4 | THE SUMMIT | APRIL 2016

Michael Jackson “Thriller” He’s called the King of Pop for a reason. This song is strongly considered to be the best song ever, and sets the bar for the music industry. Michael broke down a lot barriers with “Thriller,” not to mention the best music-dance video of all time. Clearly, the song was years ahead of its time.

Prince “Let’s Go Crazy”The opening track to both the album and motion picture film Purple Rain is arguably Prince’s most popular song. With thousands of his fans screaming “Encore!” at every concert, “Let’s Go Crazy” has a tendency to be extended for hours and hours—which is a good thing, especially if tickets can range between $250 to $25,000 per seat.

Michael Jackson “Billie Jean”Have you ever done the moonwalk? Of course you have. Well, Jackson done it again. Created dance history with another number-one U.S. Billboard’s Top 100 single. “Billie Jean,” along with other singles, received recognition by winning two Grammy awards for “Record of the Year” and “Best Male Performer” in 1984. YouTube the Motown 25th Anniversary/Michael Jackson and prepare to be amazed.

Usher “U Remind Me”Fellas, we all been there before. Meet a girl that has the perfect qualities, but there’s something about her that resembles your ex. Usher’s hot single “U Remind Me” from his 8701 album tells us about his relationships and also reached at the number-one spot on U.S. Billboard’s Top 100.

Michael Jackson “Bad”With so many number-one hits. It’s inevitable to see another single from Jackson on my list.

TOP OG TRACKSWith finals approaching next month and summer around the corner, this is the perfect time for college

students to bust out their mobile devices and set their music playlists. Listening to your favorite tunes on-the-go will always put you in a good mood. Here is my playlist, in no particular order. BY OCTAVIUS HUNTER

Temptations “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg”If you haven’t heard this song, than you my friend, are sadly missing out. Berry Gordy’s Motown music production has produced some of the best music in history and “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” is at the top. From David Ruffin’s vocals to the lead guitar chords, this song is a instant masterpiece. Marvin Gaye “Let’s Get It On”No singer is better at setting-up a mood than Marvin Gaye. Candlelight dinner, a movie and some “Let’s get it On” is always a perfect

recipe for an romantic evening. With an classic 50s melody, crazy rhythm patterns and Gaye’s voice, this track will be remembered forever. R. Kelly “Bump N Grind”As an 80s baby, I’ve always have the utmost respect for talented artists of my era. Well, who else than the pied piper? Released in 1994, “Bump N’ Grind” became a number-one single on the U.S. Billboard’s Top 100, and is still playing in nightclubs and bars today. Keith Sweat “Nobody”I guarantee in the first 10 seconds you’ll be singing, “I wanna tease you, I wanna please you.” Just like R. Kelly, Keith Sweat was a man of the 90s era. His unorthodox voice and simple lyrics will have you singing along the whole time. It’s the perfect song for those last-dance moments as well. Lauryn Hill “Doo Wop (That Thing)”Unfortunately, this was the only single that reached number one on the U.S. billboards charts for ultra-talented music artist Lauryn Hill. “Doo Wop (That Thing)” is one of the 10 songs in history that debuted at number one and also won two Grammy awards for “Best R&B song” and “Best R&B female singer” in 1999.

Nas “One Mic”The album Stillmatic’s production roster included Nas’ first album Illmatic originals DJ Premier, Large Professor and L.E.S. along with Ron Browz and Swizz Beatz. In “One Mic,” Nas illustrates a picture with his complex lyrics while starting out as a whisper, and by the end of the verse he is shouting, which builds up only to be quiet again. As each bar gets more intense, the song gets louder and more intense, which is a great combination for a smash hit.Tupac “So Many Tears”We all know Tupac Shakur is the most influential rapper of all time. But did you know the hardcore, West-Coast rapper was vulnerable at times? This third single from his Me Against The World album, has Tupac seeing demons, having nightmares and being pretty much scared for his life. Notorious BIG “Who Shot Ya?”Released about 20 years ago and appearing on Notorious B.I.G.’s third single “Big Poppa,” this track has become one of the most contested and controversial songs in history. This track alone added fuel to the fire to the West-East coast beef. Today, rappers still using this beat for rap battling and mixtapes.

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Kendrick Lamar “Maad City” (feauring MC Eiht)Lamar takes us for another ride on the storytelling train. This time, we journey through the streets of Compton, where there is gang violence, drugs and sex. With a soft-spoken tone and tons of wordplay, “Maad City” is just simply MAD.

LL Cool J “Bad”Before LL Cool J went Hollywood, he was the baddest rapper in New

York in the 80s. He made one of the best rap battle songs of all-time (“Ether” by Nas is the best). With a pounding beat, witty punchlines, fierce cockiness and machismo attitude, no one dared to grab the mic after LL.

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