There are a few ingredients that make for an unforgettable barbecue: family, friends, and real members of the diaspora. And the menu is so good, your paper plate is dripping because you’ve already ordered seconds… twice. But baby, if the barbecue doesn’t have the right music, we might as well all stay home.
The barbecue has always been a place for black people to come together and foster community. Through singing, dancing, and fun activities with loved ones, we honor the legacy of our ancestors who rarely had the chance to gather freely in this way. The right beats set the tone and mood of the day.
Who better to put together a summer BBQ playlist than the musicians themselves? So we asked them which artists and songs we should crank up to get us dancing in our folding chairs, and which of their songs should be on rotation all summer long.
Estelle
“The song ‘Cold Crush’ from my third studio album, Everything from me, is my summer favorite at the moment,” says Estelle. “It has that perfect laid-back vibe that makes me want to grab my skates and have a great time with my friends and extended community.” She’s also spinning new albums from Channel Tres and Fana Hues at the barbecue. “Both projects capture the essence of summer,” she exclaims, “perfect for driving out with the top down, enjoying the grass underfoot in someone’s backyard, or dancing at daytime parties like Black Market Flea or Everyday People.”
Jean-Luc Wyclef
We already know that “Fu-Gee-La,” released by the reunited Fugees in 1995, is a barbecue staple. But Wyclef Jean suggests adding another iconic song into the rotation while the burgers sizzle on the grill. “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green, he tells EBONY. It’s a classic that brings a relaxed vibe to the air on a hot summer night.
Ashley Amber
The country artist’s latest single, “Dive Bar Baby,” is “fun, sassy and full of girl power vibes,” exclaims the country artist. And as for her favorite cookout songs by other artists, “Tanner Adell’s ‘Do-Si-Don’tcha,’ Kane Brown’s ‘Miles On It,’ and Willie Jones’ ‘Down By The Riverside’ are just a few of the songs that will be rocking the playlist this summer!”
victory
The Nigerian rapper and singer’s own song for the barbecue may sound a little saucy, but for good reason. “It’s called ‘B#$%&@d Don’t Be Silly’ because it’s a catchy phrase and everyone can relate to it,” Victony says. “I mean, we can all relate to criticizing someone who’s trying to be silly.” Victony “plays a lot of Saint Jhn,” who is featured on his debut album. Sowetoaround the grill.
Amarae
Amaarae is bringing her hit song “Princess Going Digital” to our outdoor celebrations. “To be honest, it’s the summer anthem for all of us,” explains the Ghanaian-American singer-songwriter. As she sits back with a glass of CÎROC Limonata Spritz, Amarae will I have Normani on the phone. “She has a few jams on her new album,” she says. “I would play a few of these at the barbecue.
Felix Ames
“The first single ‘I’ve Seen Heaven’ from my new EP Feel the past, see the futureis my favorite song for grilling,” says the soul artist. “My perfect BBQ playlist has a wide range of emotions, with soul music being the main focus. I would also play “Mr. Weatherman” when the grill is fired up and the aunties start hitting the little two-step. Aunties love Felix!”
