Over the years, several individuals have somehow equated all of hip-hop to “thug music.” Some commentators believe that hip-hop is limited to bling, expensive cars, lewd dancing, flamboyance, video vixens and profane music that simply add no value. For a certain segment of this beautiful culture and music, this stereotypical notion is unequivocally true. But, there are many positive hip-hop artists- though most are “underground”- who actually utilize their studio time to sow conscious and value-adding music to empower the global community. All hip-hop music is not hardcore and “gangsta” in context. Certain artists over the years have shown the “softer” side of hip-hop music that exhibits love and affection between couples or for a potential mate and that embodies very little or no profanity.
The following list of hip-hop ballads is not an all-inclusive list nor does it represent the top hip-hop ballads; but, these timeless songs do represent some of the best that hip-hop has offered its listeners over the years:
Mos Def and Talib Kweli – “Brown Skin Lady”
Arguably, two of hip-hop’s best lyricists introduced this positive and celebratory song on their classic album. This outstanding song bespeaks of Mos and Kweli’s fondness and appreciation for the complete woman and ethnic beauty and intelligence.
Memorable lyrics from the song:
Fresher than Tony Rebel’s vestibules at African street festivals
My incredible women is, plentiful
Over the years I met a few, none of them compare to you
Preparin you to make food bearable, somethin terrible, let’s see:
you fruitful, beautiful, smart, lovable, huggable
Doable like art, suitable to be part of my life (© Talib Kweli
LL Cool J – “I Need Love”
One of the most well known hip-hop ballads to ever hit the musical landscape. “Uncle L” put forth this masterpiece over 20 years ago, and it still remains as arguably one of the best hip-hop ballads of all time.
Memorable lyrics from the song:
See what I mean I’ve changed I’m no longer
a play boy on the run I need something that’s stronger
Friendship, trust honor respect admiration
this whole experience has been such a revelation
It’s taught me love and how to be a real man
to always be considerate and do all I can
Protect you you’re my lady and you mean so much
my body tingles all over from the slightest touch (© LL Cool J)
Eric B. and Rakim – “Mahogany”
This legendary duo is best known for their classic hits such as “Paid in Full,” “Don’t Sweat the Technique,” and “I Ain’t No Joke.” But, avid listeners of hip-hop know that Ra ripped some of his best lyrics on the famous lyrical ballad, “Mahogany.”
Memorable lyrics from the song:
She asked how come I don’t smile
I said, “Everything’s fine, but I’m in a New York state of mind!”
As we reached the kingdom, she said bring some
Champagne, she’ll entertain then sing some
Sentimental, songs real gentle,
It hit the spot and you know where it went to
As we embraced I felt her heart pumpin’
I knew she was in the mood for somethin’
So I laid on my back and relaxed
It wasn’t the Perignon that made her collapse
Over me (©Rakim)
The Roots ft. Jill Scott – “Complexity”
The legendary crew is widely known for delivering excellent lyrical ballads to the global hip-hop community over the years, including “Silent Treatment,” “You Got Me,” and “Break You Off.” But, one of the hidden gems of The Roots collection is their masterpiece, “Complexity,” that features the jazzy and soulful voice of Jill Scott and describes the complex trials that couples go through.
Memorable lyrics from the song:
Eyes racing back and forth listening to Chaka Khan
Trying to figure the cause why you always acting off
like I’m slacking off
Maybe our signal’s getting crossed
For the case Love, you feel like you making a waste of
Your precious time you need to get a taste of
Some space to breathe, a moment as friends
We should’ve felt ourselves slipping into it again
Cuz it’s like off and on, on and off
Passion, lost and found, found and lost
Clashing, asking for nothing but understanding
Your hearts made of glass, use care when handling
Girl, all in all I never leave you stranded
Cuz my respect you commanded, you figure it out (© Black Thought, The Roots)
Common – “The Light”
The hip-hop legend and actor has blessed listeners with classics such as “I Used to Love Her,” “Resurrection,” and “U, Black Maybe.” But, one of Common’s best hip-hop songs is “The Light,” which he celebrates the inner and outer beauty of a woman.
Memorable lyrics from the song:
I never knew a luh, luh-luh, a love like this
Gotta be somethin for me to write this
Queen, I ain’t seen you in a minute
Wrote this letter, and finally decide to send it
Signed sealed delivered for us to grow together
Love has no limit, let’s spend it slow forever (© Common)
A Tribe Called Quest – “Electric Relaxation”
Arguably, the best hip-hop group of all time put forth this smooth, laid-back groove for lovers, and the sound and lyrics are still as refreshing as the early 1990s when it first hit the streets.
Memorable lyrics from the song:
Honey, check it out, you got me mesmerized
With your black hair and fat a** thighs
Street poetry is my everyday
But yo, I gotta stop when you trot my way (© Q-Tip, A Tribe Called Quest)
Pete Rock and CL Smooth – “Searching”
The legendary duo from Mount Vernon introduced some of hip-hop most memorable ballads such as “Lots of Lovin,” “Take You There,” “I Got A Love,” and “It’s A Love Thing.” But, perhaps, their most hypnotic and sensual ballad is “Searching,” which utilizes a beautiful sampling of Roy Ayers’ classic song with the same title.
Memorable lyrics from the song:
You’re everything that I dream about, talk about
Walk around and brag about, cause I don’t give a d*** about
What they say, what he say, or she say
I’m addicted like drugs to your loving, but hey
You got me strung like I’m young and it’s crazy
You’re making me nervous, I don’t deserve this, I’m Swayze
I wish I could be but you really got a hold on me (© CL Smooth)
Method Man ft. Mary J. Blige– “You’re All I Need”
Who can forget this masterpiece from the tandem of Mary J. and the Wu’s Method ? “You’re all I need; I’ll be there for you.” Enough said.
Memorable lyrics from the song:
Back when I was nuttin’
You made a brother feel like he was something
That’s why I’m with you to this day boo no frontin
Even when the skies were gray
You would rub me on my back and say “Baby it’ll be okay” (© Method Man)
Common ft. Mary J. Blige – “Come Close”
With a sound similar to A Tribe Called Quest’s “Bonita Applebaum,” Common and Mary J. Blige not only put forth one of the most positive songs in hip-hop history but also one of the most beautiful videos.
Memorable lyrics from the song:
You help me to discover me
I just want you to put trust in me
I kind of laugh when you cuss at me
The aftermath is you touching me
It’s destiny to we connected girl
You and i we can affect the world
I’m tired of the fast lane
I want you to have my last name (© Common)
Snoop Dogg ft. Pharrell – “Perfect”
With “Uncle” Charlie Wilson singing on the track, Snoop delivers this laid-back hip-hop love song produced by Pharrell Williams.
Memorable lyrics from the song:
Lovable, and yeah you’re pursuable
Everything is beautiful, even down to your cuticles
It ain’t about me, it’s all about you
You make me do what you want me to
Yeah, it’s just like that
Here go my number baby girl why don’t you get right back
You’re a, perfect dime, I’m workin mine
Just the thought of me and you I mean it’s blowin my mind (© Snoop Dogg)
