It’s wrong to simply associate hip-hop with tracks about material possessions, aggression and aspiration. Some of the best hip-hop songs of all time have centred upon companionship, dating and love, ideal for anyone seeking the perfect soundtrack when they flirt online. Throughout the 40-year history of the genre, several rappers have struck gold with soulful and passionate songs about love and dating. Immerse yourself in seven of the best right now.
50 Cent feat. Nate Dogg: 21 Questions (2003)
Although many Curtis Jackson songs are themed around gang violence, money and attainment, the Queens, Jackson rapper surprised many in 2003 when he followed up worldwide hit In Da Club with this laidback slice of romantic genius. Famous for the line “I love you like a fat kid loves cake”, the song was taken from his debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin’ and spent four weeks at #1 in the US, reaching #6 in the UK.
Lil Nas X: Panini (2019)
Lil Nas X has now broken the record for the longest US #1, with Old Town Road having spent over four months at the chart summit. Heartfelt follow-up Panini gave a writing credit to the late Kurt Cobain thanks to its melodic similarities to Nirvana’s In Bloom and features on his first EP 7.
LL Cool J: I Need Love (1987)
I Need Love was taken from James Todd Smith’s second album Bigger and Deffer. The innuendo-laden track was one of the UK’s first big rap hits, reaching #8 and topped the US’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It was also named the Best Rap Single at the 1988 Soul Train Music Awards.
Beyonce feat. Jay-Z: Drunk in Love (2013)
The only song from a married couple in our list, Beyonce and Jay-Z told us perhaps more than we needed to know about their relationship in this cut from Bey’s surprise self-titled video album. The track is widely regarded as a sequel to the two’s global 2013 smash Crazy in Love and reached #2 in the US and #9 in the UK.
Drake feat. Majid Jordan: Hold On, We’re Going Home (2013)
The catchy Hold On, We’re Going Home was inspired by Quincy Jones, with Drake hoping it would be played at weddings years down the line. It was also written with Armed Forces personnel in mind. Majid Jordan are a Canadian R&B group signed to OVO, a record label founded by Drake and his producer Noah “40” Shebib alongside Oliver El-Khatib.
Busta Rhymes and Mariah Carey feat. Flipside Squad: I Know What You Want (2003)
The sublime I Know What You Want inspired vast praise for Busta Rhymes perhaps surprisingly impressive crooning skills and came complete with a guest spot from his own rap group, the Flipmode Squad. It helped reinvigorate Rhyme’s and Carey’s chart careers whilst remaining on the Billboard Hot 100 for 21 weeks.
Stormzy feat. Kehlani: Cigarettes and Cush (2017)
Taken from Big Mike’s 2017 debut Gang Signs and Prayer, Cigarettes and Cush saw the grime star turn down the pace for a soothing tribute to his girlfriend, Radio 1 presenter Maya Jama. Stormzy described the song as a “slow jam”, saying the beat reminded him of being “mad chilled” with a female. It also features uncredited vocals from Lily Allen.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for soothing hip-hop tracks about love, romance and relationships, there are scores of them available. Hopefully this article has provided you with the inspiration that you need to seek out more and compile the perfect rap love playlist.
