Hip Hop Summers: 101

I'm throwing down a gauntlet tonight. If you claim to be a follower of hip hop music and culture and you DO NOT know the words to this song, then you have some studying to do. (There are songs I should know that I don't. So I have studying to do, too!) As far as I can tell, summer doesn't begin in the world of hip hop until this song starts spinning on the radio.



Here, I'll even put up the lyrics so you may follow along. Don't say I've never done anything for you.

Verse 1:
Here it is, a groove slightly transformed,
Just a bit of a break from the norm,
Just a little somethin' to break the monotony,
Of all that hardcore dance that has gotten to be
A little bit out of control; it's cool to dance
But what about a groove that soothes and moves; romance?
Give me a soft subtle mix,
And if ain't broke then don't try to fix it.
And think of the summers of the past;
Adjust the base and let the alpine blast.
Pop in my CD and let me run a rhyme,
And put your car on cruise and lay back cause it's summertime.

Verse 2:
School is out and it's a sort of a buzz.
Back then I didn't really know what it was,
But now I see what happens it's
The way that people respond to summer madness.
The weather is hot and girls are dressing less,
And checking out the fellas to tell 'em who's best.
Riding around in your Jeep or your Benzos,
Or in your Nissan stting on Lorenzos.
Back in Philly we be ou in the park.
A place called the plateau is where everybody goes.
Guys out hunting and girls doing likewise;
Honking at the honey in front of you with the light eyes.
She turn around to see what you beeping at;
It's like the summer's a natural afrodisiac.
And with a pen and pad I compose this rhyme,
To hit you and to get you equipped for the summertime

Verse 3:
It's late in the day and I ain't been on the court yet;
Hustle to the mall to get me a short set.
Yeah I got on sneaks but I need a new pair,
'Cause basketball courts in the summer got girls there.
The temperature's about 88.
Hop in the water plug just for old times sake.
Break to ya crib change your clothes once more,
'Cause you're invited to a barbeque that's starting at four.
Sitting with your friends cause y'all reminisce
About the days growing up and the first person you kissed.
And as I think back makes me wonder how
The smell from a grill could spark up nostalgia.
All the kids playing out front,
Little boys messin' round with the girls playing double-dutch.
While the DJ's spinning a tune
As the old folks dance at your family reunion.
Then six o'clock rolls around,
You just finished wiping your car down.
It's time to cruise so you go
To the summertime hangout; it looks like a car show.
Everybody come lookin real fine;
Fresh from the barber shop or fly from the beauty salon.
Every moment frontin' and maxin';
Chillin' in the car they spent all day waxin'.
Leanin' to the side but you can't speed through,
Two miles an hour so everybody sees you.
There's an air of love and of happiness,
And this is the Fresh Prince's new defintion of summer madness.

There will be a test on August 31st. Be prepared.



peace.