SoundsLikeWater Presents: "Summer Waves" (Our Favorites)

Summer always brings a certain rhythm. The long days, warm nights and backyard get togethers need the right soundtrack, and this season we kept our ears open for the records that defined the vibe. From underground gems to soulful R&B standouts, this list highlights the artists and tracks that carried us through the hottest months. While it is not ranked in strict order, Peter $un’s project stood tall as the one that set the tone. And if you noticed Ty Dolla $ign showing up more than once, that is no accident, his features shaped the sound of summer.

What makes this list even more special is the focus on independent artists. These are the voices moving the culture forward from the ground up, creating with authenticity and heart. Some are completely underground, while others are on the cusp of wider recognition, but all share that spirit of independence. The Wave has always championed those who carve out their own lane, and this playlist is a reflection of that commitment.

Peter $un “Rent Was Due”

Peter $un’s project set the standard this summer. Out of everything we played, this body of work felt like the most complete and the one that captured the season’s dual energy of reflection and ambition. Certain tracks lean heavy into personal storytelling, while others keep the energy moving with soulful bounce. It is both vulnerable and confident, which makes it so easy to return to again and again. That balance is what earned it the top spot on our list and made it the defining summer project.

RJMrLA, Ty Dolla $ign “2am”

“2am” is pure West Coast summer energy. It carries that high BPM rush that hits just right when the night is winding down, the kind of record you blast with the windows down after the club. RJ brings his signature grit while Ty Dolla $ign floats over the hook effortlessly, creating a combination that feels natural but still electric. It is part of RJ’s “O.M.M.I.O” series, but this one rose above as the song that locked in our summer nights. Confident without trying too hard, it is an anthem you could not escape.

Larry June, Black C, Cardo “Meet Me on Harbor”

Larry June and Cardo have one of the most consistent chemistries in rap today, and “Meet Me on Harbor” is another reminder why. Their formula of smooth, feel good production matched with Larry’s lifestyle bars makes this one perfect for weekends and cruising. Cardo laces the beat with breezy precision while Larry delivers his usual mix of financial wisdom, healthy living and cool headed flexing. The result is a record that feels timeless, like it could have lived on any one of their past collaborations but still manages to define this summer on its own.

Joey Bada$$, Ty Dolla $ign “READY TO LOVE” This collaboration brought together New York lyricism and a West Coast house party. Joey approaches it with his signature pen, delivering thoughtful verses that are grounded in tradition, while Ty Dolla $ign ties it together with a silky hook. It has more of a brunch feel than a late night one, making it perfect for day parties and easy afternoons. It also honors the long history of rap and R&B collaborations, reminding us how powerful the pairing can be when it is done right. That timeless, elevated quality is what locked it in as one of the summer’s most soulful songs

Samara Cyn, Sherwyn “pop n olive”

Samara Cyn brought something unexpected with “pop n olive.” Known more for her intentional raps, she leaned into melody here, blending her flow with Sherwyn’s raw energy. The result is playful, versatile and fun, showing another dimension to her artistry. This track works any time of the day, whether you are starting it off or winding it down. It captures the spontaneity of summer perfectly, with a spirit that feels experimental but still approachable. It showed how Samara is stretching herself beyond bars, proving she can hold her own in different lanes.

Chap D “Money Coming In”

Chap D carved his lane with “Money Coming In,” a track that shows him standing tall in the lifestyle rap space. He has his own distinct style that separates him from others, blending smooth delivery with confidence. It is motivational without being overbearing, a soundtrack to ambition that feels natural. Whether you are chasing goals in the morning or easing into the evening, this track hits. It is both a flex record and a vibe record, which is a balance not many artists pull off well. Chap D did, and that is why this song stayed in rotation all season.

AJ Snow, KoolKidKalvo, Jansport J “Bottega Louie”

The project these three dropped leaned heavily into laid back lifestyle music, but “Bottega Louie” was the one that shifted into something more. It became the standout club anthem, with bouncy production and layered vocals on the hook that made it impossible to ignore. The chemistry between AJ Snow, KoolKidKalvo and Jansport J is undeniable, but here they stepped outside their usual zone to deliver a true summer banger. It shows how even artists rooted in laid back storytelling can flex into high energy records when the moment calls for it.

Terrace Martin, Kenyon Dixon “See You Later”

Terrace Martin and Kenyon Dixon reminded us of the power of true R&B with “See You Later.” It is soulful, heartfelt and full of authentic energy that feels Grammy level in quality. Kenyon’s vocals glide effortlessly while Terrace Martin provides lush instrumentation, making the record feel timeless. It is not about hype or flash, but about connection and honesty, which is why it resonated so deeply. It added balance to the list, showing that the sound of summer is not always loud, sometimes it is smooth and sincere.

Sakura “Worth It”

Sakura delivered one of the most heartfelt records on the list with “Worth It.” The simple production allows her voice to take center stage, and the result is a raw, intimate song that feels like a late night confession. It is reflective and romantic, the kind of record that balances out the party tracks with something more vulnerable. Still early in her career, Sakura shows the kind of talent that makes you want to see her shine more, maybe even with a music video to bring this record further to life. It is an under the radar gem that deserves more eyes and ears.

Bino Rideaux “Jamaica Pt. 2”

“Jamaica Pt. 2” may be short, but that didn't matter. At under two minutes, it manages to create a tropical escape that feels like being transported from South Central Los Angeles to Jamaica. It was a highlight from Bino’s project “Tha Language” and even stood out as a centerpiece during his sold out release party. That moment showed just how much fans connected with it. The short track time only makes it more addictive, demanding replays and keeping the summer vibe alive long after the track ends.

Joy Postell “1of1”

Joy Postell’s “1of1” is both modern and classic, bridging eras of R&B effortlessly. Her vocals are rich, mature and soulful, giving the song a timeless quality. What makes it hit even harder is the conversational delivery, as if she is speaking directly to the listener. As a single from her new album, it put a spotlight on her artistry and marked her as one of indie R&B’s brightest voices. It is a reminder of how much depth exists in the independent scene when artists are given room to shine.

LaRussell, Lil Jon “I Got Flavor!”

“I Got Flavor!” is an unapologetic shot of energy. Lil Jon brings his unmistakable hype with ad libs that feel straight out of the crunk era, while LaRussell layers in his Bay Area style to give it a fresh edge. Together they created a party record built for pregames and packed dance floors. It is loud, fun and impossible to ignore, the type of song that makes memories during the summer. The cross generational collab made it even more exciting, showing how Lil Jon’s presence can still light up a record.

Fiend “Pool Side”

Fiend closed out the summer list with nostalgia and grace. A veteran of the culture, he rose to prominence during the No Limit era and later carried that torch into Curren$y’s Jet Life movement. That history is stamped in everything he does, and “Pool Side” is no exception. The track feels like it was built for slow afternoons by the water, a reminder that Fiend still knows how to create timeless vibes without forcing anything. His signature deep baritone rides over a cool sample, instantly setting a laid back mood. For longtime fans, it is a return from a legend, and for new listeners, it is proof that his voice still belongs in today’s playlists.