Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to let that special someone know they make you feel all tingly inside or that there’s “all these hittas, but my eyes on you” (as Nicki Minaj would say). Many convey their affection with roses, chocolates and candlelit dinners. However, music is an artistic form of communication and one of the best ways to express strong or complex emotions to your sweetheart. What better way to celebrate the romantic holiday than with a “Top 40 Hip-Hop and R&B” playlist!

As a Music Designer, I not only program custom music for retail stores, hotels and restaurants, but Element programs as well. Elements are “micro-genres” that cover a variety of music styles and eras that our clients may select from. “Top 40 Hip-Hop and R&B” happens to be my personal favorite of everything I program. This is an urban Element consisting of Top 40 artists on the Hip-Hop/R&B Mainstream Billboard charts. Artists such as Drake, J. Cole, Rihanna and Travis Scott reflect what’s currently popular in today’s music. The program focuses on fun, progressive and sexy songs with a medium to high energy level. So these are not your typical romantic, lovey-dovey songs.

As a Valentine’s Day gift, I’ve selected ten songs from my “Top 40 Hip-Hop and R&B” Elements program for you and your loved ones to enjoy & set the MOOD for your day of LOVE!

10. “Million” – Tink

This singer/rapper created what I call a Rap&B (Rap and R&B combo) version of Aaliyah’s classic song “One In A Million.”

9. “Whatever You Like” – Casey Veggies feat. Dej Loaf

“I’m loving her thoughts, she changing my mind. We learning together, the stars are aligned.”

8. “Coffee” – Miguel

From his latest album Wildheart, Miguel uses his edgy wordplay in this song to remind us that love can entail adventure, pillow talk and staying up all night as the moon glistens.

“I wish I could paint our love. These moments in vibrant hues”

7. “Play No Games” – Big Sean feat. Chris Brown & Ty Dolla $ign

Not only is this a witty and playful song, but the parody music video inspired by the hit comical sitcom “Martin” puts it over the top! I know my fellow millennials (80’s and 90’s babies) may have a nostalgic moment and love this jocular video for sure!

“I left that sexy dress out on the bed with a note there laying for ya, with directions where I’m waiting with dinner and waiter for ya”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vH6tSHYx–A

6. “Comfortable” – K Camp

“Tell me where you want to go, tell me what you want to do. Baby just be comfortable, I’ll be right here next to you”

5. “All Eyes On You” – Meek Mill feat. Nick Minaj & Chris Brown

The perfect Bonnie & Clyde anthem by the hottest rap couple in the game. What more could you ask for? The Pink Print Princess, Nicki Minaj, and Dreamchaser, Meek Mill, set the charts ablaze delivering rhyme, rhythm and bars to awe one another.

4. “Oui” – Jeremih 

“Make every day your birthday & every night your valentine”

3. “Company” – Justin Bieber

Having a new cohesive sound of Dance-Pop and R&B, every song released from his new album Purpose has been a hit on the charts and this song is no different.

“Be each other’s paradise. Need a picture for my frame. Someone to share my reign.”

2. “Sex You Back To Sleep” – Chris Brown

Sampling Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing”, this is the type of R&B jam meant to have you late for work.

1. “Say It” – Tory Lanez

Last but not least, this is actually one of my favorites on the list! Although starting his career in ’09, he is a new artist to the mainstream music scene and currently at the top of the Hip-Hop/R&B Billboard charts.

– Submitted by Civonne Ray, Music Design