Whether you’re driving with the top back or with the windows rolled down; whether you’re at the beach with your boombox on blast or sitting on your stoop with your iPod playlist on repeat, there is nothing like hearing a great song in the summer time—thus the “Summer Jam”. I mean who’s ever heard of a winter jam (not the kind you spread on toast) or springtime classics? Nah man, it’s all about those summer joints that make you sweat and swerve. Songs that are good in other seasons, but just have that certain beat and ritmo that make the hot concrete feel like an open-air, pulsating dancefloor. Then there are those summer slow jams– those love songs that always seem to get you in the baby-making mood even when the air is thick with humidity and perspiration drips from your warm wet washcloth of a body. Yeah you know what I mean!

Now that summer is half through I’ve been curious about the joints that have been getting folk off. For me it’s been Beyonce’s “Beautiful Nightmare” (a leaked song from her upcoming album), Weezy’s “Lollipop” and most recently Robin Thicke’s “Magic.” I remember one night last month being slightly pissed about waiting so long for my friend to pick me up. When she finally arrived I got in the car and was obviously tight. In about 5 minutes she put on her CD and pressed number 3 and played “Lollipop” and said, “This is your song, right?” I smiled and exhaled a satisfying, “Oh yeah.” She laughed saying, “Now that’s better.” She opened up the sunroof and needless to say, it was all good.

The pics below are friends of mine that I’ve seen around the way at different music concerts and showcases. From Tillman’s Monday night jam with the Marksmen presenting Shu and Stacie Aamons to Giant Step’s Steve Madden showcase featuring Lil’ Jackie to a special showcase back at Tillman’s featuring bright newcomer Maiysha. Like me, these people are music heads looking for their next fix so I thought it most fitting to start with them and find out what are their favorite jams this summer:

Michaela angela Davis: Estelle’s “American Boy” & “Puerto Rico” by Peven Everett sends me into instant happy, happy joy, joy.

Diane DaCosta: Eric Benet’s “You’re The Only One”– that takes me back. Sounds like he misses Halle.

Selwyn Hinds: I dig that Rick Ross joint, “The Boss.” And on the total flip tip, this Latin dance joint “Bem Ma Mi” by Louie Vega featuring Anane.

Abby Dobson: Lizz Wright’s The Orchard– just love her and my own song “Born 2 Luv U.”

Delmar James: I’ve been stuck on the 3Beanstew record, Shae Fiol’s record, and this dude Guyora Kats (used to be Q-Tip’s music director).

Charles Anthony: “Wink” by Little Dragon– they combine movement with laid back subtleties that make you bob your head.

Margeaux Watson: “I’ll Be Lovin’ U Long Time” by Mariah Carey. That’s me and my girlfriend’s theme song.

Michael Gonzales: When I was on youtube I discovered a dude named Ronnie Foster, whose 1972 “Summer Song” is hot.

Please comment below and tell me what’s been blowing your wig back: