A love song in Western rap

Fine By TimeYoungboy Never Broke Again

YoungBoy Never Broke Again – Fine By Time [Official Music Video]

Rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again, who energized the hip-hop scene in the first half of 2022 with his beef with Lil Durk, is known for his tough, street image, but he also releases love songs.

Among his love songs, the one I especially recommend is Fine By Time.

It portrays the love life of a hard-nosed man, with gritty rhymes that match his flow perfectly.

Be sure to check it out.

Bound 2Kanye West

Kanye West – Bound 2

Kanye West’s turning-point track, “Bound 2.” When you think of Kanye, you probably picture a hard-edged image centered on provocative lyrics.

However, in 2013, the year this song was released, he experienced the loss of a family member and his own health issues, which led to a shift in his style.

Although the song’s theme is love, it also distinctly reflects religious motifs—something rare in hip-hop.

Be sure to check it out.

Diva ft. Lil TeccaThe Kid LAROI

The Kid LAROI – Diva ft. Lil Tecca (Official Music Video)

Australia’s leading rapper, The Kid LAROI.

With his good looks, he’s hugely popular among women, and he recently drew attention for his collaboration with Justin Bieber.

Among his love songs, the one I especially recommend is “Diva ft.

Lil Tecca.” It portrays a romance that only celebrities can relate to—something ordinary people might not understand—highlighting the gap between the glamorous public image and private life.

Be sure to check it out.

CandyDoja Cat

Doja Cat – Candy (Official Audio)

Doja Cat is a female rapper who has been active since her teens.

With her cute looks and music that’s stylish yet catchy, she’s always at the forefront of the scene.

Among her love songs, the one I especially recommend is Candy.

It’s a track that portrays cuddly, lovey-dovey moments with her boyfriend, and since it features lots of cute slang, I think women will also enjoy it as a way to study English.

SunflowerPost Malone, Swae Lee

Post Malone & Swae Lee – Sunflower

“Sunflower,” the track created by Post Malone and Swae Lee as the theme song for the animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

While hip-hop love songs often tend to have a tough, “thug” vibe, this song portrays feelings that resonate with everyday relationships.

It’s likely inspired by Spider-Man’s own romantic storyline, but the lyrics are crafted in a way that can apply to anyone’s love life.

Be sure to check out the Japanese translation.

Dangerously In Love (772 Love Pt. 2)YNW Melly

YNW Melly “Dangerously In Love (772 Love Pt. 2)” (Official Audio)

The rapper YNW Melly, known for his melodious rap, has gained popularity.

His thug-style lyrics and stylish, melodic flow might seem mismatched, yet they blend perfectly.

Among his love songs, the one I especially recommend is “Dangerously In Love (772 Love Pt.

2).” It’s a track notable for its sweet beat and flow.

Although he’s facing murder charges and could receive the death penalty, I hope that if he returns, we’ll get to hear his melodic rap again.

Rodeo (ft. Nas)Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X – Rodeo (ft. Nas) [Official Video]

Currently one of the most distinctive rappers in the hip-hop scene, Lil Nas X.

With his eccentric fashion, unique music video style, and public coming out, he’s a frequent topic of conversation, so even heads who mainly listen to Japanese rap probably know him.

His love song “Rodeo (ft.

Nas)” features two male protagonists, each portraying his relationship with his girlfriend from his own perspective.

Because it depicts characters with contrasting personalities, be sure to check out the Japanese translation!