Is there anything better than blasting music through your apartment, windows wide open on a warm, breezy summer day? I’ll wait—jk, I’m not going to wait. There isn’t anything better.
A recent heatwave may have made summer briefly unbearable, but many of our favorite artists have dropped songs that made the rising temperatures a little easier to deal with.
Essence editors shared some the of songs they’ve had on rotation this season, ranging from Ari Lennox to Burna Boy, recent hits to a few old faves, for this week’s music round-up.
Shalwah Evans, Associate Beauty Editor
One of Essence’s go-to girls for all things beauty, Shalwah’s got a little Summer Walker and PartyNextDoor on her playlist.
Nandi Howard, Assistant Fashion Features Editor
Our stylish editor—who is always here to help you get the right look—has had Ilham’s “Run Dry” and Maxo Kream’s “The Relays (feat. Travis Scott)” on constant rotation.
Cori Murray, Entertainment Director
Always busy booking covers, traveling around the country—and sometimes around the world—or popping up on panels and at events, Essence’s entertainment director still somehow manages to keep up with everything happening in pop culture. The songs currently getting a lot of love on her playlist: Lizzo’s “Tempo” and “Imported” by Jessie Reyez and 6LACK.
Yesha Callahan, News/Politics Editorial Director
What’s the best way to take a break from all the political news flooding our timelines? Music. Our new and politics editorial director is currently listening to Fantastic Negrito’s “Plastic Hamburgers” and “Don’t Be Lazy” by Emotional Oranges.
Rashida Morgan-Brown, Art Director
Rashida is one of the people who makes our magazine pop every month. And this summer what’s poppin’ on her playlist is “Ye” by Burna Boy and “Toast” by Koffee.
James Love, Associate Fashion Market Editor
When he’s not showing us how to rock pink hair, our associate fashion market editor is recommending hits. James’s summer has been all about Megan Thee Stallion and Chance the Rapper.
Dominique Hobdy, Senior Commerce Editor
Dominique is the person who makes it easier for you, dear reader, to shop some of our best product guides. What has she been vibin’ to all summer? Doja Cat’s “Juicy” and GoldLink’s “Yard.”
Marquita Harris, Work & Money Editor
My Pisces sister—#PiscesHive!!!!—and Essence’s work & money editor, Marquita is currently enjoying Burna Boy’s “JA ARA E” from The Lion King: The Gift and Tyler, The Creator’s “Earfquake.”
Jasmine Grant, Associate Lifestyle Editor
It comes as no surprise that our resident love, wellness, and self-care expert has quality taste in music. Jasmine’s currently “obsessed with all things Lucky Daye,” so she has the singer’s hits “Karma” and “Love You Too Much” on heavy rotation.
Danielle Pointdujour, Associate Lifestyle Editor
Quick to recommend the next hotspot or the travel essentials you’ll no doubt need for your next trip, there’s only one song on Danielle’s mind, Jessie Woo’s “Vacation.”
Jennifer Ford, Associate Beauty Editor
Jennifer knows everything about beauty, everything! And she also knows a thing or two about hits. This summer she’s listening to Beyoncé’s “Brown Skin Girl” and Elle Varner’s “Wishing Well.”
Sydney Scott, Entertainment Editor
Hello, it’s me, the editor writing this post. Summer has never been my favorite season—saving my energy for #SadGirlFall—but I do love the music that drops during the season. Currently, I’m listening to BJ the Chicago Kid’s latest “Time Today” and a song that never gets old, Rihanna’s “Same Ol’ Mistakes.”