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It sounds a bit ironic to talk about love joints (songs) in the same sentence as rap music. Yes, rap is notorious for celebrating violence and over-the-top misogyny.  Nonetheless, love is a well-documented theme in the genre. The theme of love has helped rappers to crossover into the mainstream and reach radio-friendly audiences: LL Cool J, Heavy D, Nas, Method Man, and many others.  I must confess that I had fun curating this playlist as I had to struggle whether to categorize some songs as battle/diss or love joints. Consultation with a fellow raphead on the apt categorization of “Break Ups 2 Make Ups” by Method Man feat D’Angelo goes: “Me: Is this a love or diss joint? Raphead J: It’s a bit of both. A tumultuous and maybe destructive relationship. The verses say one thing the hook says another. Me: D’Angelo was going mushy but Meth was abusing the life out of the lady! “Slut Committee”?? Raphead J: Lol. That’s typically how those relationships play out. Me: Abusive!! So, it goes to Battle/Diss category or love joint? Raphead: Mehn, this one na Jamb question o! At a push, I would say love. It’s warped but it is what it is Me: Abusive love? Raphead: 100%. Me: Calling someone’s circle of friends “Slut Committee”? Eyen o bosi naw. But she be ex-girlfriend Raphead J: Yeah, I am putting the entire song in context. What I hear is a love/hate relationship. The break-up and makeup cycles. Me: O deep. Raphead J: I hate you when we are together but can’t live without you type yarns Me: True. Why Meth sef dey call the chick? Na ex guy. Going for a rebound? Needed to revisit the locus in quo” The other songs in this love/hate category that I struggled with were: “Trials of Love-Prodigy”; “Bye Baby-Nas”; “Round & Round-Jonell & Method Man”. You can find unconditional love in: Undying love-Nas; I’ll be there for you-Method Man feat Mary J. Blige; Ryde or Die B****-Lox; Can You Get Away-Tupac And, there are songs on chatting up ladies: “Hey Lover” LL Cool J feat Boyz II Men; “Excuse Me Miss”-Jay-Z and others. We hope you enjoyed the playlist as much as we enjoyed curating. Further reading: Love Joints Playlist Check out our Love Joint playlist via