Every once in a while, one of your favorite rap or hip hop artists will take a departure from the usual verses of violence, wealth and random sexual encounters and spit a rhyme about something a little closer to heart. Maybe it’s a tribute to the lady he wants to give his last name or the woman who gave him his first name, and on some occasions you’ll get a look into the love they have for their children or the passion they have for what they do. Whatever the subject may be it’s always refreshing to see a rap artist recite lyrics about the people that matter the most to them, because honestly, most fans can’t relate to shiny red Ferraris and champagne diets, but we can relate to true emotion and at the end of the day, that’s what we respect the most about them. Here are 10 classic softer songs performed by a few rough rappers:
1) “You’re All I Need” Method Man. Feat. Mary J. Blige
Meth and Mary were the pioneers of ride or die in this Grammy award winning expression of faith and dedication. Meth’s rugged rhymes paired with Mary’s sweet but sassy style mirrored the affairs of couples from one hood to the next. Very rarely, can an artist take a soul classic and transform it into something that is loved by many generations. Meth and Mary gave us pure hip-hop love: rough, raw and romantic.
Memorable Line: “Valentine cards and birthday wishes? Please. We on another level of planning, of understanding: The bond between man and woman, and child.”
2) “Song Cry” Jay-Z
Hov took a break on this single, and for 5 minutes and 3 seconds fans were invited to see life through the tears of Sean Carter. “I can’t see ‘em coming down my eyes, so I gotta make this song cry,” the rapper explains before he laments on love lost, maintaining his masculinity but revealing a story that can be shared by most men. With the melody of Jaguar Wright to guide him, not only does Mr. Carter admit his faults, but he also admits his pain, making many think twice about hurting the ones that have helped them the most.
Memorable Line: “They say you can’t turn a bad girl good, but once a good girl’s gone bad, she’s gone forever…”
3) “How’s It Going Down” DMX
Somewhere between the guttural snarls and brash barks lies a song about a love triangle. Boy meets girl. Girls likes boy, but continues to be involved with her child’s father. Through the profanity still resounds a profound passion in an all-too-common tale of wanting what you can’t have. DMX may not have gotten the girl, but playing the role of the raspy-voiced rival did leave females everywhere in heat.
Memorable Line: “Let that ni**a play daddy, make moves with me. I done kept it more than real boo, can’t lose with me.”
4) “Into You” Fabolous feat. Tamia
With the uncanny ability to charm the ladies, but battle with the best of them, Fabolous invited the talented Tamia to appear on a track that was once all her own giving the fellas something they could listen to with their ladies. Line after line speaks sincerely on spoiling the new love of his life silly and being unaware of nothing else in the world but his newfound infatuation. “Into You” gives permission for playas everywhere to fall deep and fall hard.
Memorable Line: “You love my smile, no matter how chipped my tooth is. With you it ain’t because my whips is ruthless.”
5) “You Got Me” The Roots
The Philly bred band addresses issues of infidelity and trust in this humble, yet hypnotizing hymn which led to a Grammy win of Best Performance by a Duo Or Group. Erykah Badu lends a soft reassurance to the song that comforts the listener while Black Thought offers some insight on how over-analysis, insecurity and the opinions of others can slowly breakdown the foundation of even the strongest relationships.
Memorable Line: “I’ve seen people caught in love like whirlwinds, listening to they squads and listening to girlfriends. That’s exactly the point where they whole world ends, lies come in, that’s where that drama begins.”
6) “The Light” Common
Common pays homage to the beauty of black romance in this lyrical love letter. Rumored to be about his girlfriend at the time, Erykah Badu (who also made an appearance in the accompanying music video), the song touches on qualities that we should all aim to possess in the relationships we enter: love, respect, understanding and trust. With no shame, Common’s commitment and compassion can be heard throughout this love declaration for women who defy all stereotypes and assumptions.
Memorable Line: “I never call you my Itchbay or even my boo. There’s so much in a name, and so much more to you. Few understand the union of woman and man. And sex and a tingle is where they assume it land.”
7) “Right Thru Me” Nicki Minaj
Many were shocked when the mad-hatter MC took a pause from the nursery rhyme raps to deliver an ode to the one person who could see past all of the caricature. On “Right Thru Me” the Barbie bombshell takes a moment to give thanks to the person who supported her before the performances and applause and the one whom she can turn to when she needs to be brought back to Earth, teaching us that through the insanity of life, you should always have someone who can see you through and still see through you to what matters the most.
Memorable line: Before I played it, you knew my hand. You could turn a free throw into a goal. Ni**a got the peep hole to my soul.”
8) “Make Me Better” Fabolous feat. Ne-yo
“Beside every great man, you can find a woman like a soldier holdin’ him down” croons a confident Ne-yo on a track with crazy bass and a message that hits hearts so hard it earned Fabolous another spot on our list. In “Make Me Better”, Loso recognizes his woman as an equal partner in a relationship and shows that the best couples bring out the best in each other and push one another further so that they can earn success together. The distinguished gentleman shows appreciation to the women who are breaking necks and signing checks right alongside their men, and still finding time to be Hot and handle business even when the work day is done.
Memorable Line: “The right when I’m wrong, so I never slip. Show me how to move, that’s why I never trip.”
9) “I Got Ya Back” T.I. feat. Keri Hilson
Never has a song been so fitting as T.I. unravels a tale that mirrors much of his real life, but I guess that’s because the best love songs come from a place of authenticity. T.I. shouts out all the women who make it a priority to hold it down for their men through the highs and lows of love and life. He shows immense gratitude for the faith that his real life love and wife Tameka “Tiny” Cottle has showed him throughout the years and gives couples everywhere hope to make it through trying times.
Memorable Line: “I would leave the world ‘fore I leave you. May God say even Eve and Adam ain’t got s**t on these two.”
10) “Dear Mama” 2Pac
The late and great Tupac Shakur chose to go a different route and show his admiration for the first lady in his life. “Dear Mama” is proof that the struggle and sacrifice of single mothers never goes unnoticed in the simple poetic way that Tupac perfected. The song is considered by most fans and critics as one of the greatest hip hop songs of all time. Tupac showed a sensitive side of his life, which at the time most rappers weren’t willing to do in fear of compromising their street credibility. His mother Afeni Shakur was also featured in the music video giving fans a peek into his personal life. There are few things as remarkable as the unconditional love of a mother for her child, and Tupac humbly recognizes that simply by offering his understanding.
Memorable Line: “But now the road got rough, you’re alone. You’re tryin to raise two bad kids on your own. And there’s no way I can pay you back. But my plan is to show you that I understand. You are appreciated.”
