Hip hop music is known — and loved — for many things. From tight beats and creative samples to lyrical flex and flow, hip hop artists are known for setting trends and breaking down boundaries. If there’s one thing that defines this genre more than anything else, however, it’s the art of storytelling.

Rap lyrics cover lots of territory, from life struggles and gang conflicts to personal dreams and relationships. Some rap songs feature graphic images of sex, drugs, and violence; and others look closely into matters of the heart. While the rap genre isn’t known for its warmth and affection, some of hip hop’s biggest hits are all about love.