Low-key Hip-Hop Gems You Should Be Streaming This Summer

By C.J. Okeke

Music Journalist

Hello everyone, Captain Obvious here, letting you know that summer 2022 is in full effect! And with that comes all the things that make summer great, whether that event happens to be a cookout, a vacation, or a party at the pool, we all know that a great playlist can make or break the fun. There have been so many popular summer tunes that have come out this year that I could name, however, that’s not what I’m here to do. Those songs will undoubtedly get enough play on their own. What I want to do is give you the scoop on some fantastic music that probably won’t be played by the majority. These are songs that you will want to add to your playlist and stream all summer long.

The first song that I have chosen, contrary to the title, has all the makings of a fun summertime song. “Ain’t No Fun”, featuring Wiz Khalifa, Big K.R.I.T., and Smoke DZA is an enjoyable track from the collaborative album Full Court Press. The three artists were brought together by Girl Talk, an American disk jockey who specializes in mashups. The album was released on April 8, 2022, and the whole album is amazing. The project is filled with bumping tracks perfect for a small kickback with friends or a full-blown house party. I have been a fan of all three artists for a long time, so I was surprised when I stumbled upon this album while skimming my new artist releases on Spotify. The track lasts only a whopping two minutes and twenty-seven seconds, which brings me to the only critique that I have with this song: I wish it were longer! Nevertheless, from the house party-esque theme of the song to the cadence of the beat, the song is a bonified good time.

Keeping the party rolling, the next track on the playlist queue doesn’t outright exude a house party-like vibe, however, it is worthy of a spot on your summer playlist. The track “Corsa”, produced by Grammy award-winning producer Hit-Boy, featuring Dom Kennedy, is a great song to throw on at the function. Hit-Boy also raps alongside Dom Kennedy on this track, and the overall feel comes across as a spacey, somewhat composed, bass-thumping record that is perfect for a variety of events.

This song will work well for something like a gathering with friends or an event-filled day at the pool. Sonically, I would describe it as a laidback track while at the same time providing a moderate bass-bumping rhythm throughout. Hit-Boy, who recently won the Grammy for Best Rap Album in 2022 for his production of Nas’ Kings Disease, shows off his lyrical chops on this track. Likewise, Dom Kennedy, a West Coast rapper from Los Angeles, brings his own uniquely L.A. rapping style to the song. I have been a fan of both for many years, and even though I have surprisingly never thought of the two on a collaborative project, the song lives up to any expectations I could have fathomed. Add it, stream it, and enjoy it, I most certainly did!

Speaking of enjoyment, the last track I’m going to talk about is one I enjoy heavily. This song gets me grooving every time I listen to it. “Maybe the Next Time”, featuring Larry June, Jay Worthy, LNDN DRGS, and Roc Marciano is a song off the collaborative album 2 P’z In A Pod by West Coast artists Larry June of San Francisco and Jay Worthy of Compton. The album was released on March 25, 2022.

One of the key reasons I love this track is the funky, post-disco sample of Kleeer’s song, “Next Time It’s for Real.” The beat was produced by LNDN DRGS, which happens to be the tandem production team of producer Sean House and Jay Worthy. Pair that with the swaggy West Coast style rapping from Worthy and June, as well as the steezy verse from New York rapper Roc Marciano, and you get what sounds like a song essential for a convertible car ride down a sun-dripped, beachfront avenue with your friends! However, if you happen not to have a convertible at your disposal and you don’t live near a sun-dripped, beachfront avenue, don’t worry, this song is a perfect fit for a sunny Texas day on the water or any other joyous occasion you may be having with friends.

While all the songs that I have listed are absolute gems, I would also highly recommend that you give the albums associated with them a complete listen as well, except for “Corsa” which is a single. Hopefully, these songs put you on some new artist or lead you to new tracks. And if you happen not to have a summer playlist, well, now you have three songs to start you off right. Happy music hunting, playlist creating, and have a great summer!