July is officially upon us! Which means LeBron James has shook up another year of NBA free agency and employees have already set those out-of-office emails for the Fourth of July holiday. June was a hot month for summer music releases, especially in hip-hop - Kanye West brought back G.O.O.D. Fridays and Drake was in his feelings for the umpteenth time. Before you get into the "I don't catch feelings, I catch flights" mode on that long-overdue summer vacation or spend time with the family at a cookout, make sure you have the right tunes in order.
Here is the TSFJ Fourth of July 2018 playlist. Thank us later.
The Carters, 'APESH*T'
Hip-Hop's royal family Beyoncé and Jay-Z know how to break the Internet on any day. While performing on their OTRII Tour, they surprisingly released their long-awaited joint album, Everything Is Love. The 9-track project seems to be a trilogy to the their most recent solo efforts and it doesn't disappoint. On the lead single, 'APESH*T,' let's just say Queen Bey is showing listeners that she can spit bars like her hubby too!
Ty Dolla $ign and Jeremih, 'The Light'
No other artist is having a better 2018 than Ty Dolla $ign. The singer-songwriter has been featured nearly on every June release this year, including Jay-Z, Kanye West, Drake and Teyana Taylor. It's been known for months that the singer and fellow crooner Jeremih were teaming up for a joint project properly titled MIHTY, and the first single 'The Light' is the perfect addition to your rooftop party needs. Jeremih's higher falsetto complements Ty Dolla's raspier vibrato, making for an appetizing sound.
Sean Paul ft. Migos, 'Body'
I know what you're thinking, it's 2018 and I can't believe we're getting new music from Jamaican dancehall singer Sean Paul. If you haven't listened to any of his music since his 'We Be Burnin' days, don't fret. Paul is back with some new heat on his latest EP, Mad Love: The Prequel. He teams up with southern trappers Migos on 'Body' for all of the Caribbean dance lovers, perfect for all of your Fourth of July festivities.
Drake, 'In My Feelings'
It wouldn't be full-blown Drake if he didn't have a song called 'In My Feelings.' On the 6 God's latest album Scorpion, the rapper-singer chooses half of the project to focus on his love for R&B. This is one of the album's few songs that is sure to keep everyone moving across the dance floor.
Bas feat. A$AP Ferg, 'Boca Raton'
Dreamville signee Bas is ready to release his latest album since his 2016 hit, Too High to Riot. The rapper teams up with A$AP Ferg and Soulection producer Sango as they bring summertime fine vibes to Florida.
Bebe Rexha feat. Quavo, '2 Souls on Fire'
There's no doubt that Quavo is shooting 100% with every feature. Pop singer Bebe Rexha recruits the Migos member for their mid-tempo hit '2 Souls on Fire.' It's a different sound for Quavo, but if a pop singer needs a hit, they know which rapper to call.
Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa, 'One Kiss'
EDM producer Calvin Harris is known for releasing dance hits for the summer. After his smash 2017 album Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1, he's back with another summer banger. Newcomer Dua Lipa provides the vocals on their latest single 'One Kiss,' a track that gives a similar vibe to Crystal Waters' 90s hit 'Gyspy Woman.'
Jay Rock, 'Troopers'
One of the breakout albums of 2018 is the third studio project from TDE's own Jay Rock. The rapper's latest album, Redemption, features production and vocals from his labelmates Kendrick Lamar and SZA. One the album's standout tracks, 'Troopers,' has listeners getting familiar with the rapper's vocals alongside his bars. The slow-to-mid tempo track helps round the album out as a contender for one of the best releases of 2018.
Juice WRLD, 'Lucid Dreams'
One of the newest rappers coming out of Chicago is Juice WRLD. Although his debut album Goodbye & Good Riddance focuses on moving on after a breakup, the summer is the perfect time to get back in the single and ready to mingle game. Thanks to the production on 'Lucid Dreams,' this is the song you play while driving in your car with all the windows down and volume turned up.
Ella Mai, 'Boo'd Up'
To put you in a better mood, DJ Mustard's protégé Ella Mai is here to also get you in your feelings. Although she released the song nearly two years ago, her latest video for the track has turned it into the song of the summer, making it her first platinum hit.
Jonas Blue feat. Joe Jonas, 'I See Love'
To keep the romantic summer theme, Jonas Blue and Joe Jonas released the pumped-up record, 'I See Love.' The 80's-pop synth sound is perfect for club-goers everywhere.
Elujay, 'Locked In'
Do you ever hear a feel-good record and you know your parents would love it? That's the vibe when you listen to Elujay's latest single, 'Locked In.' The Oakland singer is currently working on his next album and fans can only hope he keeps this same essence on it. Let's see you two-step to this one!
Diplo feat. French Montana and Lil Pump, 'Welcome to the Party'
The song's title itself is the perfect entrance when you walk into any Fourth of July function. Diplo teams up with French Montana and Lil Pump for their latest, 'Welcome to the Party,' a song from the Deadpool 2 soundtrack. It's dubstep, EDM, and trap all mixed together!
Cardi B feat. J Balvin and Bad Bunny, 'I Like It'
Although Cardi B had quite the monstrous music year in 2017, this Bronx girl is showing no signs of slowing down. Her latest Spanglish hit, 'I Like It,' with features from J Balvin and Bad Bunny, landed at the top of the Billboard charts this week, making her the first female rapper to have two No. 1 hits. With the first half of 2018 behind us, we should all strive to be a little like Cardi: successful and getting to the schmoney!
Listen to the full playlist below and let us know in the comments what songs you think should be added to your Fourth of July playlist.
