It wouldn't be summer without backyard barbecues, family reunions, Mister Softee and summer jams. Whether it's a straightforward tune about kickin' it on a hot basketball court or a symbolic one about ice cream flavors, we can't deny the role music plays in the summer months. Check out a some of our favorites. Enjoy!

10. 'Lean Back,' Terror Squad

Sun-soaked lyric: "See my ni--as don't dance, we just pull up our pants and do the Rockaway/Now lean back"

Spawning the laziest dance ever, Terror Squad changed the game with this certified summer smash. Fat Joe and his crew made this song strictly for the big dudes who didn't want to scuff their fresh white sneakers or break a sweat on the dance floor.

Artist: DJ JS-1 feat. Chino XL, Sean Price and Killah Priest
Song: 'Murder'
Why You Should Listen: The Queens born DJ releases the first single from his new collaboration-filled LP, 'No Sell Out.'

Listen to 'Murder'

Now that singer Chris Brown is putting his legal woes behind him, the 20-year-old is getting back to the business of making music. Brown's latest song 'Not My Fault,' was leaked to the Internet Wednesday.

Although its not clear if the song was recorded before or after his relationship with Rihanna turned physical, the lyrics sound eerily familiar. "I picked up the paper and the headline reads/ It says single brokenhearted in some satin sheets/and I'm like why? We had a hell of a time."

The concept finds Brown claiming no responsibility for his love interest falling head over heels. "You see her mama called me, really steamed/She said my daughter won't eat and she won't sleep/She just cries."

Backed by a serious horn section, Maxwell sings about a woman who "means business" and makes his summer "frigid."

2. 'Cold'






Pre-order your copy of 'BLACKsummers'night'

After an eight-year hiatus, Maxwell is back with his long-awaited offering 'BLACKsummers'night,' due July 7, and The BoomBox is the only place to hear every track off the new album. Beginning today, and lasting for the next eight days, we're hosting an exclusive 'BLACKsummers'night' album preview. Each day we'll roll out a track from Maxwell's fourth studio album, including lyrics. Enjoy!

Artist: Del The Funky Homosapien
Song: 'Straight from the Big Bad West Coast'
Why You Should Listen: The funky one sets the record straight and proclaims that the "West civilization has something to add to the equation" on the latest single off his 14th album, Funk Man (Stimulus Package).'

Listen to 'Straight from the Big Bad West Coast'

Artist: Tanya Morgan
Song: 'Never Enough'
Why You Should Listen: Don't be fooled. The trio -- comprised of MCs Von Pea, Ilyas and Don Will -- haven't lost focus. "[It's] about love, but not women," Don Will says of the group's latest single off their new colorful and conceptual album, 'Brooklynati.' Download 'Brooklynati' on iTunes.

Listen to 'Never Enough'