Each of my summers has a soundtrack. In the summer after fifth grade, Chris Brown’s album was the first I ever purchased. In sixth grade, I choreographed a dance to Omarion’s “Ice box” and recited the lyrics to anyone who’d listen, and in eighth grade, I played Drake's “Best I Ever Had” on a nonstop loop. Now that I’m in college, these songs are incredibly nostalgic, and not just for me. Regardless of where I go, these are a dozen summer songs that every black girl knows the words to

12. Rihanna - "Umbrella”

Released in 2007, Rihanna’s "Umbrella" was an undeniable banger. If one version isn’t enough, Chris Brown’s remix “Cinderella” never gets old.

11. Ciara featuring Missy Elliot - “1, 2 Step”

An elementary school staple.

10. Usher and R. Kelly - "Same Girl"

At this point, I consider "Same Girl" an Usher song. Associating R. Kelly with my childhood is too disturbing.

9. Usher - “Confessions”

To this day, when someone says “I don’t know what to do,” it takes everything within me not to finish their sentence with “Confession” lyrics.

8. Beyonce - “Irreplaceable”

One of the many Queen B classics, "Irreplaceable" debuted in 2006 with a must-watch video. If the lyrics don’t put you in your feelings, the video sure will.

7. Bow Wow featuring Chris Brown and Johntá Austin - “Shortie Like Mine”

With flip phones and a MySpace love affair, this video epitomizes early 2000s.

 6. Lil Mama - “Lip Gloss”

My lipgloss collection increased tenfold after this song came out.

5. Cassie - “Me and You”

Cassie may be a one hit wonder, but why make another hit when your first one was this good?

4. Chris Brown - “Yo”

Although I may have beef with Chris Brown, I have nothing but love for this song.

3. Keri Hilson featuring Kanye West and Ne-Yo - "Knock You Down"

I could recite these lyrics in my sleep.

2. Chris Brown - "Poppin'"

This entire album is pure gold. Seriously, where is the Grammy?

1. Usher, Alicia Keys - "My Boo"

"My Boo" is the ultimate summer song. I mean, how can you go wrong with Usher and Alicia Keys? These lyrics had me in my feelings about first love before I was even old enough to experience it.