Dirty Harry "Dirty Luv" (Mixtape, 1996)

Originally released in 1996, this is the first installment of Dirty Harry's classic mix tape series, Dirty Luv. The tape is hosted by Angie Martinez, but the music really does all the talking. As it's Valentine's Day, and I probably should've shared this years ago, pop this in with your significant other and let it rock. The mix includes tracks from Jodeci, Teddy Pendergrass, Prince, Force MD's, Guy, Bobby Brown, Stacy Lattisaw, Michel'Le, Sukiyaki, Johnny Gill, Silk, SWV, Chaka Khan, Denise Williams, Rick James, Isaac Hayes, Bill Withers, Frankie Beverly, Mary Jane Girls, Michael Jackson, Anita Baker, Mary J. Blige, Cameo, Al B. Sure, Keith Sweat, D'Angelo, Mtume, The Isley Brothers, Johnny Guitar Watson, and lots more. Be clear: this is not a tape to listen to alone! Timeless music!

The Rub "Love Raps" (Valentine's Day Mix)

A special Valentine's mix via The Rub, "Love Raps." Don't be fooled, there are JOINTS! on this mix. For example, tracks by Meth & Mary J, Lost Boyz, Jay-Z, Outkast, Mos Def, Eve, Busta Rhymes, Fat Joe, Ed O.G., Eric B & Rakim, plus lots more. Their blurb: "Recorded live at House of Wax in Downtown Brooklyn, Love Rap is over two and a half hours of hip-hop love songs. From LL Cool J “I Need Love” (1987) to SZA and Travis Scott “Love Galore” (2017), this is the very best of rap romance and sexual braggadocio." I'm likely to skip over some of the more commercial, new records, but I fault them none for including them to celebrate their diverse taste in music (and audience)! Listen below...

DJ Stresh "Love Is The Answer" (Valentine's Day Mix)

DJ Stresh's Valentine's Gift to everyone is this dope mix titled "Love Is The Answer." I've posted his "Lo Tape" and "SP-1200 Masters" mix, but I'd been waiting for an opportunity to post this fine mix up as well... that time has come. Not a typical love song set, DJ Stresh's mix features a blend of tracks crossing multiple genres from Jay-Z, Shabba Ranks, Zapp & Roger, LL Cool J, Faith Evans, Common, Slum Village, Bobby Caldwell, Masta Ace, Teddy Pendergress, Jill Scott, Pete Rock, Mary J. Blige, SWV, 2Pac, and lots more. Happy Valentine's Day to all the lovers out there! Vibe out to this...

Chairman Mao "The Loser's Seat: Anti-VDay Soul Mix"

Four years ago for Valentine’s Day, Chairman Mao recorded this soul mix as an installment of his now defunct Spine Magazine radio show, “Spine Blowing Decisions.” It’s a collection of some classy ’60s and ’70s crossover soul 45s – most of which share the distinction of being melodically catchy, but lyrically largely about heartbreak, doubt, and/or misery. Feeling blue on V-day? We got you...

Pharoahe Monch "Lost In Translation" (Free Download)

Pharoahe Monch's "Lost In Translation" is a collection of previously released songs from his solo albums as well as features from 2000 to 2015. Love being the consistent theme birthed the decision for a Valentine's Day 2015 release. Featured on this set are appearances from Justin Timberlake, Jill Scott, Eric Roberson, dEnAuN, Brandon Williams, Sergio Mendes, Will.I.Am, Robert Glasper, Sa Ra, and Mela Machinko. The set also features one new track “Home (HGH)” featuring Phonte’ and Tamisha. Stream below, also available for Free Download, do check it out.