Live at The BBQ: The Best 50 BBQ Songs For Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day Weekend is here. For most people, that signals the unofficial start of the summer and BBQ's with great music. Exciting music. Classic music. Sometimes its hard knowing exactly what jams are appropriate because there are so many summer bangers, so we over here at XXL have put together a playlist that you can bump at your BBQ. You might mess around and receive a standing ovation with this joint here. Throw some burgers on the grill, blast these records and thank us later. Grill em, grill em! -Khalid Salaam

Raekwon - "Ice Cream"

What better way to top off a BBQ than with some ice cream? "French-vanilla, butter-pecan, chocolate-deluxe/Even caramel sundaes is gettin touched."

Tupac - "California Love"

One could be BBQ'ing anywhere, but throw on this record and it's all about the Westside!

Salt-N-Pepa - "Let's Talk About Sex"

The smell of burgers won't be the only thing in the air if this record gets played. Sex will be in the air too.

N.E.R.D. - "Lapdance"

You already brought the club to your BBQ. Might as well cover the strip club too.

Foxy Brown - "Big Bad Mama"

Everyone's going to dance to this.

Fabolous - "You Be Killin' Em"

Bring the club to the BBQ. Then tell shorty, you're killin em. Why not?

Terror Squad - "Lean Back"

BX stand up! Make that Lean Back, Lean Back.

Jay-Z/T.I. - "Swagga Like Us"

A heavyweight lineup to say the least. Who had the best verse, though?

Styles P - "Good Times"

Regardless of whether you smoke or not, it's natural to feel high when this record hits.

Soulja Boy - "Crank That"

Even if you don’t rock with it, somebody at the BBQ will.

Shyne - "Bonnie & Shyne"

We didn’t forget Shyne spittin game on this one. "Here's my number, put it in your purse and call me."

Snoop Dogg - "Who Am I (What's My Name?)"

Whoever doesn't know this hook, exit our BBQ stage left. Quickly.

Fabolous - "I Can't Deny It"

Early Fab just showing us the tip of the iceberg.

P. Diddy - "All About the Benjaminz"

No party is safe from this one.

Snoop Dogg - "Beautiful"

The video overshadowed the song due to its ample T&A showcase, but the record is pretty dope. A chill play with just enough energy to keep the party moving.

Outkast - "Ms. Jackson"

Single parents need love too. Ooohh.

Outkast – "Southernplayalisticcadillacmusik"

A first shot in what has turned into a Hall of Fame career for 'Kast.

Notorious B.I.G. - "Big Poppa"

Hit play and watch the vibe get smooth and chill. Baby, baby!

Notorious B.I.G. - "Juicy"

Aspiration set to music. Hearing this just makes us smile and enjoy life. Tell us we're wrong.

Nelly - "Hot in Here"

BBQ'ing poolside? Then this song will take on a whole new meaning.

Snoop Dogg - "Lets Get Blown"

Snoop got hits don’t he? Let's Get Blown.

Main Source feature Nas and Akinyele - "Live at the BBQ"

Do you remember the first time you heard Nas’ verse? Yeah, us too. It's only right this record makes the cut.

Mase - "Tell me What You Want"

You probably rocked to this when it was out so don’t pretend now.

Maino - "A Million Bucks"

Maino went in on this one.

LL Cool J - "Around the Way Girl"

This record is timeless. The impact is the same today as when it came out. Play it right now, if you don’t believe us.

Kardinal Offishall – "Dangerous"

With a little help from Akon, Kardinal made this a flirty contagious record. Perfect for hollering at a cutie during a BBQ. T. Dot stand up!

Kanye West - "Devil in a New Dress"

A lot of great party songs tend to be singles and not album cuts, but this joint stands out.

Junior Mafia - "Get Money"

A decade and a half later and Lil Kim’s verse still sounds dirty. That’s a good thing by the way.

Jim Jones - "Ballin'"

The song had half of America doing the fadeaway jump shot move. That feeling will likely return Memorial Day weekend.

Jay-Z - "Dear Summer"

Memorial Day weekend can be viewed as the unofficial start of the summer. So, this one just makes sense.

Jay-Z featuring Foxy Brown - Ain't No Ni---

Nobody could deny this hit.

Ice Cube - "Good Day"

If you have a good BBQ, then you'll have a good day. And if mama starts the BBQ early, make sure she "cooks the breakfast with no hog."

Grand Master Flash & the Furious Five - "The Message"

Obviously you know the words, so sing along. No not you, we're talking to your dad. An oldie, but goodie.

Jay-Z - "Empire State of Mind"

You don’t have to live in New York to feel pride when this record comes on.

Snoop Dogg - "Drop it Like it's Hot"

For the beat alone, it would make the list. Then add the fact that Snoop and P shined and it's basically a must-have.

Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Dogg - "Nuthin But a G Thang"

Sophisticated, smooth warm-weather groove.

Drake - "Best I Ever Had"

Play the hook loud and watch the ladies congregate.

DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince - "Summertime"

Pretty much a mandatory play at every get-together, especially a Memorial Day weekend of grilling. It’s only become more of a classic as the years have past. If it's not played people will assume the worst about you.

DJ Quik - "Summer Breeze"

Just a bunch of kids chillin, enjoying the Summer Breeze.

Dipset - "Dipset Anthem"

Let this blast off your BBQ and watch heads bop. Dipset!

Common - "Drive me Wild"

The “driving yourself crazy like the astronaut lady” line still sticks to our ribs. Speaking of ribs . . . fire up a rack!

Clipse - "Grindin"

This song stands the test of times, doesn’t it?

Cam'ron - "Oh Boy"

An Uptown Anthem. Oh Boy.

Busta Rhymes - "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See"

Even people who don’t typically dance, dance to this song. It's a must!

50 Cent - "21 Questions"

Everyone smiles at the “love you like a fat kid loves cake” line.

Puff Daddy - "Been Around The World"

While you're jammin' at the BBQ just realize that Mase’s first verse on this joint is a not so subtle reminder that dude did have ability.

Big Pun - "Still Not a Player"

The flow, the wordplay, the charisma . . . everything was on display here. How dope is this song?

Jay-Z - "Big Pimpin'"

Back in ’99 this track was ahead of its time. Over a decade later and it still is.