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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- Songs that make you want to fall in love just by listening! Classic love songs recommended for Gen Z
- Captivating in many styles and forms! Love songs in Japanese rap
- A love song in Western rap
- Recommended love songs for men: A collection of classic hits that sing about men's love
- Popular love songs on TikTok, from upbeat tracks to emotional love ballads.
- Recommended! Love songs by male artists — popular romantic songs
- A love song that's very popular on Instagram Reels
Hip-hop love songs. Love songs told by rappers (51–60)
Close FriendsLil Baby, Gunna
“Close Friends,” a love song by Atlanta rapper Lil Baby.
Gunna also appears, but note that there’s no verse from a female artist.
While the track incorporates trendy trap elements, it doesn’t feel too gritty or “junky.” It’s crafted as an easy-to-listen-to hip-hop song.
Dilemma ft. Kelly RowlandNelly
An enduring classic among hip-hop and R&B love songs, “Dilemma.” Released in 2002, it became a massive hit, spending 10 weeks at No.
1 in the U.S.
The memorable hook stems from Nelly’s idea to weave in a female vocal part from Patti LaBelle’s “Love, Need and Want You,” which fits perfectly.
His interplay with Kelly Rowland—then a member of Destiny’s Child—adds a sweet mood and a smooth groove.
It’s a mature love song that portrays the honest love and inner conflict of two people drawn to each other.
It’s only loveRude-α
Rude-α, who also drew attention for appearing on “Don’t Be Fooled by the Wolf-chan,” created a piece about the push-and-pull between men and women titled “It’s only love.” It portrays a man who feels he’s been deceived, yet still longs for the other person.
If you watched the TV show, you’ll probably relate even more by connecting it with the episodes that aired.
Another highlight is that the overall sound has a reggae-like vibe.
It’s perfect for when you want to soak in a chill atmosphere.
LoveKendrick Lamar
A straightforwardly titled track by Kendrick Lamar, one of the most influential hip-hop artists of our time.
The song was written for his girlfriend, whom he has been dating since high school, and together with the melody sung by Zacari, an R&B artist on the same label, it becomes a beautifully crafted piece.
Hip-hop love songs: Love songs told by rappers (61–70)
I Feel On YouLil Soft Tennis & kZm
Have you ever found yourself overthinking alone while in love? I Feel On You captures that bittersweet ache, tenderness, and the feeling of not knowing what to do.
It’s a collaboration between Lil Soft Tennis, who’s also active as a member of a rock band, and rapper kZm.
The sound draws a clear line between stillness and motion, resulting in a work that feels wonderfully comfortable.
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.