13 Classic Black Love Songs Artists Secretly Wrote About One Person

Whether it’s Faith Evans missing Biggie Smalls in “Soon As I Get Home” or Lauryn Hill reflecting on her hurtful break from Wyclef Jean in “Ex-Factor,” these songs serve as musical love letters.

Love hits different when it’s when it’s told through heartfelt lyrics on a song that you can’t stop replaying. From Faith Evans emotion-filled record, “Soon As I Get Home” to Ashford & Simpson’s feel-good classic “Solid,” these tracks prove that music truly the best love language. Here are a few artists with records that we can all relate to.

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Babyface – “When Can I See You”

Legendary singer Babyface’s unforgettable record, “When Can I See You” was inspired by real relationships. The 1993 hit record was a reflection of the pain of his first marriage ending with Denise Edmonds. It was known as his most emotional ballad, and the intensity from the song made listeners feel it was personal.

Teedra Moses – “Be Your Girl”

One of the top singles from the Teedra Moses’s album, “Complex Simplicity,” was inspired by her intense crush on rapper Nas. In several interviews, the New Orleans singer has admitted that the song was a fantasy to be with the “One Mic” rapper. The track, using soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics, captured her vulnerability and hope to secure a relationship.

Bobby Brown & Whitney Houston – “Something in Common”

Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston’s song, “Something in Common,” is about two unlikely individuals meeting and discovering a romantic connection. The song and its video were a vibrant celebration of their real-life relationship and the unique bond they shared. The track was a real bop.

Faith Evans – “Soon As I Get Home”

“Soon As I Get Home” was a special record because it love letter Faith Evans penned to express her deep desire to be with her then-husband, The Notorious B.I.G. As a new artist, Biggie was often on the road promoting his album “Ready To Die,” which kept the couple apart. Evans wrote the songs as a way to reassure him of her love while they navigated the challenges of their time apart.

Wale – “Lotus Flower Bomb”

If you found yourself singing to this song, just know that Wale was rapping about his former love, Solange. That’s right — the two dated back in 2009, and he even referred to the “Don’t Touch My Hair” singer as one of his muses. Though both have gone their separate ways, Wale has shared that he will always hold a lasting admiration and respect for her.

Beyoncé – “Ring The Alarm”

The hard-hitting, emotionally charged track “Ring The Alarm” is widely believed to be about Beyoncé’s tumultuous relationship with Jay-Z, addressing feelings of jealousy and betrayal. The rage-filled single reflects her emotional state during a challenging period in their relationship, before they were married.

Jay-Z – “Family Feud”

“Family Feud,” featuring Beyoncé, dives deep into both personal and cultural conflict. The single from the “4:44” album sees Jay-Z confronting his past mistakes — including his affair — and reflecting on the ripple effects they had on his marriage. With raw honesty and storytelling, the track captures the complexity of love while seeking redemption.

Ashford & Simpson – “Solid”

The timeless hit “Solid” by Ashford & Simpson is more than just a feel-good anthem — it’s a heartfelt reflection of the duo’s real-life marriage. The lyrics celebrate a bond that remains “solid as a rock,” highlighting forgiveness, trust and commitment as they navigate life’s challenges.

Whitney Houston – “Saving All My Love For You”

Who would have guessed that one of Whitney Houston’s most popular records was actually a confession about her secret affair with Michael Jackson’s brother, Jermaine? The song sparked controversy because of its theme of loving a man she couldn’t have. Houston later admitted, “I was going through a terrible love affair with Jermaine Jackson. He was married, and that will never work out for anybody. Never, no way.”

Lauryn Hill – “Ex-Factor”

“Ex-Factor” is believed to reflect Lauryn Hill’s complicated romance with Fugees groupmate Wyclef Jean, which was further complicated by his own marriage. Hill allegedly misled Jean about a pregnancy, making him believe he fathered her son Zion, who was actually Rohan Marley’s child. The betrayal is cited as a major factor in the Fugees breakup.

Erykah Badu – “Love Of My Life”

The notable song “Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip Hop)” by Erykah Badu was dedicated to her relationship with former partner and Outkast member, André 3000. The song uses hip-hop as a metaphor for their love story, intertwined with their connection with their passion for music.

Mariah Carey – “Butterfly”

In a heartfelt ballad “Butterfly,” Mariah Carey reflects on the relationship she shared with her ex-husband, Tommy Mottola. The song was written as a plea, hoping he would allow her the freedom to be herself and pursue her dreams.

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