Image via Getty/Hoberman Collection
In the world of hip hop and R&B, cuffing season is all-year round, and the genres provide the perfect soundtrack to any love affair. Whether you have a boo, you’re looking for a boo, or you have several boos, you can always rely on that one record to take you back to a special time and place—that moment in your life that will never be forgotten—or to help you make new memories with a special someone. With society’s ever-changing fads, trends, and fashions, one thing remains constant: love.
The options for your perfect soundtrack are endless. Whether you’re lighting candles to set the mood, cuddling up for warmth, or ready to make some babies, there’s only one thing left to do: put on the most romantic playlist known to mankind. The slow jams are inevitable, but sometimes, you just want to kick things up a notch.
It goes all the way back to the classics—after all, Marvin Gaye’s "Let's Get It On" remains one of the sexiest songs ever invented. Fast forward a couple decades, and Usher single-handedly takes over the R&B baby-making genre as a whole; at least until Chris Brown comes along. “Yo” had guys sweeping their female crushes off their feet from across the room . And let’s not forget about Frank Ocean, who brought the phrase “Thinking Bout You” to a whole nother level. And at the tail end of last year, Kendrick Lamar released the music video for “LOVE.”, redefining the word for all of mankind.
And still, many of us remain skeptical on this notion of true love. While humans may let us down, music never disappoints. No matter the genre and no matter the location—music is universal. Don’t know where to begin? We’ve got you. Here’s a cheat sheet of 50 songs to make love to, from Prince to Drake.
Trey Songz, "Neighbors Know My Name" (2009)
“Bet the neighbors know my name, and they be stressing while we sexing,” should tell you all you need to know about Trey Songz’s “Neighbors Know My Name.” This is a quintessential “baby-making” R&B song.
Teddy Pendergrass, "Close the Door" (1978)
Teddy has been the voice of romance since his days in Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, and from this song’s opening couplet, he’s hell-bent on winning over his lady. With a voice like that, it’s hard to imagine that he failed.
Al Green, "Let's Stay Together" (1972)
From Reverend Al’s very first “I-I-I-I-I,” staying together—whether for a lifetime or just a night—is guaranteed.
Frank Ocean "Nature Feels" (2011)
Pro tip: When sexing in the neighbors' tomato patch, stay clear of poison ivy disguised as regular old leaves.
Miguel “Adorn” (2012)
So sensual, Miguel made it on here twice. Let my love adorn you, baby.
Mario “Let Me Love You” (2014)
Shout out to Mario for asking for permission.
Childish Gambino “Redbone” (2016)
“If you want it, you can have it.” The go-to soundtrack for the most scandalous love affair.
“Keith Sweat” Nobody (2009)
It’s just you and me, baby—nobody else.
Usher “U Got It Bad” (2009)
“I’m sprung” Is an understatement.
Kendrick & Zacari “LOVE.” (2017)
True love does exist. Just look at K Dot and his fiancé — high school sweethearts.
Chris Brown “Yo (Excuse Me Miss)” (2009)
Saved the last dance for you.
Baby Bash f/ Frankie J “Suga Suga” (2009)
“Ooohwee, it's the ultimate feelin'.” Let’s get lifted together.
Cassie “Me & U” (2009)
Now that it’s just us, “tell me if you like it.”
Chris Brown "Take You Down" (2007)
This record marked the beginning of CB’s transition from a teen heartthrob to a mature, adult artist. With sexually explicit lyrics and soulful vocals, Brown created a seductive anthem for the new generation of R&B.
Drake “Practice” (2011)
All that practice has led up to this moment.
John Legend “All Of Me” (2013)
A track about swimming in love. All of me loves all of you; imperfections and all.
Ryan Leslie “I Choose You” (2009)
Life aside, I choose you. Just have faith (I got you).
Miguel “Sure Thing” (2011)
“‘Cause you’re the cigarette, and I'm the smoker.” This love is for real.
Lloyd f/ Lil Wayne “You” (2009)
We all need a little love. Let’s dip up out of here.
Trey Songz “Can’t Help But Wait” (2009)
Not to be a homewrecker, but you can do way better. Patience is not a virtue here.
J. Cole f/ Miguel “Power Trip” (2013)
Love is a drug. You got me up all night...
Bobby V “Slow Down” (2014)
You look bomb from behind. Now, turn around (or don’t).
Frank Ocean “Thinkin Bout You” (2017)
No matter the status, I’m still thinking about you. Let’s live in the moment.
Brandy “Have You Ever?” (1998)
Have you ever loved somebody so much, it makes you cry? Love so good, it hurts.
Barry White "You're the First, the Last, My Everything" (1974)
You are very very important right now, more important than Playstation 3.
Mariah Carey "Touch My Body (Cyril Hahn Remix)" (2012)
Wasn't thinking of touching anything else anyway.
The Weeknd f/ Drake "The Zone" (2011)
Usually between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. aka "booty call hours."
J Holiday "Bed" (2007)
After being positioned in-between your legs and watching your eyes do some shit from The Exorcist, you're going to fall into a coma that lasts about 10 hours.
Sons of Funk "Pushin' Inside You" (1998)
There wasn't any nicer way to put this.
Rose Royce "I Wanna Get Next To You" (1976)
So tell your homegirl it's time for her to roll.
Paris "I Choose You" (1984)
All because you're special.
Donna Summer "Love to Love You Baby" (1975)
Loving you is fun as hell.
Wale f/ Miguel "Lotus Flower Bomb" (2011)
Smell is one of the main senses that triggers attraction. It's also linked to memory. No wonder we can't forget you.
Marvin Gaye "Let's Get It On" (1973)
No time for the games or sensual fruits, lets just get straight to it.
Miguel f/ J. Cole "All I Want Is You" (2010)
And breakfast in the morning as a reward.
Maxwell "Ascension (Don't Even Wonder)" (1996)
Legs ascend to the ceiling, the rest of you stays put.
The Weeknd "What You Need" (2011)
What we need, are those Vicky draws to decorate the floor right about now.
Ciara "Promise" (2006)
Promises aren't enough these days, sign this love contract too.
Avant "Read Your Mind" (2003)
Didn't even need your palms or any other type of voodoo.
Aaliyah "One in a Million" (1996)
One million isn't a lot these days, but it'll do for now.
D'Angelo "Untitled (How Does It Feel)" (2000)
Did about 200 push-ups followed up with straight shots of creatine for this right here.
Janet Jackson "Any Time, Any Place" (1993)
Basically there's no such thing as "innapropriate" or "not a good time."
Prince "Scandalous!" (1989)
Disgracefully bad and offensive against morality, but in a good way.
The-Dream "Purple Kisses" (2007)
Purple lipstick is cool until it gets on that shirt collar.
The Isley Brothers "Between The Sheets" (1983)
It's in the top five most cliché locations on Twitter, but very fitting considering the circumstances.
Sade "Soldier of Love" (2009)
Because fighting real wars is kinda dangerous.
Elle Varner "Sound Proof Room" (2012)
No one can hear us from the outside, but please respect the pair of eardrums sharing this space with you.
Lauryn Hill f/ D'Angelo "Nothing Even Matters" (1998)
A nuclear explosion couldn't even distract us right now.
Minnie Riperton "Inside My Love" (1975)
What kind of treats are in there?
James Blake "The Wilhelm Scream" (2011)
No one has to worry about falling because beds are meant for laying, but screaming though...