,

Grammys 2022 Spring/Summer Playlist

These songs that were nominated or won big at the Grammys are perfect for you to enjoy all season long

Photo: Getty Images Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

The 2022 Grammys are over! But there were a lot of great songs that were performed, honored, mentioned and even awarded during the ceremony.

The Root saved you some work and created a playlist of some of the best songs from this year’s Grammys that will be perfect for your Spring and Summer gatherings. Add them and enjoy!

Silk Sonic – “Leave the Door Open”

Photo: Getty Images Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for iHeartRadio

If you’re trying to serenade your lady or just love a good ballad this is the song for you. It was everywhere since it was released and at the 2022 Grammys, this song swept every single award it was nominated for.

Silk Sonic – “777”

Photo: Getty Images John Esparza

Do you love Vegas? Do you love the casino? This song is it then. Silk Sonic performed this song to open the Grammys that took place in sin city. Play your chips right and put this on your summer playlist.

Doja Cat & SZA – “Kiss Me More”

Photo: Getty Images Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

If you have kids or you yourself are on TikTok, you’ve probably already heard this song a million times over. Doja, a rapper, and SZA, an R&B singer, came with a pop hit that will continue to rule the spring and summer for years to come. SZA wasn’t on crutches on this track.

Jazmine Sullivan – “Pick up Your Feelings”

Photo: Getty Images NAACP

Jazmine Sullivan not only won the best R&B performance for this song, but she also won the best R&B album for Heaux Tales. Good song if you’re cleaning around the house and do what Sullivan does on this song and “Don’t leave no pieces.”

Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar – “Family Ties”

Photo: Getty Images Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation

>

Do you like rap? Do you like hard beats? Crazy flows? Tough lyrics? Hype songs? This banger of a rap song switches beats three times and each beat switch becomes more and more epic with Kendrick and Keem trading bars like a seasoned rap duo. Keem was rewarded by winning best rap performance at the Grammys.

Kanye West – “Jail”

Photo: Getty Images PATRICK KOVARIK/AFP

Despite Kanye West being a no-show at the Grammys, West still has a knack for creating these anthem-type songs. The song features fellow rap legend Jay-Z and while it sounds like it should be played in an arena, it still sprinkles in some deep messages. Probably the reason why it won the best rap song at the Grammys.

Tyler, the Creator – “WUSYANAME”

Photo: Getty Images Victor Boyko

Has there been a rapper that has definitively had a better three-album run than Tyler? It seems like the Grammys agree because his past two albums have been winners of the best rap album. This song finds Tyler falling madly in love with a woman he just met. So if there’s a lady you’re eyeing, you might want to play this song for her just to show her how much you like her.

Jon Batiste – “Freedom”

Photo: Getty Images Astrid Stawiarz

No lie, this may be the best song for those summer and spring cookouts for my people in the south. Hailing from Louisiana, Batiste has that southern twang that pulls you and the grooviness to make you move your hips. The Recording Academy recognized his talent and awarded him with the album of the year award.

Nas – “Rare”

Photo: Getty Images Scott Dudelson

Nas is just a lyrical god at this point and he was able to showcase it for everyone at the 2022 Grammys with his performance. I mean this song is for people that just like bars because is just rapping his ass off throughout the three and half minute song.

H.E.R. – “We Made It”

Photo: Getty Images ROBYN BECK/AFP

What can H.E.R. not do? She can sing, play the piano, play the drums and play the guitar. The intro song to her 2021 album, Back of My Mind. This is a song for those late-night drives in the big city where you may want to reflect or wind down.

H.E.R. – “Damage”

Photo: Getty Images Patrick Smith

Now, this is the record if you’re n your feelings. Grab a bottle of wine, light some candles and don’t touch that phone to text your ex, because this song has the ability to make some people do that.

Saweetie – “Best Friend”

Photo: Getty Images Tasos Katopodis

I mean this song just speaks for itself. If you’re preparing for a night out with your friends, this is the go-to anthem. Joined by fellow rapper and pop star, Doja Cat, this song is if you’re just trying to loosen up.

Lil Nas X – INDUSTRY BABY

Photo: Getty Images Rich Fury

While this song did not take home any hardware at the 2022 Grammys, this song is up there with “Family Ties” as maybe the biggest rap banger of the past year. It sounds like there’s a damn band behind the production on this record and it slaps every time you play it.

Arlo Parks – “Black Dog”

Photo: Getty Images C Brandon/Redferns

A talented and underrated singer/songwriter, Parks’ soft voice will ease anyone’s spirit. This song is perfect when your day is coming to an end and you would like to wind down and relax. The best new artist nominee will ease your worries with this song.

GIVĒON – “Heartbreak Anniversary

Photo: Getty Images Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for ABA

GIVĒON has one of the most unique and powerful songs in the music industry and this song showcases that. Nominated for best R&B song, this song is all about heartbreak. So if you’re going through some heartbreak, this might make it harder, but if you just like some sad R&B, this is for you.

Leon Bridges – “Born Again”

Photo: Getty Images Jeff Hahne

Assisted by talented and acclaimed pianist Robert Glasper, Bridges is another artist that has a soulful voice that oozes into his music, particularly with this jazzy production assisting him. Perfect song for those beautiful spring days in the park.

J. Cole – “m y . l i f e”

Photo: Getty Images abatha Fireman

Jermaine Cole has an ear for these soulful bangers. Featuring acclaimed trap artist, 21 Savage, this song is almost like a part 2 to the 2018 song “A Lot” and this one may be just as good. The soul and emotion that comes across in this song are uncanny and I cannot stop listening to it.

Mickey Guyton – “Remember My Name”

Photo: Getty Images Kevin Mazur

We didn’t forget about country, Guyton, who also sang the national anthem at Super Bowl 56, is also one of the rising stars in country music. Guyton has a powerful voice to urge everyone around her to remember her name.

CeCe Winans – “Never Lost”

Photo: Getty Images Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI

I don’t know about ya’ll, but I still need some gospel in my life and CeCe is arguably the best to ever do it. This is a timeless song for a timeless sound that is perfect if you’re getting ready for church or at the pew yourself.

Jimmie Allen – “Un-Break My Heart”

Photo: Getty Images Jason Kempin

This isn’t your normal country song, on this track Allen is assisted by Nelly. But don’t worry, you still get the southern country feels from Allen with his powerful country voice. As the songs states, play this song when you just want the good times to continue.

Lucky Daye – “How Much Can a Heart Take”

Photo: Getty Images Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET

Winner of the best progressive R&B album award at the Grammys, Daye’s music has a soft bounce to it that makes you just want to vibe out in your apartment is your cleaning and burn some incense once you’ve finished your duties.

Alicia Keys – “A Beautiful Noise”

Photo: Getty Images Kevork Djansezian

Keys has been there and done that when it comes to winning these awards shows. But that doesn’t mean she still can’t flat out sing. The song includes her signature piano planning and is a nice slow song that sounds different than her from when she first started, but it still has Keys’ signature voice on it.

Black Coffee – “You Need Me”

Photo: Getty Images LUCA SOLA/AFP via Getty Images

For my electronic and dance lovers out there. This song by the South African DJ includes singer/songwriter Maxine Ashley as her angelic voice floats over the fast and electronic production. If you love pumpkin your fists, this DJ is for you.

Rhiannon Giddens with Francesco Turrisi – “Avalon”

Photo: Getty Images Judith Burrows

When’s the last time you heard a Black folk artist? If you haven’t then maybe Rhiannon Giddens could be your introduction. Her voice is soft but as unique and different as it gets and this song is no different. If you love being in nature, like taking a walk in the park or forest, this song is perfect for you.

WizKid – “Essence”

Photo: Getty Images Joseph Okpako/WireImage

I mean if you haven’t heard this song at a brunch, wedding, baby shower or any Black function I don’t know where the hell you have been. This song from the Afropop star Wizkid literally took over the world and Tems beautiful voice only adds to the enjoyment of this song.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

If You Thought You Knew Everything About Prince, Here Are Some Things That Will Shock You

If You Thought You Knew Everything About Prince, Here Are Some Things That Will Shock You

June 7 would have been Prince's 67th birthday. Here are a few things few people know about the legendary rocker ...
Father's Day 2025: Fave Black Dads in TV and Film

Father’s Day 2025: Fave Black Dads in TV and Film

From films like "The Pursuit of Happyness" and "Daddy's Little Girls" to shows like "Family Matters" and "Black-ish," we're celebrating our favorite dads in media ...

You Know Of The Tuskegee Airmen, But  You Don't Know What 'The Harlem 'Hellfighters' Did to Win The War

You Know Of The Tuskegee Airmen, But You Don’t Know What ‘The Harlem ‘Hellfighters’ Did to Win The War

There are many Black people who served in the U.S. Army with honor. Let's give them their flowers ...
Sole Survivor Explains How He's Alive After Air India Crash

Sole Survivor Explains How He’s Alive After Air India Crash

An Air India flight crash that claimed over 240 lives had one remarkable sole survivor. Viswashkumar Ramesh, 40, was one of the 242 people on board the London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which crashed in the northwestern Indian city of Ahmedabad about half a minute after takeoff on Thursday. While recovering ...
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET

The Very Short List of Black Celebs Speaking Out Against Trump’s ICE Raids

Although the list is short, folks like Doechii, Vic Mensa and Ava DuVernay are not happy with Trump's handling of anti-ICE protests ...
White George Floyd Advocate and Husband 'Target of Political Assasination' but It Gets Worse

White George Floyd Advocate and Husband ‘Target of Political Assasination’ but It Gets Worse

This is a sad day for America. But we all knew something like this coming ...
The Wild, Unbelievable Timeline of Kendrick Lamar's First Toronto Show Post-Drake Diss

The Wild, Unbelievable Timeline of Kendrick Lamar’s First Toronto Show Post-Drake Diss

Lamar touched down in Drake's hometown for his Grand National Tour and let's just say things went off-script in the most hilarious way ...
Expert: Brace Yourself For Anti-Ice Protests, But That's Not The Scary Part

Expert: Brace Yourself For Anti-Ice Protests, But That’s Not The Scary Part

Father’s Day weekend might be met with a side of anti-fascist chaos… across the country ...
Fans Get Too Close to Rumi Carter at the 'Cowboy Carter Tour' Until They See ...Jay-Z

Fans Get Too Close to Rumi Carter at the ‘Cowboy Carter Tour’ Until They See …Jay-Z

“Beyoncé’s youngest daughter was among the crowd during the latest ‘Cowboy Carter’ show in London.” ...
Embattled Shannon Sharpe Claps back At Nicki Minaj! Here's What We Know?

Embattled Shannon Sharpe Claps back At Nicki Minaj! Here’s What We Know?

Minaj took aim at Sharpe in a new song and now that he's gotten wind of it, he's a got a whole lot to say! ...
Former NBA Star Grabs His Privates and Pays a <i>Huge</i> Price For What He Does to a Fan

Former NBA Star Grabs His Privates and Pays a Huge Price For What He Does to a Fan

DeMarcus Cousins catches a steep penalty from his basketball team for very unsportsmanlike conduct caught on camera ...
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images

Behind Florida’s Sheriff’s ‘We Will Kill You’ to Anti-Trump Protesters

With Sheriff Ivey basically giving the green light for violence against Americans using their First Amendment right, Black folks took it all in ...
What Black Men Secretly Want For Father's Day

What Black Men Secretly Want For Father’s Day

It's not socks. Nor is it cologne. What Black men want for Father's Day is simple and free ...
How Trump is Now Involved in R. Kelly's Legal Mess, Explained

How Trump is Now Involved in R. Kelly’s Legal Mess, Explained

The once beloved R&B singer is pulling out all the stops to try to get out of prison and his latest attempt just might involve the president! ...
Detroit Mother Kicked Out Of Zoom Court For Making Daughter A PB&J

Detroit Mother Kicked Out Of Zoom Court For Making Daughter A PB&J

Turns out you can't make PB&Js during a court hearing, even if it's on Zoom ...
Kenny Lattimore and Faith Jenkins Go After Youtubers For Spreading Lies About Them

Kenny Lattimore and Faith Jenkins Go After Youtubers For Spreading Lies About Them

Lattimore, a popular singer, has remained out of the headlines as of late. But this new development has now changed that! ...
Black Internet Reacts To Nelly And Ashanti's New Reality Show Trailer

Black Internet Reacts To Nelly And Ashanti’s New Reality Show Trailer

If reality TV wasn't already starting to get juicy with the comeback of Love Island USA, it's definitely going to get interesting with a new show everyone is talking about. Spin the block couple, Nelly and Ashanti, are coming out with a reality TV show, "Nelly & Ashanti: We Belong ...
Wait...Who's Trying to Kill R. Kelly??

Wait…Who’s Trying to Kill R. Kelly??

Kelly, the disgraced R&B singer, has been trying to get out from under his 31 year prison sentence. But this latest attempt might be the wildest ...
Will Ryan Gosling Play Black Panther? Answered

Will Ryan Gosling Play Black Panther? Answered

After a new Marvel comic introduces a white Black Panther, fans discuss whether Ryan Gosling should take on the role ...