Since 2016 hit, hip-hop has continued to prove why it's the most listened to genre in the world. Artists like Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Future and Chance The Rapper have helped to restore not only the faith in fans but the overall quality in rap music this year. But last summer was an especially exciting time for the rap world, with various beefs brewing and a number of enticing cuts dropping left and right, providing a very necessary soundtrack to the season. Like all good things, summer comes to an end, leaving rap fans scrambling to bundle up for the fall and winter, the latter of which would extend itself all the way through March this year, with temps remaining too low to put the jackets and coats in storage for good across the country.

However, if the weather has been any indication as of late, it feels like summer has been approaching, slowly, but surely, over the past month, much to the delight of those ready to exchange the heavy clothing for shorts and tanks, and bask in the sun. Summer '16 has been anticipated for quite some time and with the month of June just around the corner, we've been gearing up for the festivities ourselves by spinning a few classic rap songs that are known to set the tone for those sweltering days where all you want to do is have fun and enjoy yourself.

The smell of charcoal in the grill, the sound of kids playing in the street and trips to the beach are upon us, but it isn't officially summer until you hear your favorite rap songs playing from a radio near you. Here are 20 rap songs that signal summer has arrived.

  • 1

    "Summertime"

    DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
  • 2

    "Big Pimpin'"

    Jay Z Featuring UGK
  • 3

    "21 Questions"

    50 Cent Featuring Nate Dogg
  • 4

    "Hypnotize"

    The Notorious B.I.G.
  • 5

    "Pull Over"

    Trina
  • 6

    "Swag Surfin'"

    F.L.Y.
  • 7

    "Why You Wanna"

    T.I.
  • 8

    "Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang"

    Dr. Dre Featuring Snoop Dogg
  • 9

    "My Boo"

    Ghost Town DJ's
  • 10

    "Rumpshaker"

    Wreckx-N-Effect
  • 11

    "I Get Around"

    2Pac
  • 12

    "It Was a Good Day"

    Ice Cube
  • 13

    "Slow Motion"

    Juvenile Featuring Soulja Slim
  • 14

    "Frontin'"

    Pharrell Featuring Jay Z
  • 15

    "Trade It All Part 2"

    Fabolous Featuring Jagged Edge & Diddy
  • 16

    "Down 4 U"

    Ja Rule Featuring Ashanti, Vita & Charli Baltimore
  • 17

    "Tha Block Is Hot"

    Lil Wayne
  • 18

    "Beautiful"

    Snoop Dogg Featuring Pharrell
  • 19

    "Hot in Herre"

    Nelly
  • 19

    "100%"

    Big Pun Featuring Tony Sunshine

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