Love is often thought to be the most powerful emotion of all, and it truly can be. In addition to being able to bring two people together and forge a bond that defies odds, they can also take the world by storm. Just take a look at the music industry and rap culture, where throughout the history of hip-hop, prominent couples have emerged. The tight-knit lyrical couple pairs transcend the boundaries of personal and professional relationships between artists, and become examples of relationship goals for many.
Whether it was longevity, shared successes, or the way in which each couple decided to express their love for one another, fans have always been moved and awed by their favorite rappers in couples. From the likes of Jay-Z and Beyonce and Eminem and Nicki Minaj, to the less prominent couples such as Erykah Badu and Common and Dr. Dre and Michel’le, rap couples have created a list of relationships that will never be forgotten.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at some of the most iconic rapper couples in hip hop and examine their legacies, focusing on some of the most legendary hip hop couples of all time.
- Jay-Z and Beyoncé
Perhaps the most famous rap couple in the world, Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s relationship began in 2002 and has continued on throughout the years. They both have been hugely successful in their own right, and have been able to maintain their friendship as well as their professional relationship.
In 2003, they released their joint album, “Crazy in Love,” which spawned hit singles such as “’03 Bonnie & Clyde” and “Crazy in Love.” It was a huge success, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard 200 chart. Their collaborations continued throughout the years, with their more recent singles such as “Deja Vu” and “Empire State of Mind” becoming equally as successful.
Their marriage has been widely admired as one of hip-hop’s most successful and is seen as an example for many of a healthy power couple relationship.
- Eminem and Nicki Minaj
The Detroit native rapper and Trinidad-born Nicki Minaj began their relationship in the late 2000s, while both artists were at the peak of their creative and commercial success. Their past relationship was widely discussed due to its uniqueness, as Eminem is white and Nicki Minaj is infamous for her feminism, leading many to presume that their relationship had its ups and downs.
The two artists have been apart for quite some time now, but their collaborations remain as some of the biggest in music history. Nicki Minaj was featured in Eminem’s hit songs “Love the Way You Lie” and “Roman’s Revenge,” as well as their joint single “Roman’s Holiday.”
The relationship was both controversial and inspiring, leaving their fans to always wonder what could have been and continuing to place the rappers among the most iconic couples in hip hop.
- Erykah Badu and Common
This couple’s relationship first entered the limelight in 1999, and since then they have remained close friends and occasional collaborators. The R&B- rap couple have both released music that has been extremely successful worldwide over the years, with Common’s impressive list of classic albums such as “Be” (2005), and Erykah Badu’s much-lauded “New Amerykah pt. 1” (2008).
Their relationship had hip hop fans in anticipation for a possible joint album, which sadly never happened. Some of their collaborations include “The Light” and “Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip Hop)” from Common’s 2000 album “Like Water for Chocolate.” However, due to their busy schedules, the couple officially ended their relationship in late 2002, lasting for a total of three years.
- Dr. Dre and Michel’le
Before becoming the Beats empire magnate, Dr. Dre was in a three-year romance with rap singer and TV star, Michel’le. He was coming off a successful run as part of N.W.A with fellow members such as Eazy-E and Ice Cube, while Michel’le was launching her singing career as a solo artist.
Their love was seen as one of the ultimate hip hop relationship goals, as they managed to cross different music boundaries while keeping the relationship afloat. Michel’le released her classic debut album “Michel’le” in 1989, which spawned hits such as “No More Lies” and “Something in My Heart.”
Their relationship ended in 1997, and the couple had a daughter together, Reign Aston, who is now a prominent rapper in her own right.
- Lauryn Hill and Rohan Marley
Lauryn Hill first met Rohan Marley, son of reggae star Bob Marley, while they were both attending Columbia High School in New Jersey.
Their relationship was highly celebrated by music fans, as Hill had recently achieved exponential success with The Fugees, while Marley had become the face of the newly-formed Marley Coffee empire.
The couple stayed together for 15 years and had 5 children together. In 2001, Hill released her timeless solo album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” and Marley pursued his endeavors with Marley Coffee.
Their relationship ended in 2004, and both artists continue to be influential figures in their respective fields.
Rap culture is known for its fierce rivalry and competition amongst MCs, but when it comes to relationships there’s nothing like the union of two passionate artists. Legends such as Jay-Z and Beyonce, Eminem and Nicki Minaj, and Dr. Dre and Michel’le have shown the world what a hip-hop couple looks like and continue to inspire others around the world of few or many years.
These iconic couples have left a lasting impression on hip hop culture and will forever be immortalized in music history as some of the best rapper couples of all time.
Have we missed any key rapper couples? Let us know in the comments below!
