on: staying cool this summer

For those lucky few of you that are living in slightly cooler climes this summer may not need this post as much as the rest of us from the South.  But I still think you'll dig this. 

It's not even officially summer yet, and I've been sweating my balls off on a consistent basis (true story:  It's been quite laborious trying to track down my balls every time I sweat them off).  This Houston humidity is no joke.  I usually like to listen to hip-hop or rap during the sunny months since it matches my mood--more upbeat, more excitable, etc.  But this time around, I don't know.  I've recently posted that it's officially okay for us to start listening to hip-hop again, and while I still stand by that, this summer just seems too hot throw your hands in the air and get buck wild.  Wouldn't your rather just sit back, relax, and groove with the opposite sex this summer?  It's hotter than Satan's taint out there, and dammit, we need something cool to keep the temperature down.  We need comfortable grooves, relaxed beats, and catchy lyrics.  Dammit, we need R&B.  Here are a few joints to keep cool this summer. 

Best for the morning:
Chris Brown - First Day of Spring
Simplistic drums, a repetitive guitar riff, and Chris Brown's signature style.  Do you really need much more for a successful R&B song?  There really is no stopping this guy.  He could record nothing but him farting on a track and it would sell.

Best for the afternoon:
Lloyd ft. The Dream - I Need Love
Sweeping synths in the background, a trotting bassline, and The Inc.'s hottest artist (Sorry, Ja).  If Chris Brown wasn't doing his thing right now, Lloyd would be alone at the top.  While the lyrics are a little bit meloncholy, the beat exudes a easiness guaranteed to keep you cool during mid-day.

And for that evening drive home:
Ne-Yo - Set It Off
The one thing I've always liked about Ne-Yo is that he always maintains some sense of maturity in his music.  He's not afraid to his lady know his intentions, but he still keeps it tasteful.  The bassline here can best be described as whimsical, while the synth keyboard keep the melody exciting.

Honorable mention:
Dwele - I'm Cheatin'
Alright, the content isn't the happiest of topics, but the beat is still nice.  It's the perfect down-tempo R&B song--It doesn't make you want to clap your hands, and that's evident from the first second.  Just snap your fingers and enjoy the rhythm, dammit.  Dwele's Sketches of a Man is in stores now.  

Ya'll stay cool.