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Iconic Summertime Songs of the 2010s

Updated: Jul 6, 2021


Summertime is a cherished season because of the vibration it carries — something about the sun, warm winds and longer days hold special feelings for many of us. What undoubtedly holds that vibration together is the music and sound of the summertime; a typical New York City summer is not complete without hearing music being blasted from stereos next to a dice game, speakers in front of apartment buildings, and virtually every single bodega and corner store radio on the block. So to pay homage and reminisce on past summertimes, here’s a list of some iconic summer songs from 2010 and beyond:


"Work" — Rihanna

One of the most iconic summer songs of all time, Work takes the cake with Rihanna’s implementation of Patois and utilization of both hip hop and dancehall influences.

 

"One Dance" & "Controlla" — Drake

Drake is one of the biggest reasons why Summer ‘16 was as memorable as it was. Send tweet!

 

"Wild Thoughts" — DJ Khaled, Rihanna, & Bryson Tiller

Another success, this song generated hype with the sample of Carlos Santana’s “Maria Maria”, which was a smash hit in itself, and Rihanna’s clear affinity for making music geared towards the warmer weather.

 

"No Type" — Rae Sremmurd

“I don’t got no type/Bad bitches is the only thing that I like/Cups of the ice, and we do this every night” is a very much summertime sentiment. This song easily got us turnt back in the day, especially when accompanied by Black Beatles, and the ancient Mannequin Challenge.

 

"Mercy" — Kanye West

For the same reason that we love No Type, Mercy shares a similar catchiness; “Lamborghini Mercy/Your chick, she so thirsty” is a bar that is impossible to top and even less possible to forget.

 

"Trap Queen" — Fetty Wap

Trap Queen entirely changed the trajectory of Fetty Wap’s career and placed him directly in the spotlight. You couldn’t turn on the car radio without hearing Trap Queen on repeat. There’s no doubt Fetty Wap gave us a hit.

 

"I Like It" & "Bodak Yellow" — Cardi B

Similar to Wild Thoughts, the genius sampling of “I Like It Like That” by Pete Rodriguez gave this song its strong foundation. Let’s not forget Cardi comes with the bars, but she also came with Bad Bunny and J Balvin, who are no strangers to providing music perfect for vibing to.

 

"Unforgettable" — French Montana & Swae Lee

This is the song we heard in every single hookah bar and club, for good reason, because this is exactly the kind of song you want to hear when you lit! It’s meant for you to move to.

 

It’s A Vibe — 2Chainz

 

Act Up — City Girls

City Girls practically invented summertime culture. Try to walk anywhere in 2018 without hearing an Act Up reference … it’s a lot harder than it seems. JT & Young Miami themselves shifted the way that young people collectively view the summertime.

 

In My Feelings — Drake

One of the first viral TikTok songs, there was a point in time when “Keke, do you love me? Are you riding?” played on the news accompanying videos of people popping out of their cars to dance to this song.

 

MotorSport — Migos, Cardi B & Nicki Minaj

Migos along with two of the most iconic, influential female rappers in the game gave us a legendary mainstream song. It’s all about flexing, getting money, and having fun — what else is summertime for?

 

Te Boté – Nio García, Darell and Casper Mágico

Another hookah bar and club song, for the people who wanted to flex on their ex. Even though the lyrics detail an unfaithful and lackluster lover, all of the many artists on this track gave us something to feel very, very deeply.

 

SOHO — Jaden

Jaden Smith is an unofficial King of music for summer nights. Just listen to Summertime in Paris featuring both him and Willow; Jaden makes the type of summer music for those who spend those short months falling in love and making memories with a special person.

 

HUMBLE. — Kendrick Lamar

One of the ultimate hype songs; while this entire album is a masterpiece, HUMBLE. gets us turnt on an entirely new level.

 

And just for even older time’s sake, here are 10 extra throwbacks:

  1. "How to Love" — Lil Wayne

  2. "Forever" – Drake, Kanye West, Eminem, & Lil Wayne

  3. "Bedrock" — Young Money

  4. "Feel Good Inc" – Gorillaz

  5. "Yeah!" — Usher

  6. "Drop It Like It’s Hot" — Snoop Dogg

  7. "Slow Jamz" — Kanye West

  8. "Feels Like Summer" — Childish Gambino

  9. "Rock With You" — Michael Jackson

  10. "Magic Stick" — Lil Kim


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