Image via Complex Original
When summer comes around, beefing up your playlist with the appropriate tone-setters is essential. The summer of 2011 had no shortage of bangers, from dream collabos to swagged out anthems by newcomers. With August winding down, we've put together a list of The 10 Hottest Songs of Summer 2011. Some dropped earlier in the year and had enough heat to survive the summer months. Others warmed up with the weather and remained on our playlists. Take a look inside and find out which songs were hot enough to make the cut.
10. YC f/ Future "Racks"
Album: N/A
Label: Universal Republic/Universal Music Group
Producer: Sonny Digital
"Racks" is an undeniable beast in the party atmosphere and even hip-hop heads can admit that this is a guilty pleasure. YC cranks up the autotune and goes in with a sing-songy cadence perfect for Sonny Digital's backdrop. Also, popularizing new slang makes this banger a strong candidate for song of the summer. YC may be a one-hit wonder so far, but that won't stop up from singing along while the song's still hot.
9. Pusha T f/ Tyler The Creator "Trouble On My Mind"
Album: Fear Of God: Let Us Pray (EP)
Label: G.O.O.D. Music/Decon Records/Re-Up Records
Producer: The Neptunes, Sean C & LV, Left Brain
Tyler, The Creator finally got his chance to record with Pusha T and he did not disappoint. The track is full of energy and a signature Neptunes' bounce with some help from Sean C & LV on the boards. Both rappers bring it lyrically, duking it out. This hardcore hip-hop track balances out the summer playlist. It's a welcome change-of-pace from the club bangers.
8. Mac Miller "Donald Trump"
Album: Best Day Ever (Mixtape)
Label: Rostrum Records
Producer: Sap Da Beat Man
Summer has always been a good time to turn over a new leaf so when Mac Miller's hit "Donald Trump" made its way into our playlist, we had our aspirational jam of the season. Sap Da Beat Man provides the backdrop and Mac Miler keeps his delivery sharp and energetic throughout. It helps with publicity when the subject (the Donald, himself) says he's a fan.
7. Big Sean f/ Kanye West & Roscoe Dash "Marvin & Chardonnay"
Album: Finally Famous: The Album
Label: G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam
Producer: Andrew "Pop" Wansel, Mike Dean
"Marvin And Chardonnay" exemplifies our attitude between cuffing seasons. This was the theme song for everyone looking for some one night loving. Thanks to entertaining verses by Kanye and Big Sean, and Roscoe Dash killing the hook, this will be in heavy rotation until it's time to cozy up again.
6. Future "Tony Montana"
Album: True Story (Mixtape)
Label: A1/Freebandz Entertainment
Producer: Will A Fool
Future's club banger was a hit in the Atlanta area before growing its legs in the rest of country. The feel-good record produced by Will A Fool prompted Drizzy Drake to contribute a verse and do a remix. It's catchy repeat-chorus packed some serious heat much like Rick Ross' "B.M.F. (Blowing Money Fast)" did last year. If you partied at all this summer, you know exactly why this was a must on the playlist.
5. ASAP Rocky "Purple Swag"
Album: N/A
Label: N/A
Producer: Ty Radio
You might be hearing whispers that ASAP Rocky is the next big thing in hip-hop, most of that's due to the level of buzz generated by "Purple Swag" and "Pe$o." This laid back smoking and drinking anthem by the young Harlemite paid homage to the Houston, Texas sound and was one of the best cruising songs of 2011. With an authentic and confident rap style, we're looking forward to more bangers like this one from ASAP Rocky.
4. Meek Mill f/ Rick Ross "I'ma Boss"
Album: Self Made Vol. 1
Label: Maybach Music Group/Warner Music Group
Producer: Jahlil Beats
Jahlil Beats laced Maybach Music's rising star Meek Mill with the backdrop to a potentially monstrous record. When Meek brought his A-game and recruited Ross to talk that talk it was a home run. Hard and powerful, this one wasn't suitable for the workplace. The song also picked up steam as soon as Meek's similar-sounding "Tupac Back" was cooling down, proving that after Meek did it once he could do it again.
3. Kreayshawn "Gucci Gucci"
Album: N/A
Label: Columbia Records
Producer: DJ Two Stacks, Adeptus
Kreayshawn made one hell of a splash when she hopped onto the scene this year with "Gucci Gucci." DJ Two Stacks and Adeptus sampled the rappers voice on the boards and Kreayshawn matched that with playful verses and one of the best choruses of the year. A certified club banger, nothing exemplifies the year in music more than Kreayshawn's "Gucci Gucci."
2. Jay-Z & Kanye West "Otis"
Album: Watch The Throne
Label: Roc-A-Fella/Roc Nation/Def Jam
Producer: Kanye West
With a great Otis Redding sample on an otherwise minimalist beat, "Otis" is soulfully triumphant. Kanye and Jay-Z go back and fourth, complimenting each other while showing us exactly how good the good life is. Short and sweet, "Otis" was the perfect upbeat tune for our summer playlist. Not bad, for some immigrants.
1. DJ Khaled f/ Drake, Lil Wayne & Rick Ross "I'm On One"
Album: We The Best Forever
Label: We The Best/Terror Squad/Cash Money/Motown
Producer: T-Minus, Kromatik, Noah "40" Shebib
We're used to Khaled thumbing through his Rolodex and dropping star-studded summer bangers. 2011 was no different. Everyone stepped up with stellar verses over a baseline that's the perfect collaboration between T-Minus, Kromatik, and 40 Shebib. But it was Drizzy's infectious hook (and verse) that kept this one in rotation all the way through August.
