It’s February 14th, which only means one thing: love is in the air. People all over the country are gonna snuggle up with their boo and put on their Valentine’s Day playlists to help set the mood. When it comes to love and romance though, hip-hop for the most part tends gets a bad rap (pun absolutely intended). So before pressing play, check out these 7 classic hip-hop love joints that should be seriously considered as last minute additions on everyone’s playlists:
“The Light” By Common
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Starting this list off strong with, for my money, the GOAT love song in hip-hop history. Backed by a soulful beat produced by the late, great J Dilla, Common delivers only the most wholesome bars to his lover (who was Erykah Badu at the time). The only thing smoother than Common’s flow are his lyrics, which literally epitomize the true meaning of “shoot your shot.” He literally starts by saying “I never knew a luh, luh-luh, a love like this/Gotta be somethin’ for me to write this/Queen, I ain’t seen you in a minute/Wrote this letter, and finally decide to send it,” and honestly if that don’t inspire you to make your bae-who’s-not-yet-your-bae into your official bae, then you’re just gonna have to settle for being single forever.
“Interlude (That’s Love)” by Chance The Rapper
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What’s better than genuine, unfiltered love? If you ask Lil Chano from 79th, his answer is sure to be absolutely nothing. This track is labeled as an interlude, but with a well crafted verse and a passionate closing chorus, this “interlude” is as good as any love song you’ll ever hear. Play your significant other this track so they know it’s real.
“I Need Love” By LL Cool J
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“Ladies Love Cool James” is the meaning by behind this rap legend’s name, and with this song, it’s certainly easy to see why. This song is actually a watershed moment in hip-hop history by being the first successful rap love ballad on a mainstream level. In today’s society, we tend to view men showing emotion/vulnerability as “soft,” but as LL Cool J eloquently stated, “Love ain’t soft, man. It’s just a part of life.” So don’t be afraid to show some affection towards the one you love not just today, but everyday.
“LOVE.” by Kendrick Lamar Feat. Zacari
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Going back to LL Cool J’s quote, love ain’t soft man. Love songs aren’t usually what people point to when they think of King Kendrick, but that don’t mean the best rapper alive doesn’t have some deep cuts for the couples outchea. Following the legacy left behind by 50 Cent’s “21 Questions,” Kendrick asks his bae a series of questions to affirm their commitment to one another because, as he raps, “Keep it a whole one hund’: don’t got you, I got nothin.” Zacari’s vocals help elevate this track to heavenly status, making the track much needed to addition to anyone’s Valentine playlist.
“What’s Luv?” by Fat Joe Feat. Ashanti & Ja Rule
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This track just screams early 2000s (in the best possible way). If this ain’t the song that’s playing as the first dance of your wedding, then can you really call yourself married?
“I’ll Be There For You/I’ll Be There For You” by Method Man feat. Mary J Blige
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This song is the reason why Method Man has a Grammy and that’s reason enough alone to celebrate it for the rest of eternity. On top of that fact though, it’s an iconic song featuring everyone’s favorite auntie delivering those lovely vocals that only she can. Meth shows that gangsters can still have a sappy side without losing any edge. In short, it’s a perfect love song.
“Happy Valentine’s Day” by OutKast
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Come on. Name another rap song named after the holiday we’re celebrating today. To not play it would be blasphemy. Plus it’s an excuse to put Andre 3000 on repeat, not that you necessarily need one to listen to the ATL legend, but just like you don’t need a holiday to show love to your honey, don’t mean it doesn’t hurt to have one anyway.
