Every good cookout needs good music. Even if the food is out of this world, if people aren’t dancing, it’s basically a bust. So while you’re marinating your meats and mixing your potato salad, you’ll need to have a playlist of hot songs and a serious speaker ready to go.
Suggested Reading
If you’re looking for a little inspiration, we’ve pulled together a playlist that will make sure your Fourth of July cookout is lit. And if you need more ideas, check out our Memorial Day cookout playlist.
“Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See” by Busta Rhymes
Busta Rhymes came out swinging with “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See,” the lead track on his second solo album When Disaster Strikes. The funky baseline comes from a sample of Seals & Crofts’ “Sweet Green Fields.”
“Party Ain’t a Party” by Queen Pen
In the words of Queen Pen, “A party ain’t a party ‘til it’s ran all through.” And a party ain’t a party until you play her 1998 hit, “Party Ain’t a Party,” which features a sample of Earth, Wind & Fire’s funky track, “On Your Face.”
“Family Affair” by Mary J. Blige
If you want a track that’s sure to get everyone on their feet, throw on “Family Affair” by Mary J. Blige. Released in 2001 on her No More Drama album, the song earned her two GRAMMY noms, including Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. Without a doubt, Mary’s voice and Dr. Dre’s beat will have everyone getting crunk and having fun up in this dancery.
“Beautiful” by Snoop Dogg ft. Pharrell Williams
Pharrell Williams, Charlie Wilson and Snoop Dogg are some of the biggest hit makers in the industry, so when they joined forces on “Beautiful,” the result was fire. The track received a GRAMMY nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2004.
“It Takes Two” by Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock
I dare you to try to keep still when “It Takes Two” by Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock comes on. From the moment you hear that first,“Hit it,” the beat grabs on and does not let go. Add Rob Base’s catchy lyrics and the iconic hook which samples Lyn Collins’s 1972 “Think (About It),“ and you’ve got the perfect party song.
“After Party” by Koffee Brown
Koffee Brown’s 2001 hit may be called “After Party,” but you can play it any time during your barbecue to get your guests dancing.
“Cuff It” by Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s Renaissance album is full of tracks that make you want to dance. But “CUFF IT” is one of our feel-good favorites.
“Treat ‘Em Right” by Chubb Rock
Chubb Rock’s “Treat ‘Em Right,” is sure to have all of your cookout guests pulling out their best 90s dance moves. The song features a sample of the First Choice track “Love Thang,” another hot song to add to your picnic playlist.
“Love Thang” by First Choice
If you like Chubb Rock’s “Treat ‘Em Right,” you’ll love the TK First Choice track “Love Thang.”
“Candy” by Cameo
Funk band Cameo has been making music since 1974. But one of their biggest crossover hits has to be “Candy,” the second single from their album Word Up. 2Pac even sampled it on his hit, “All About U.”
“Do I Do” by Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder has too many hits to count, but one of his funkiest tracks has to be his 1982 hit, “Do I Do.” The song, which was first released on the compilation album Stevie Wonder’s Original Musiquarium I, peaked at number 13 on the Billboard charts.
“The Payback” by James Brown
James Brown’s music has been making people dance for decades. There’s a reason why his music has been sampled by everyone from EPMD to Jay-Z. If you can only add one James Brown track to your cookout playlist, his 1973 hit “The Payback” is a great choice.
“Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)“ by Soul II Soul
The British R&B band Soul II Soul made a splash in the US with their 1989 hit “Back to Life (However Do You Want Me).”
“Around the Way Girl” by LL Cool J
LL Cool J told us what kind of girl he was looking for in his 1990 classic, “Around the Way Girl” - “a girl with extensions in her hair, bamboo earrings, at least two pair.” The song, which samples Mary Jane Girls’ “All Night Long” has a permanent spot on our party playlist.
“Good Times” by Chic
Chic’s 1979 hit “Good Times” has one of the funkiest baselines of all time, hands down.
Straight From 
Sign up for our free daily newsletter.
