can relate to.

“Summer 2020”

This song comes from Jhene Aiko’s deluxe version of Chilombo. The song samples Kool & The Gang’s “Summer Madness.” The 70’s feel with Aiko’s soothing vocals make this one of the most enjoyable songs from the playlist. Lines such as “Times are changing, strange is getting stranger” and “Generations faced with genocide” powerfully illustrate current events.

“Shine”

Hip-hop heads will appreciate the inclusion of this track from Joey Badass. “Shine” samples one of my favorite 70’s tracks “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” by Roy Ayers Ubiquity. “Shine” comes from the recently released EP The Light Pack. I highly suggest listening to the other two songs from the EP, however, this is my favorite. 

You can check out the playlist below on Spotify:

Featured image by Eric Hernandez.