Hip-hop has a soft side, and you don’t have to wait till Valentine’s Day to wade into the waters of romance. Just pull your special someone closer and let the music lead you. Start with these 25 greatest rap love songs:
25 of 25
Future: ‘Turn on the Lights’
WireImage / Getty Images
Rap’s sad robot is adorably head over heels in love with his dream girl. The problem? He hasn’t met her.
“I wanna tell the world about you just so they could get jealous
And if you see her before I do tell her I wish that I met her.”
24 of 25
Ja Rule: ‘Put It on Me’
Getty Images for MTV / Getty Images
No lovey-dovey playlist would be complete without the prince of love rap songs, Ja Rule. The Vita-assisted “Put It on Me” was a ubiquitous hit during Ja’s 2000s reign.
23 of 25
Diddy: ‘I Need a Girl’
Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images
After his split from Jennifer Lopez, Diddy made his 2002 “I Need a Girl” cry:
“I had a girl that woulda died for me
Didn’t ‘preciate her so I made her cry for me
Every night she had tears in her eyes for me
Caught a case, shorty took the whole ride for me.”
Moguls need love, too.
22 of 25
Big Daddy Kane: ‘Smooth Operator’
Redferns / Getty Images
After two verses of self-congratulatory rhymes, Kane “takes a few minutes to mellow out” and salute the ladies: “You’re best scooped like ice cream,” he cheers. “Smooth Operator” is the closest we’ll ever get to a Big Daddy Kane love song.
21 of 25
The Lost Boyz: ‘Renee’
“Renee” is a tragic tale of love lost, made even more tragic by the death of Lost Boyz emcee/promoter Freaky Tah in 1999.
20 of 25
OutKast Featuring Cee-Lo Green: ‘Slum Beautiful’
Theo Wargo / Getty Images
Big Boi and Andre 3000 came up in a misogynistic rap climate, but they had no problem expressing affection for women, or saying sorry. Their standout “Miss Jackson,” for instance, found them apologizing to a baby mama’s mama. The same album spawned “Slum Beautiful,” a sleeper tune that dotes on the ghetto fabulous.
19 of 25
Ma$e Featuring Total: ‘What You Want’
Michael Bezjian / Getty Images
Forget dinner and a date, M-A-Dollar-Sign-E is giving you the key to his pad:
“In a year or two, girl, I could see you with my kids
Girl, you make a thug want to get a legal gig
It’s only right we spend our lonely nights
Gettin’ crazy biz till we awake the kids.”
18 of 25
Whodini: ‘One Love’
David Corio / Getty Images
“One love, one love, you’re lucky just to have one loooove.” Yes, those are the actual lyrics. You’re more likely to find Big Foot than a mainstream rap song with a similar message today. Still, this song has survived over the years, thanks to Nas’ 1994 version of the same name. As further proof of the song’s lasting power, the phrase “one love” is now considered hip-hop lingo. It’s a true classic.
17 of 25
Nicki Minaj: ‘Your Love’
Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images
Her royal Barbieness found some hip-pop flexibility on this Annie Lennox-inspired smash. It marked a rare moment of vulnerability for Minaj:
“You’re like a candy store and I’m a toddler
You got me wantin’ more.”
16 of 25
Drake: ‘Best I Ever Had’
Kevin Winter / Getty Images
Drizzy used this summer smash to describe his ideal woman: “Sweatpants, hair tied, chillin’ with no make up on.” This song caught fire and sent Drake to the top of the charts. And that was before he even signed a major deal.
15 of 25
Wale Featuring Miguel: ‘Lotus Flower Bomb’
Ilya S. Savenok / Getty Images
Wale is a ladies’ man. Miguel is a ladies’ man. Put them on the same track and the outcome is a heartwarming collaboration. In one live performance of “Lotus Flower Bomb,” Wale almost got trampled by a stampede of adoring ladies rushing toward the stage.
14 of 25
Dead Prez: ‘Mind Sex’
FilmMagic / Getty Images
Are you into good conversation? Do you like herbal tea? Are you a fan of poetry? Then you’re the girl M-1 and Stic.man had in mind when they wrote the appropriately titled “Mind Sex.”
13 of 25
LL Cool J: ‘Around the Way Girl’
WireImage / Getty Images
Long before Future told us to “Turn on the Lights,” LL Cool J hit the streets in search of his own around-the-way girl:
“I want a girl with extensions in her hair
Bamboo earrings, at least two pair.”
12 of 25
The Pharcyde: ‘Passin’ Me By’
Tim Mosenfelder / Getty Images
Something about “Passin’ Me By” makes a guy want to grab a Heineken and lounge in the sun.
11 of 25
De La Soul: ‘Eye Know’
David Corio / Getty Images
Not your standard groupie love fare, De La’s candy-coated “Eye Know” over lush samples (notably from Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay”) made it cool to declare sweet affection for that special someone without sounding corny.
10 of 25
Black Star: ‘Brown Skin Lady’
Hiroyuki Ito / Getty Images
Sometimes playful, sometimes treacly, “Brown Skin Lady” is always beautiful. Cocoa butter sales probably spiked after Kweli rapped, “Your skin is the inspiration for cocoa butter.” Smooth.
09 of 25
50 Cent: ‘21 Questions’
Kevin Winter / Getty Images
Most love songs entail guys teasing girls with wild promises. 50 Cent turned the tables on “21 Questions,” which takes the form of a relationship interview. “I’m asking questions to find out how you feel inside,” he raps. And you can’t question the genius of “I love you like a fat kid loves cake.” After dropping that line, Fif went on to bag Vivica Fox, Ciara, and Chelsea Handler.
08 of 25
Common Featuring Mary J. Blige: ‘Come Close’
Getty Images for Remy Martin / Getty Images
It’s just a fly love song. Common spits game to his lady and vows to “do the best that I can do, cause I’m at my best when I’m with you.” What girl doesn’t want to be told, “I see the God in you”? The music video wasn’t too shabby, either.
07 of 25
Slick Rick: ‘Teenage Love’
Getty Images for Mastercard / Getty Images
These are golden words from the greatest storyteller in rap: “If it’s not true love, you shouldn’t deal wit it.” The best part is that the message is always in season.
06 of 25
Eric B & Rakim: ‘Mahogany’
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
You really have to see Rakim play this one live to fully understand why it’s such a cult classic. There’s nothing like seeing hundreds of Rakim fans—male and female—stand over a romantic tune.
05 of 25
The Roots Featuring Eve & Erykah Badu: ‘You Got Me’
WireImage / Getty Images
The Roots struck gold with this smooth gem off “Things Fall Apart.” Jill Scott wrote the R&B part but the label picked Erykah Badu to bring exposure to the record. With all respect to the wonderfully talented Scott, Badu made the suits seem like prophets.
04 of 25
A Tribe Called Quest: ‘Bonita Applebum’
Al Pereira / Getty Images
“Bonita Applebum” was the first single off Tribe’s debut album, “People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm.” Word has it the song was an ode to a high school shawty. Bonus points for safe sex: “I got crazy prophylactics.”
03 of 25
Common: ‘The Light’
Paras Griffin / Getty Images
There’s so much going on here: J. Dilla’s steady drums, James Poyser’s pristine keys, that indelible Bobby Caldwell sample. And we haven’t even gotten to the rhymes. Common puts it down, matching Dilla’s potent production with his own poetic bagel.
02 of 25
LL Cool J: ‘I Need Love’
Raymond Boyd / Getty Images
Hip-hop’s original loverboy made this classic back when lovey-dovey rap was deemed a novelty. It’s still one of the best hip-hop songs ever, love or otherwise.
01 of 25
Method Man Featuring Mary J. Blige: ‘You’re All I Need’
WireImage / Getty Images
Every rap and R&B collaboration released in the 1990s owes a royalty check to Method Man and Mary J Blige. The song reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
Hip-hop has a soft side, and you don’t have to wait till Valentine’s Day to wade into the waters of romance. Just pull your special someone closer and let the music lead you. Start with these 25 greatest rap love songs:
25 of 25
Future: ‘Turn on the Lights’
WireImage / Getty Images
Rap’s sad robot is adorably head over heels in love with his dream girl. The problem? He hasn’t met her.
“I wanna tell the world about you just so they could get jealous
And if you see her before I do tell her I wish that I met her.”
24 of 25
Ja Rule: ‘Put It on Me’
Getty Images for MTV / Getty Images
No lovey-dovey playlist would be complete without the prince of love rap songs, Ja Rule. The Vita-assisted “Put It on Me” was a ubiquitous hit during Ja’s 2000s reign.
23 of 25
Diddy: ‘I Need a Girl’
Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images
After his split from Jennifer Lopez, Diddy made his 2002 “I Need a Girl” cry:
“I had a girl that woulda died for me
Didn’t ‘preciate her so I made her cry for me
Every night she had tears in her eyes for me
Caught a case, shorty took the whole ride for me.”
Moguls need love, too.
22 of 25
Big Daddy Kane: ‘Smooth Operator’
Redferns / Getty Images
After two verses of self-congratulatory rhymes, Kane “takes a few minutes to mellow out” and salute the ladies: “You’re best scooped like ice cream,” he cheers. “Smooth Operator” is the closest we’ll ever get to a Big Daddy Kane love song.
21 of 25
The Lost Boyz: ‘Renee’
“Renee” is a tragic tale of love lost, made even more tragic by the death of Lost Boyz emcee/promoter Freaky Tah in 1999.
20 of 25
OutKast Featuring Cee-Lo Green: ‘Slum Beautiful’
Theo Wargo / Getty Images
Big Boi and Andre 3000 came up in a misogynistic rap climate, but they had no problem expressing affection for women, or saying sorry. Their standout “Miss Jackson,” for instance, found them apologizing to a baby mama’s mama. The same album spawned “Slum Beautiful,” a sleeper tune that dotes on the ghetto fabulous.
19 of 25
Ma$e Featuring Total: ‘What You Want’
Michael Bezjian / Getty Images
Forget dinner and a date, M-A-Dollar-Sign-E is giving you the key to his pad:
“In a year or two, girl, I could see you with my kids
Girl, you make a thug want to get a legal gig
It’s only right we spend our lonely nights
Gettin’ crazy biz till we awake the kids.”
18 of 25
Whodini: ‘One Love’
David Corio / Getty Images
“One love, one love, you’re lucky just to have one loooove.” Yes, those are the actual lyrics. You’re more likely to find Big Foot than a mainstream rap song with a similar message today. Still, this song has survived over the years, thanks to Nas’ 1994 version of the same name. As further proof of the song’s lasting power, the phrase “one love” is now considered hip-hop lingo. It’s a true classic.
17 of 25
Nicki Minaj: ‘Your Love’
Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images
Her royal Barbieness found some hip-pop flexibility on this Annie Lennox-inspired smash. It marked a rare moment of vulnerability for Minaj:
“You’re like a candy store and I’m a toddler
You got me wantin’ more.”
16 of 25
Drake: ‘Best I Ever Had’
Kevin Winter / Getty Images
Drizzy used this summer smash to describe his ideal woman: “Sweatpants, hair tied, chillin’ with no make up on.” This song caught fire and sent Drake to the top of the charts. And that was before he even signed a major deal.
15 of 25
Wale Featuring Miguel: ‘Lotus Flower Bomb’
Ilya S. Savenok / Getty Images
Wale is a ladies’ man. Miguel is a ladies’ man. Put them on the same track and the outcome is a heartwarming collaboration. In one live performance of “Lotus Flower Bomb,” Wale almost got trampled by a stampede of adoring ladies rushing toward the stage.
14 of 25
Dead Prez: ‘Mind Sex’
FilmMagic / Getty Images
Are you into good conversation? Do you like herbal tea? Are you a fan of poetry? Then you’re the girl M-1 and Stic.man had in mind when they wrote the appropriately titled “Mind Sex.”
13 of 25
LL Cool J: ‘Around the Way Girl’
WireImage / Getty Images
Long before Future told us to “Turn on the Lights,” LL Cool J hit the streets in search of his own around-the-way girl:
“I want a girl with extensions in her hair
Bamboo earrings, at least two pair.”
12 of 25
The Pharcyde: ‘Passin’ Me By’
Tim Mosenfelder / Getty Images
Something about “Passin’ Me By” makes a guy want to grab a Heineken and lounge in the sun.
11 of 25
De La Soul: ‘Eye Know’
David Corio / Getty Images
Not your standard groupie love fare, De La’s candy-coated “Eye Know” over lush samples (notably from Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay”) made it cool to declare sweet affection for that special someone without sounding corny.
10 of 25
Black Star: ‘Brown Skin Lady’
Hiroyuki Ito / Getty Images
Sometimes playful, sometimes treacly, “Brown Skin Lady” is always beautiful. Cocoa butter sales probably spiked after Kweli rapped, “Your skin is the inspiration for cocoa butter.” Smooth.
09 of 25
50 Cent: ‘21 Questions’
Kevin Winter / Getty Images
Most love songs entail guys teasing girls with wild promises. 50 Cent turned the tables on “21 Questions,” which takes the form of a relationship interview. “I’m asking questions to find out how you feel inside,” he raps. And you can’t question the genius of “I love you like a fat kid loves cake.” After dropping that line, Fif went on to bag Vivica Fox, Ciara, and Chelsea Handler.
08 of 25
Common Featuring Mary J. Blige: ‘Come Close’
Getty Images for Remy Martin / Getty Images
It’s just a fly love song. Common spits game to his lady and vows to “do the best that I can do, cause I’m at my best when I’m with you.” What girl doesn’t want to be told, “I see the God in you”? The music video wasn’t too shabby, either.
07 of 25
Slick Rick: ‘Teenage Love’
Getty Images for Mastercard / Getty Images
These are golden words from the greatest storyteller in rap: “If it’s not true love, you shouldn’t deal wit it.” The best part is that the message is always in season.
06 of 25
Eric B & Rakim: ‘Mahogany’
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
You really have to see Rakim play this one live to fully understand why it’s such a cult classic. There’s nothing like seeing hundreds of Rakim fans—male and female—stand over a romantic tune.
05 of 25
The Roots Featuring Eve & Erykah Badu: ‘You Got Me’
WireImage / Getty Images
The Roots struck gold with this smooth gem off “Things Fall Apart.” Jill Scott wrote the R&B part but the label picked Erykah Badu to bring exposure to the record. With all respect to the wonderfully talented Scott, Badu made the suits seem like prophets.
04 of 25
A Tribe Called Quest: ‘Bonita Applebum’
Al Pereira / Getty Images
“Bonita Applebum” was the first single off Tribe’s debut album, “People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm.” Word has it the song was an ode to a high school shawty. Bonus points for safe sex: “I got crazy prophylactics.”
03 of 25
Common: ‘The Light’
Paras Griffin / Getty Images
There’s so much going on here: J. Dilla’s steady drums, James Poyser’s pristine keys, that indelible Bobby Caldwell sample. And we haven’t even gotten to the rhymes. Common puts it down, matching Dilla’s potent production with his own poetic bagel.
02 of 25
LL Cool J: ‘I Need Love’
Raymond Boyd / Getty Images
Hip-hop’s original loverboy made this classic back when lovey-dovey rap was deemed a novelty. It’s still one of the best hip-hop songs ever, love or otherwise.
01 of 25
Method Man Featuring Mary J. Blige: ‘You’re All I Need’
WireImage / Getty Images
Every rap and R&B collaboration released in the 1990s owes a royalty check to Method Man and Mary J Blige. The song reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
Hip-hop has a soft side, and you don’t have to wait till Valentine’s Day to wade into the waters of romance. Just pull your special someone closer and let the music lead you. Start with these 25 greatest rap love songs:
25 of 25
Future: ‘Turn on the Lights’
WireImage / Getty Images
Rap’s sad robot is adorably head over heels in love with his dream girl. The problem? He hasn’t met her.
“I wanna tell the world about you just so they could get jealous
And if you see her before I do tell her I wish that I met her.”
24 of 25
Ja Rule: ‘Put It on Me’
Getty Images for MTV / Getty Images
No lovey-dovey playlist would be complete without the prince of love rap songs, Ja Rule. The Vita-assisted “Put It on Me” was a ubiquitous hit during Ja’s 2000s reign.
23 of 25
Diddy: ‘I Need a Girl’
Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images
After his split from Jennifer Lopez, Diddy made his 2002 “I Need a Girl” cry:
“I had a girl that woulda died for me
Didn’t ‘preciate her so I made her cry for me
Every night she had tears in her eyes for me
Caught a case, shorty took the whole ride for me.”
Moguls need love, too.
22 of 25
Big Daddy Kane: ‘Smooth Operator’
Redferns / Getty Images
After two verses of self-congratulatory rhymes, Kane “takes a few minutes to mellow out” and salute the ladies: “You’re best scooped like ice cream,” he cheers. “Smooth Operator” is the closest we’ll ever get to a Big Daddy Kane love song.
21 of 25
The Lost Boyz: ‘Renee’
“Renee” is a tragic tale of love lost, made even more tragic by the death of Lost Boyz emcee/promoter Freaky Tah in 1999.
20 of 25
OutKast Featuring Cee-Lo Green: ‘Slum Beautiful’
Theo Wargo / Getty Images
Big Boi and Andre 3000 came up in a misogynistic rap climate, but they had no problem expressing affection for women, or saying sorry. Their standout “Miss Jackson,” for instance, found them apologizing to a baby mama’s mama. The same album spawned “Slum Beautiful,” a sleeper tune that dotes on the ghetto fabulous.
19 of 25
Ma$e Featuring Total: ‘What You Want’
Michael Bezjian / Getty Images
Forget dinner and a date, M-A-Dollar-Sign-E is giving you the key to his pad:
“In a year or two, girl, I could see you with my kids
Girl, you make a thug want to get a legal gig
It’s only right we spend our lonely nights
Gettin’ crazy biz till we awake the kids.”
18 of 25
Whodini: ‘One Love’
David Corio / Getty Images
“One love, one love, you’re lucky just to have one loooove.” Yes, those are the actual lyrics. You’re more likely to find Big Foot than a mainstream rap song with a similar message today. Still, this song has survived over the years, thanks to Nas’ 1994 version of the same name. As further proof of the song’s lasting power, the phrase “one love” is now considered hip-hop lingo. It’s a true classic.
17 of 25
Nicki Minaj: ‘Your Love’
Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images
Her royal Barbieness found some hip-pop flexibility on this Annie Lennox-inspired smash. It marked a rare moment of vulnerability for Minaj:
“You’re like a candy store and I’m a toddler
You got me wantin’ more.”
16 of 25
Drake: ‘Best I Ever Had’
Kevin Winter / Getty Images
Drizzy used this summer smash to describe his ideal woman: “Sweatpants, hair tied, chillin’ with no make up on.” This song caught fire and sent Drake to the top of the charts. And that was before he even signed a major deal.
15 of 25
Wale Featuring Miguel: ‘Lotus Flower Bomb’
Ilya S. Savenok / Getty Images
Wale is a ladies’ man. Miguel is a ladies’ man. Put them on the same track and the outcome is a heartwarming collaboration. In one live performance of “Lotus Flower Bomb,” Wale almost got trampled by a stampede of adoring ladies rushing toward the stage.
14 of 25
Dead Prez: ‘Mind Sex’
FilmMagic / Getty Images
Are you into good conversation? Do you like herbal tea? Are you a fan of poetry? Then you’re the girl M-1 and Stic.man had in mind when they wrote the appropriately titled “Mind Sex.”
13 of 25
LL Cool J: ‘Around the Way Girl’
WireImage / Getty Images
Long before Future told us to “Turn on the Lights,” LL Cool J hit the streets in search of his own around-the-way girl:
“I want a girl with extensions in her hair
Bamboo earrings, at least two pair.”
12 of 25
The Pharcyde: ‘Passin’ Me By’
Tim Mosenfelder / Getty Images
Something about “Passin’ Me By” makes a guy want to grab a Heineken and lounge in the sun.
11 of 25
De La Soul: ‘Eye Know’
David Corio / Getty Images
Not your standard groupie love fare, De La’s candy-coated “Eye Know” over lush samples (notably from Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay”) made it cool to declare sweet affection for that special someone without sounding corny.
10 of 25
Black Star: ‘Brown Skin Lady’
Hiroyuki Ito / Getty Images
Sometimes playful, sometimes treacly, “Brown Skin Lady” is always beautiful. Cocoa butter sales probably spiked after Kweli rapped, “Your skin is the inspiration for cocoa butter.” Smooth.
09 of 25
50 Cent: ‘21 Questions’
Kevin Winter / Getty Images
Most love songs entail guys teasing girls with wild promises. 50 Cent turned the tables on “21 Questions,” which takes the form of a relationship interview. “I’m asking questions to find out how you feel inside,” he raps. And you can’t question the genius of “I love you like a fat kid loves cake.” After dropping that line, Fif went on to bag Vivica Fox, Ciara, and Chelsea Handler.
08 of 25
Common Featuring Mary J. Blige: ‘Come Close’
Getty Images for Remy Martin / Getty Images
It’s just a fly love song. Common spits game to his lady and vows to “do the best that I can do, cause I’m at my best when I’m with you.” What girl doesn’t want to be told, “I see the God in you”? The music video wasn’t too shabby, either.
07 of 25
Slick Rick: ‘Teenage Love’
Getty Images for Mastercard / Getty Images
These are golden words from the greatest storyteller in rap: “If it’s not true love, you shouldn’t deal wit it.” The best part is that the message is always in season.
06 of 25
Eric B & Rakim: ‘Mahogany’
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
You really have to see Rakim play this one live to fully understand why it’s such a cult classic. There’s nothing like seeing hundreds of Rakim fans—male and female—stand over a romantic tune.
05 of 25
The Roots Featuring Eve & Erykah Badu: ‘You Got Me’
WireImage / Getty Images
The Roots struck gold with this smooth gem off “Things Fall Apart.” Jill Scott wrote the R&B part but the label picked Erykah Badu to bring exposure to the record. With all respect to the wonderfully talented Scott, Badu made the suits seem like prophets.
04 of 25
A Tribe Called Quest: ‘Bonita Applebum’
Al Pereira / Getty Images
“Bonita Applebum” was the first single off Tribe’s debut album, “People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm.” Word has it the song was an ode to a high school shawty. Bonus points for safe sex: “I got crazy prophylactics.”
03 of 25
Common: ‘The Light’
Paras Griffin / Getty Images
There’s so much going on here: J. Dilla’s steady drums, James Poyser’s pristine keys, that indelible Bobby Caldwell sample. And we haven’t even gotten to the rhymes. Common puts it down, matching Dilla’s potent production with his own poetic bagel.
02 of 25
LL Cool J: ‘I Need Love’
Raymond Boyd / Getty Images
Hip-hop’s original loverboy made this classic back when lovey-dovey rap was deemed a novelty. It’s still one of the best hip-hop songs ever, love or otherwise.
01 of 25
Method Man Featuring Mary J. Blige: ‘You’re All I Need’
WireImage / Getty Images
Every rap and R&B collaboration released in the 1990s owes a royalty check to Method Man and Mary J Blige. The song reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
Hip-hop has a soft side, and you don’t have to wait till Valentine’s Day to wade into the waters of romance. Just pull your special someone closer and let the music lead you. Start with these 25 greatest rap love songs:
25 of 25
Future: ‘Turn on the Lights’
WireImage / Getty Images
Rap’s sad robot is adorably head over heels in love with his dream girl. The problem? He hasn’t met her.
“I wanna tell the world about you just so they could get jealous
And if you see her before I do tell her I wish that I met her.”
24 of 25
Ja Rule: ‘Put It on Me’
Getty Images for MTV / Getty Images
No lovey-dovey playlist would be complete without the prince of love rap songs, Ja Rule. The Vita-assisted “Put It on Me” was a ubiquitous hit during Ja’s 2000s reign.
23 of 25
Diddy: ‘I Need a Girl’
Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images
After his split from Jennifer Lopez, Diddy made his 2002 “I Need a Girl” cry:
“I had a girl that woulda died for me
Didn’t ‘preciate her so I made her cry for me
Every night she had tears in her eyes for me
Caught a case, shorty took the whole ride for me.”
Moguls need love, too.
22 of 25
Big Daddy Kane: ‘Smooth Operator’
Redferns / Getty Images
After two verses of self-congratulatory rhymes, Kane “takes a few minutes to mellow out” and salute the ladies: “You’re best scooped like ice cream,” he cheers. “Smooth Operator” is the closest we’ll ever get to a Big Daddy Kane love song.
21 of 25
The Lost Boyz: ‘Renee’
“Renee” is a tragic tale of love lost, made even more tragic by the death of Lost Boyz emcee/promoter Freaky Tah in 1999.
20 of 25
OutKast Featuring Cee-Lo Green: ‘Slum Beautiful’
Theo Wargo / Getty Images
Big Boi and Andre 3000 came up in a misogynistic rap climate, but they had no problem expressing affection for women, or saying sorry. Their standout “Miss Jackson,” for instance, found them apologizing to a baby mama’s mama. The same album spawned “Slum Beautiful,” a sleeper tune that dotes on the ghetto fabulous.
19 of 25
Ma$e Featuring Total: ‘What You Want’
Michael Bezjian / Getty Images
Forget dinner and a date, M-A-Dollar-Sign-E is giving you the key to his pad:
“In a year or two, girl, I could see you with my kids
Girl, you make a thug want to get a legal gig
It’s only right we spend our lonely nights
Gettin’ crazy biz till we awake the kids.”
18 of 25
Whodini: ‘One Love’
David Corio / Getty Images
“One love, one love, you’re lucky just to have one loooove.” Yes, those are the actual lyrics. You’re more likely to find Big Foot than a mainstream rap song with a similar message today. Still, this song has survived over the years, thanks to Nas’ 1994 version of the same name. As further proof of the song’s lasting power, the phrase “one love” is now considered hip-hop lingo. It’s a true classic.
17 of 25
Nicki Minaj: ‘Your Love’
Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images
Her royal Barbieness found some hip-pop flexibility on this Annie Lennox-inspired smash. It marked a rare moment of vulnerability for Minaj:
“You’re like a candy store and I’m a toddler
You got me wantin’ more.”
16 of 25
Drake: ‘Best I Ever Had’
Kevin Winter / Getty Images
Drizzy used this summer smash to describe his ideal woman: “Sweatpants, hair tied, chillin’ with no make up on.” This song caught fire and sent Drake to the top of the charts. And that was before he even signed a major deal.
15 of 25
Wale Featuring Miguel: ‘Lotus Flower Bomb’
Ilya S. Savenok / Getty Images
Wale is a ladies’ man. Miguel is a ladies’ man. Put them on the same track and the outcome is a heartwarming collaboration. In one live performance of “Lotus Flower Bomb,” Wale almost got trampled by a stampede of adoring ladies rushing toward the stage.
14 of 25
Dead Prez: ‘Mind Sex’
FilmMagic / Getty Images
Are you into good conversation? Do you like herbal tea? Are you a fan of poetry? Then you’re the girl M-1 and Stic.man had in mind when they wrote the appropriately titled “Mind Sex.”
13 of 25
LL Cool J: ‘Around the Way Girl’
WireImage / Getty Images
Long before Future told us to “Turn on the Lights,” LL Cool J hit the streets in search of his own around-the-way girl:
“I want a girl with extensions in her hair
Bamboo earrings, at least two pair.”
12 of 25
The Pharcyde: ‘Passin’ Me By’
Tim Mosenfelder / Getty Images
Something about “Passin’ Me By” makes a guy want to grab a Heineken and lounge in the sun.
11 of 25
De La Soul: ‘Eye Know’
David Corio / Getty Images
Not your standard groupie love fare, De La’s candy-coated “Eye Know” over lush samples (notably from Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay”) made it cool to declare sweet affection for that special someone without sounding corny.
10 of 25
Black Star: ‘Brown Skin Lady’
Hiroyuki Ito / Getty Images
Sometimes playful, sometimes treacly, “Brown Skin Lady” is always beautiful. Cocoa butter sales probably spiked after Kweli rapped, “Your skin is the inspiration for cocoa butter.” Smooth.
09 of 25
50 Cent: ‘21 Questions’
Kevin Winter / Getty Images
Most love songs entail guys teasing girls with wild promises. 50 Cent turned the tables on “21 Questions,” which takes the form of a relationship interview. “I’m asking questions to find out how you feel inside,” he raps. And you can’t question the genius of “I love you like a fat kid loves cake.” After dropping that line, Fif went on to bag Vivica Fox, Ciara, and Chelsea Handler.
08 of 25
Common Featuring Mary J. Blige: ‘Come Close’
Getty Images for Remy Martin / Getty Images
It’s just a fly love song. Common spits game to his lady and vows to “do the best that I can do, cause I’m at my best when I’m with you.” What girl doesn’t want to be told, “I see the God in you”? The music video wasn’t too shabby, either.
07 of 25
Slick Rick: ‘Teenage Love’
Getty Images for Mastercard / Getty Images
These are golden words from the greatest storyteller in rap: “If it’s not true love, you shouldn’t deal wit it.” The best part is that the message is always in season.
06 of 25
Eric B & Rakim: ‘Mahogany’
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
You really have to see Rakim play this one live to fully understand why it’s such a cult classic. There’s nothing like seeing hundreds of Rakim fans—male and female—stand over a romantic tune.
05 of 25
The Roots Featuring Eve & Erykah Badu: ‘You Got Me’
WireImage / Getty Images
The Roots struck gold with this smooth gem off “Things Fall Apart.” Jill Scott wrote the R&B part but the label picked Erykah Badu to bring exposure to the record. With all respect to the wonderfully talented Scott, Badu made the suits seem like prophets.
04 of 25
A Tribe Called Quest: ‘Bonita Applebum’
Al Pereira / Getty Images
“Bonita Applebum” was the first single off Tribe’s debut album, “People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm.” Word has it the song was an ode to a high school shawty. Bonus points for safe sex: “I got crazy prophylactics.”
03 of 25
Common: ‘The Light’
Paras Griffin / Getty Images
There’s so much going on here: J. Dilla’s steady drums, James Poyser’s pristine keys, that indelible Bobby Caldwell sample. And we haven’t even gotten to the rhymes. Common puts it down, matching Dilla’s potent production with his own poetic bagel.
02 of 25
LL Cool J: ‘I Need Love’
Raymond Boyd / Getty Images
Hip-hop’s original loverboy made this classic back when lovey-dovey rap was deemed a novelty. It’s still one of the best hip-hop songs ever, love or otherwise.
01 of 25
Method Man Featuring Mary J. Blige: ‘You’re All I Need’
WireImage / Getty Images
Every rap and R&B collaboration released in the 1990s owes a royalty check to Method Man and Mary J Blige. The song reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
25 of 25
Future: ‘Turn on the Lights’
Rap’s sad robot is adorably head over heels in love with his dream girl. The problem? He hasn’t met her.
25 of 25
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24 of 25
Ja Rule: ‘Put It on Me’
No lovey-dovey playlist would be complete without the prince of love rap songs, Ja Rule. The Vita-assisted “Put It on Me” was a ubiquitous hit during Ja’s 2000s reign.
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23 of 25
Diddy: ‘I Need a Girl’
After his split from Jennifer Lopez, Diddy made his 2002 “I Need a Girl” cry:
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Moguls need love, too.
22 of 25
Big Daddy Kane: ‘Smooth Operator’
After two verses of self-congratulatory rhymes, Kane “takes a few minutes to mellow out” and salute the ladies: “You’re best scooped like ice cream,” he cheers. “Smooth Operator” is the closest we’ll ever get to a Big Daddy Kane love song.
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21 of 25
The Lost Boyz: ‘Renee’
“Renee” is a tragic tale of love lost, made even more tragic by the death of Lost Boyz emcee/promoter Freaky Tah in 1999.
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20 of 25
OutKast Featuring Cee-Lo Green: ‘Slum Beautiful’
Big Boi and Andre 3000 came up in a misogynistic rap climate, but they had no problem expressing affection for women, or saying sorry. Their standout “Miss Jackson,” for instance, found them apologizing to a baby mama’s mama. The same album spawned “Slum Beautiful,” a sleeper tune that dotes on the ghetto fabulous.
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19 of 25
Ma$e Featuring Total: ‘What You Want’
Forget dinner and a date, M-A-Dollar-Sign-E is giving you the key to his pad:
19 of 25
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18 of 25
Whodini: ‘One Love’
“One love, one love, you’re lucky just to have one loooove.” Yes, those are the actual lyrics. You’re more likely to find Big Foot than a mainstream rap song with a similar message today. Still, this song has survived over the years, thanks to Nas’ 1994 version of the same name. As further proof of the song’s lasting power, the phrase “one love” is now considered hip-hop lingo. It’s a true classic.
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17 of 25
Nicki Minaj: ‘Your Love’
Her royal Barbieness found some hip-pop flexibility on this Annie Lennox-inspired smash. It marked a rare moment of vulnerability for Minaj:
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16 of 25
Drake: ‘Best I Ever Had’
Drizzy used this summer smash to describe his ideal woman: “Sweatpants, hair tied, chillin’ with no make up on.” This song caught fire and sent Drake to the top of the charts. And that was before he even signed a major deal.
16 of 25
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15 of 25
Wale Featuring Miguel: ‘Lotus Flower Bomb’
Wale is a ladies’ man. Miguel is a ladies’ man. Put them on the same track and the outcome is a heartwarming collaboration. In one live performance of “Lotus Flower Bomb,” Wale almost got trampled by a stampede of adoring ladies rushing toward the stage.
15 of 25
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14 of 25
Dead Prez: ‘Mind Sex’
Are you into good conversation? Do you like herbal tea? Are you a fan of poetry? Then you’re the girl M-1 and Stic.man had in mind when they wrote the appropriately titled “Mind Sex.”
14 of 25
14
13 of 25
LL Cool J: ‘Around the Way Girl’
Long before Future told us to “Turn on the Lights,” LL Cool J hit the streets in search of his own around-the-way girl:
13 of 25
13
12 of 25
The Pharcyde: ‘Passin’ Me By’
Something about “Passin’ Me By” makes a guy want to grab a Heineken and lounge in the sun.
12 of 25
12
11 of 25
De La Soul: ‘Eye Know’
Not your standard groupie love fare, De La’s candy-coated “Eye Know” over lush samples (notably from Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay”) made it cool to declare sweet affection for that special someone without sounding corny.
11 of 25
11
10 of 25
Black Star: ‘Brown Skin Lady’
Sometimes playful, sometimes treacly, “Brown Skin Lady” is always beautiful. Cocoa butter sales probably spiked after Kweli rapped, “Your skin is the inspiration for cocoa butter.” Smooth.
10 of 25
10
09 of 25
50 Cent: ‘21 Questions’
Most love songs entail guys teasing girls with wild promises. 50 Cent turned the tables on “21 Questions,” which takes the form of a relationship interview. “I’m asking questions to find out how you feel inside,” he raps. And you can’t question the genius of “I love you like a fat kid loves cake.” After dropping that line, Fif went on to bag Vivica Fox, Ciara, and Chelsea Handler.
09 of 25
09
08 of 25
Common Featuring Mary J. Blige: ‘Come Close’
It’s just a fly love song. Common spits game to his lady and vows to “do the best that I can do, cause I’m at my best when I’m with you.” What girl doesn’t want to be told, “I see the God in you”? The music video wasn’t too shabby, either.
08 of 25
08
07 of 25
Slick Rick: ‘Teenage Love’
These are golden words from the greatest storyteller in rap: “If it’s not true love, you shouldn’t deal wit it.” The best part is that the message is always in season.
07 of 25
07
06 of 25
Eric B & Rakim: ‘Mahogany’
You really have to see Rakim play this one live to fully understand why it’s such a cult classic. There’s nothing like seeing hundreds of Rakim fans—male and female—stand over a romantic tune.
06 of 25
06
05 of 25
The Roots Featuring Eve & Erykah Badu: ‘You Got Me’
The Roots struck gold with this smooth gem off “Things Fall Apart.” Jill Scott wrote the R&B part but the label picked Erykah Badu to bring exposure to the record. With all respect to the wonderfully talented Scott, Badu made the suits seem like prophets.
05 of 25
05
04 of 25
A Tribe Called Quest: ‘Bonita Applebum’
“Bonita Applebum” was the first single off Tribe’s debut album, “People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm.” Word has it the song was an ode to a high school shawty. Bonus points for safe sex: “I got crazy prophylactics.”
04 of 25
04
03 of 25
Common: ‘The Light’
There’s so much going on here: J. Dilla’s steady drums, James Poyser’s pristine keys, that indelible Bobby Caldwell sample. And we haven’t even gotten to the rhymes. Common puts it down, matching Dilla’s potent production with his own poetic bagel.
03 of 25
03
02 of 25
LL Cool J: ‘I Need Love’
Hip-hop’s original loverboy made this classic back when lovey-dovey rap was deemed a novelty. It’s still one of the best hip-hop songs ever, love or otherwise.
02 of 25
02
01 of 25
Method Man Featuring Mary J. Blige: ‘You’re All I Need’
Every rap and R&B collaboration released in the 1990s owes a royalty check to Method Man and Mary J Blige. The song reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
01 of 25
01
