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Recommended hip-hop/rap

A hip-hop love song. A rapper’s tale of love.

In recent years, thanks in part to the influence of MC battles like Freestyle Dungeon, the number of hip-hop listeners seems to be on the rise, doesn’t it?

Among those who love hip-hop, some of you might be on the lookout for love songs!

So in this article, we’ll be introducing hip-hop love songs from both Japan and abroad.

From that classic by a heavyweight of Japanese hip-hop to noteworthy tracks by up-and-coming artists, we’ve put together an article that listeners from hardcore heads to those who just started getting into hip-hop can enjoy.

Hip-hop love songs. Love songs told by rappers (71–80)

Lumennnoon

noon’s “Lumen,” which adds a fresh hue to the hip-hop landscape, is a love song that gently cradles a heart in love.

A standout on the EP “Body,” this track captures the beauty of love in a relaxed atmosphere and is sure to leave listeners with a lingering afterglow.

Its genre-blurring style carries the smooth rhythms of R&B and the warmth of soul, nestling close to the listener’s everyday life.

“Lumen” is a masterpiece by noon that conveys a calm, radiant feeling from start to finish.

In live performances, arrangements that go a step beyond the recording delight audiences and delicately bring out the song’s dramatic arc.

Good Enough feat.kiki vivi lilyDakkii × Sweet William

Dakki × Sweet William – Good Enough feat. kiki vivi lily [Official Music Video]
Good Enough feat.kiki vivi lilyDakkii × Sweet William

A track born from a collaboration between Okinawa-born rapper Tsubaki and rising beatmaker SWEET WILLIAM.

The jazzy, breezy production makes it easy to listen to even for those not usually into hip-hop.

A rapper without a steady footing, candid lyrics about not wanting a regular job, borrowing money from a girlfriend who’s mentally struggling…

the honest, lazy rap hits with raw authenticity.

The stance of “a rapper only needs rap talent, right?” meshes perfectly with the refined track, creating a uniquely addictive vibe.

I Need Your Love feat. Chinza DOPENESSSPARTA

SPARTA – I Need Your Love feat. Chinza DOPENESS (Official Music Video)
I Need Your Love feat. Chinza DOPENESSSPARTA

Rapper SPARTA, known for his distinctively languid rap, leaves a strong impression.

His hip-hop isn’t satirical, nor does it glorify a thug life; instead, he straightforwardly turns what he feels in everyday life into lyrics, with a tendency toward melodic musicality.

The track “I Need Your Love feat.

Chinza DOPENESS” is also melodious, and his chemistry with Chinza DOPENESS—renowned as a master of flow—is excellent, resulting in a piece whose flow and production alone make it worthwhile.

BeautifulSnoop Dogg ft. Pharrell Williams

Snoop Dogg – Beautiful ft. Pharrell Williams
BeautifulSnoop Dogg ft. Pharrell Williams

A collaboration by Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams.

Released as a single in 2003, it became a hit worldwide and won a Grammy Award.

The music video, directed by Chris Robinson, was filmed in Rio de Janeiro.

I’m Here (feat. Thelma Aoyama)SoulJa

The song “Koko ni Iru yo feat.

Thelma Aoyama,” which became a big hit in 2007, was the track that helped Thelma Aoyama break through.

Although it’s often remembered as a smash hit right after its release, sales actually struggled at first.

However, when it was used as the ending theme for the popular music program “COUNTDOWN TV” in September 2007, its popularity took off, and it earned a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan.

The heart-wrenching melody and SoulJa’s masculine rap leave a strong impression.

MahoganyEric B. & Rakim

Eric B.

& Rakim are a hip-hop duo formed in New York in 1986.

This smooth and romantic track was released in 1991 and samples Al Green’s 1972 track “I’m Glad You’re Mine.”

NowhereOMSB

Rapper OMSB, who’s also active as a trackmaker.

Just to clarify, his name is pronounced “Omusubi.” He’s a rapper from the U.S., and with that background, his musical style is highly authentic.

Among his works, the love song I especially want to recommend is “Nowhere.” It’s crafted as a melodious rap with an acid-tinged vibe.

It’s a track that gives you a curious sensation where the feel of Japanese rap blends with a US flavor.