Hip hop is a genre that has always been about storytelling, from the struggles of growing up in inner cities to the highs and lows of fame and fortune. However, one story that often goes untold is that of love. Despite the stereotype of hip hop being all about “thug life” and “player” mentalities, there are many hip hop couples who have been together for over a decade, proving that love can indeed conquer all.
We’re looking at five hip hop couples who have maintained a long-lasting relationship. This is despite the challenges that come with fame and fortune. From Jay-Z and Beyoncé, arguably the most powerful couple in hip hop today, to LL Cool J and Simone Smith, who have been together for over 30 years, these couples inspire us all. Through their stories, we’ll see that love in hip hop is not just a cliché. It’s a real and powerful force that can withstand time.
Jay-Z & Beyoncé
Jay-Z and Beyoncé have been a power couple since they first emerged with their romance. They first met when Beyoncé was just 18 years old and working with Destiny’s Child. Jay-Z, who was 30 at the time, was immediately smitten with her. They started dating around 2001 but kept their relationship a secret for a long time. They only appeared together in public in 2004. In 2008, they married in a private ceremony and have been together ever since. Their relationship has not been without its challenges, however. Yet, they have always maintained that their love is strong, and they have worked through their issues. The couple has three children together, and continue to be one of the most iconic couples in hip hop.
T.I. & Tiny
T.I. and Tiny’s relationship has been a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs. They first met in the late 1990s and started dating shortly thereafter. T.I. and Tiny were once close to calling it quits, but they fought for their marriage. They’ve been featured on their own reality shows and often speak about the highs and lows of balancing a marriage in the industry. There have been rumors of infidelity from both parties, over the years. However, they seem to be in a much better place, these days.
Ice-T & Coco
Ice-T and Coco’s love story is a little different from the others on this list. They first met when Coco was working as a model, and Ice-T was already an established rapper and actor. They got married in 2002 and even featured their family on the reality show, Ice Loves Coco. The couple often takes hits on social media for their parenting style, but it’s nothing that the rap icon can’t handle. He emerges to defend his wife and supports her endeavors, in their household and with her career.
Swizz Beatz & Alicia Keys
Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys are another power couple in hip hop, with Swizz Beatz being one of the most successful producers in the industry and Alicia Keys being a Grammy-winning artist in her own right. They have two children together, and both continue succeeding in their respective careers. However, their relationship has not been without controversy. There were rumors that Alicia broke up Swizz’s first marriage, but those claims have been adamantly denied. The loving parents often put their romance on display, and it’s clear that the spark hasn’t dissipated all these years later.
LL Cool J & Simone Smith
LL Cool J and Simone Smith’s love story is one of the longest-lasting in hip hop, as they have been together for over 30 years. In 1995, they got married in a private ceremony and have four children together. Simone has even launched her own jewelry line, called “SIS,” worn by celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Kelly Rowland. Additionally, the couple has leaned on one another through Simone’s cancer battle, using her experience to help others in similar situations.