Urban Thought Collective

Memorial Day, while not officially, is the traditional start of summer. Therefore, I decided to play a few jams that epitomize the summer aesthetic. Even though you can bump these tracks during any season, they were made for the summertime. It’s time to stock up on charcoal, armor-all, your favorite libations, Skin-So-Soft, and have some fun this summer. Holla.

NAUGHTY BY NATURE | “FEEL ME FLOW”
“We heard hip hop needed another anthem.” This song brings back so many good feelings. It was the summer after freshman year, and all I did all day was watch videos, play Nintendo, and eat pizza egg rolls [don’t ask]. Ya’ll remember MTV’s Summer Beach House? I know the fellas remember Idalis. ‘95 was really the last summer where I basically just chilled and had zero worries. That was so fun.

MONTEL JORDAN | “SOMETHING FOR DA HONEYZ”
Lark Voorhies. Damn. Ya’ll gonna have to give me a minute.

All right, I’m back. I don’t think I’m hurting anyone’s feelings when I say that Montell wasn’t the greatest singer. But, he was effective doing his thing. He wasn’t effective for very long, but that’s neither here nor there. This jam works on every level. At any rate, you guys watch the video, while I go back to thinking about Lark.

KRIS KROSS FT. SUPERCAT | “IT’S ALRIGHT”
Seriously, can Supercat get some work out here? A remix? Somebody’s mixtape? Puff? Jay? 50? Kanye? You mean to tell me, can’t none of you cats use this dude on a track? NOBODY? Seriously? Well that’s too bad, cause he’s the one that really sets this joint off. The Chris’ are just OK, and I’m being generous, but Supercat takes it to another level. This track is definitely one to ride to with the top down.

DJ JAZZY JEFF & THE FRESH PRINCE | “SUMMERTIME”
“Give me a soft subtle mix.” Best summer jam of all time? Hell jeah it is! If you disagree, you better have one humdinger in your back pocket, cause I can’t see it. Perfect groove. Perfect vibe. Perfect lyrics. Perfect video. Bump this. I’m heading to the park to peep out some light-eyed honeys…and brown-eyed honeys too. Don’t want to ruffle any feathers?.

And now…for something a little funky…

ZAPP | “SINBAD SUMMER JAM ‘98”
Roger Troutman was a genius. Further explanation is unnecessary. RIP

Diallo Tyson is a filmmaker, comedian and old school music junkie. When he’s not busy, he is a rapper with the group “Two Pimps and a Dream.” Step into a groovin’ time machine every week on UTC.