Red Bull compiled a list of 20 romantic rap tracks back in 2021, featuring the likes of Slick Rick, Outkast, Kendrick Lamar, and LL Cool J:
LL Cool J – Hey Lover ft. Boyz II Men (1995)
Before his 2003 hit Paradise, LL Cool J’s single Luv U Better and the All I Have collaboration with Jennifer Lopez had established his mark as a love rap hitmaker. Although Hey Lover is actually a dirty macking anthem, it was the perfect display of what the Hollis native was always known for since his I Need Love days — which is his ability to show why he’s the better option.
Romantic rhymes: “I was layin’ in the coupe with my hat turned back / We caught eyes for a moment, and that was that”
I also like this opposite list from J-Zone where he chose 25 anti-love rap songs. You know, just to spice things up in a different kinda way.