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.
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Hip-hop love songs. Love songs told by rappers (71–80)
Kinmokusei feat. Mamiko SuzukiTOSHIKI HAYASHI (%C)
TOSHIKI HAYASHI (%C), a Tokyo-based beatmaker.
This track featuring Mamiko Suzuki of chelmico was included on his 2017 album “THREE” and released as a 7-inch analog single in August 2018.
Its mellow groove evokes an autumn dusk, and the flow—shifting smoothly from conversational rap into melody—intertwines exquisitely to gently portray emotions and memories that resurface with the changing seasons.
The sound, blending a lo-fi beat sensibility with city-pop-style harmonies, feels like a snapshot of small urban melancholies.
It’s a calm, warm love song perfect for the season when the fragrant olive blooms and scents the air.
Jam feat. iriSuzuki Mamiko
A collaborative track created by Suzuki Mamiko—active as Mamiko of chelmico—with her close friend iri as a guest.
Over an urban sound woven from jazzy piano and a swinging beat, their voices layer as if in conversation, making for a comfortable listen.
Released ahead of her solo album “ms” in August 2021, the song was accompanied by a music video that captures their unadorned selves wandering along the seaside and city streets.
Co-written lyrics sketch the warmth and scenes of time spent together, while a vocal style that drifts between rap and singing creates an intimate atmosphere.
It’s a piece that keeps you company on a relaxed day off or when you want to unwind with someone special.
SearchingPete Rock & CL Smooth ft. Vinia Mojica
A collaboration between the hip-hop duo Pete Rock & CL Smooth and singer-songwriter Vinia Mojica.
Released as a single in 1995, it’s a mellow downtempo track that samples Roy Ayers Ubiquity’s 1976 track “Searching.”
Hip-hop love songs. Love songs told by rappers (81–90)
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.”
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.
Firelight feat. Shuto (beat by Shiso)TORAUMA
Rapper TORAUMA, who has been active since his high school days as an internet rapper, is known for his outstanding musicality and the high regard he receives from trackmakers and DJs.
Among his many classic tracks, the love song I especially recommend is “Kagari feat.
Shuto (beat by Shiso).” He collaborates with R&B singer Shuto, and the result is a melodious love song from start to finish.
The lyrics, which feel as if they carry a sense of life’s understanding, are particularly striking—definitely give it a listen!
milkchelmico
The rap duo chelmico, made up of Rachel and Mamiko, is known for their distinctive, free-form lyrics.
Their track “milk,” a single cut from their third album “maze” released in August 2020, is an acoustic piece with a subtly languid vibe.
Since it features only a small amount of rapping, it’s a great recommendation even for those who don’t usually listen to rap.