10 Best R&B Love Songs By A Black Male and Female Artist

Love songs exist in all genres (maybe not in heavy metal), but no genre does it quite like R&B, especially when paired with hip-hop. When it comes to R&B love songs, whether it’s about finding love or losing it, male and female vocals on the record create something special. Over the past five decades, there have been several hits that we can’t help sing or dance to whenever we hear them played. Here are the top 10 R&B love songs by a black male and female artist that we absolutely love.

1. Diana Ross & Lionel Richie - Endless Love (June 1981)

Magic happens when two music legends sing together. Endless Love was produced for the film of the same name, but the song was considerably more successful than the movie. It became the second biggest-selling single of the year in the US, the biggest-selling single of Ross’s career and the best-charting of Richie’s. Endless Love was later covered by Luther Vandross and Mariah Carey in 1994.

2. Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle - A Whole New World (October 1992)

Disney Aladdin’s A Whole New World remains one of the best Disney songs of all time. During the film’s end credits, you can hear the soulful R&B version sung by Bryson and Belle. This love song peaked at number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in March 1993, becoming the first song from a Disney animated film to ever do so.

3. Nelly and Kelly Rowland - Dilemma (June 2002)

Hitmaker Nelly teamed up with Destiny’s Childs Kelly to make this banger. Dilemma was number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 for 10 non-consecutive weeks and topped the chart in the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, and Germany. It won a Grammy award for the Best Rap/Sung Performance and remains a popular R&B song.

4. Jay-Z and Beyoncé - '03 Bonnie & Clyde (October 2002)

The then-boyfriend and girlfriend collaborated to make this record for Jay-Z’s seventh album The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse. It reached number 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100, number 1 in Switzerland and number 2 in the UK. It was the first of many collaborations by the now married power couple. More hits are sure to follow in the future.

5. Ja Rule and Ashanti - Mesmerize (December 2002)

Ja Rule and Ashanti were a match made in heaven producing classic after classic in the early 2000s. With hits like Always On Time and What’s Luv, you have your pick of songs to choose from. Mesmerize is on Ja Rule’s fourth album The Last Temptation, and reached number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The music video was inspired by the 1978 movie Grease.

6. Usher and Alicia Keys - My Boo (August 2004)

In the early 2000s, it felt like music collaborations were only between a singer and rapper. Then Usher and Keys collaborated and reminded us that two singers work just as well. This song was initially leaked before being added to the re-release of Usher’s fourth album Confessions. My Boo topped the US Billboard Hot 100 for 6 weeks and ranked 36th for the US’s biggest song of the 2000–2009 decade. The song won a Grammy for the Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

7. Bow Wow and Ciara - Like You (July 2005)

Once upon a time, Bow Wow and Ciara were a couple, and their song Like You topped the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Although their relationship did not survive, their song continues to make the R&B nostalgia playlist. The challenge of singing the chorus in one breath makes this record a fun one to sing along to.

8. Rihanna and Ne-Yo - Hate That I Love You (August 2007)

This duet from Rihanna’s third album, Good Girl Gone Bad, is funny enough, a love song all about hating being in love with someone. It may have peaked at number 7 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, but its lyrics sung by two huge musical talents make this record one to remember.

9. Jordan Sparks and Chris Brown - No Air (February 2008)

From the singing competition, American Idol to the charts, Sparks’ ballad with Brown is packed with harmonies, ad-libs and notes that leave you with goosebumps. No Air peaked at number 3 in the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 in Australia and New Zealand. It remains a popular karaoke duet song, but it’s not for the faint-hearted.

10. Daniel Caesar and H.E.R. - Best Part (August 2017)

It seemed like R&B was fading away for a moment, but the new school of R&B brought it back to life with songs that have you in your feelings. We’re used to R&B duets being vocal powerhouses, but Best Part’s chill, soulful is a treat for the ears that you can’t help but loop it. The song won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance and topped the Adult R&B Songs chart.

Do you agree with this list? Which love songs would be on your list? Comment below and if you liked this article, share and follow the Facebook and Pinterest page.

Check Out:
10 Famous Black Couples That Make Us Believe in Black Love
10 Black British Actors You Want To See Play A Romantic Lead
21 Black Actresses You Love to See in Romance Movies
What is Black Love? Why is it important?