Recently, I took some time to reflect on why I love the summer so much. The more I thought about it, the more it became apparent that my primary passion point is the music. Here’s what I noticed; as the temperature rises, so do the memorable moments in music that come along with it. From the BET Awards to the Essence Music Festival and beyond, there are just so many magical moments that are synonymous with the warmer months.
So in honor of the new love of my life — I decided to take a stroll around the rolling out office to gather the expert opinions of our staff members. As we took some time to reflect on our favorite summer music moments, one thing became abundantly clear: We all seem to agree that there’s no better time for music than June, July and August. Don’t believe me? Then read below to hear it straight from the source.
**2010 BET Awards
Steve Simpson, Graphic Designer, Web Team
“The BET Awards has to be my highlight for the summer. I have to be honest with you, when it first came on, I was expecting it to be underwhelming like in years past. But this year was different. I have to tip my hat to BET for really taking the time to create something that is still being talked about … and in a good way. From Chris Brown’s MJ tribute to the return of El DeBarge, there were just so many moments that made me proud of black music. In fact, I think I’m about to go and watch some of the performances again.”
Gerald Radford, Managing Editor
“I appreciated BET’s attempt to bring together the old school and the new school to create an atmosphere where our entire community could enjoy an all-encompassing show. This show was well thought out, and really touched the pulse of what music means to black America.”
**Drake’s Album Release Thank Me Later
Yvette Caslin, Executive Editor
“I would have to say that Drake’s album is my highlight of the summer. Outside of the fact that it was just a great album, I really like the way that he speaks to women. He isn’t disrespectful to us like so many other rappers, so I have to give him a lot of credit. His album is definitely one that will continue to get played on my iPod for the rest of the summer and beyond.”
**The Roots Album Release How I Got Over
Munson Steed, Publisher
“My highlight of the summer was the release of The Roots album. It was a serious breath of fresh air. To hear Black Thought express himself musically without telling me how much money he makes, or what kind of car he drives was something that hip-hop sorely needs. The way that The Roots described life through their music was inspiring, and I can only hope that other artists will take this album and allow it to be their muse.”
**The Essence Music Festival
DeWayne Rogers, Entertainment Editor
“I’ve often downplayed the Essence Music Festival, because I realized that the magazine and the weekend are designed for the enjoyment of women. But this year, I decided to mentally let go, and drop my guard so I could fully take in the experience. To my surprise, this festival provided my highlight of the summer … hands down. There’s nothing like being in a place where Gladys Knight is appreciated just as much as Alicia Keys and Mary J. Blige. From here on out, I will return to New Orleans with an open mind, ready to let the music from that weekend move me … just like it did this year.”
**Big Boi’s Album Release Sir Lucious Left Foot
Amir Shaw, Sports Editor
“I think that Big Boi’s return is what I’m most excited about. After a three-year hiatus, just the story of behind his return is inspiring. I’m a huge OutKast fan, so I’m curious to see how the public is going to receive Big Boi by himself without André 3000. I’m an Atlanta native, so there’s nothing that can come close to matching my anticipation for this album.
**Jay-Z and Eminem Tour
Justin Dennis, Video Team
“It hasn’t happened yet, but I’m really looking forward to the Jay-Z and Eminem tour. I think it’s going to be epic. Both of them are rap royalty, so I can only imagine the energy that is going to be in each arena. Even though they are working together on tour, I know that deep down each one is going to give their all just to make sure they don’t get outdone by the other. I think it’s going to be the perfect way to end the summer. “
Embracing the Summer
The longer I sat and discussed summer music with my rolling out colleagues, the more it became apparent to that this conversation could go on forever. Before I stared this project, I don’t think it really hit me or any of them just how important music was during the dog days of summer. It many ways, it becomes the soundtrack that drives us through the heat, and propels us into the fall. But now that I know, I will never again take summer music for granted. It will continue to sing me a sweet love song, and I will continue to savor every second of it.
Let’s Hear From You
Do you have a favorite summer music moment? If so, comment below to share your opinion with the rest of our community.
