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.

Rapper Ortega Henderson, a friend of Nelly's St. Lunatics crew, died last week from complications from gun shot wounds. The 25-year-old was shot May 16 and later succumbed to his injuries at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

Although complete details revealing why Henderson was shot have yet to be released, fellow St. Lunatic's associate Kiyjuan Henderson confirmed the news. "He got mixed up in the streets, but he was so talented, we thought we could pull him out of it," said Henderson. "He was on the right path for a minute, but times are hard and he started getting around the wrong people."

After a very successful run with his Apple Bottom Clothing and Accessories line, Nelly has decided to add a scent to his popular brand. In a deal with Romane Fragrances the St. Louis native will launch Apple Bottom by Nelly Eau de Parfum this fall along with a line of body care products.

"Apple Bottoms jeans make a woman feel great about herself, and that's exactly the same feeling our fragrances and body care products create," Monte Heinge, CEO of Romane Fragrances, said in a statement.

In a recent press release Apple Bottoms described the new scent as, "infused with a burst of citrus and a subtle pink peony note. There's also rose and coconut as floral layers, resulting in a sensual, feminine base of the fragrance.

Who: Nelly
What: The rapper takes part in the Pokerstars' Ante Up for Africa European celebrity poker tournament.
Where: Monte Carlo, Monaco
When: April 27, 2009

Who: Nelly
What: The rapper cuts the ribbon as he opens the new Apple Bottom store in Dubai Mall.
Where: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
When: March 10, 2009

Artist: Nelly
Song: 'One & Only'
Why You Should Watch: The St. Louis rapper pours out his heart to his "one & only" in the video for the latest single off 'Brass Knuckles.'

Some of music's biggest stars will be hitting the stage in support of the veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. Beyonce, 50 Cent, Nelly and John Legend will all appear at the concert event titled "A Night for Vets: An MTV Concert for the Brave."

The concert will feature live and pre-recorded performance from the artists and will be taped at a New York venue one day prior to airing. 'It doesn't matter where you stand on the war, we can all agree that young veterans serving our country must receive the benefits they've earned for their sacrifices,' said Van Toffler president of MTV Networks. 'We aim to elevate these issues and ensure they're a top priority for our government officials.'

Kid Rock and Jennifer Hudson are also among those scheduled to appear at the event which will air on October 24 at 8 p.m. on MTV.