Kool & the Gang's "Summer Madness" (1974) is a languid, atmospheric instrumental that's about as far from the group's later party hits as possible. The track drifts on a slow, hazy groove — a dreamy synthesizer melody floating over a sparse rhythm section, creating a mood that's equal parts relaxed and melancholy. It sounds like the last hour of a summer day, when the light goes golden and the heat finally starts to break.

DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince's "Summertime" built its nostalgic summer atmosphere directly on "Summer Madness," and the combination became one of hip-hop's most beloved tracks. The original's atmospheric quality made it ideal for mood-setting — producers used it when they wanted their tracks to evoke a specific feeling rather than just provide a rhythmic backdrop. It's one of the most emotionally potent samples in hip-hop.