It’s time to celebrate Valentine’s Day hip-hop style. Last year, we brought you an hour-long mix of romantic rap songs. You can download that show and listen to it while you make your loved one a nice dinner on Friday.

This year, we turn our attention to songs that show respect, admiration, and love to hip-hop itself. This is the 50th edition of Know Your History, your monthly dose of hip-hop knowledge. We start out with a love letter to hip-hop from Canadian artist Dan-e-o and we end things off with a great track by Substantial.

Dan-e-o – Dear Hip-Hop
Jazzy Jeff – For Da Luv of da Game
MF Doom – The Mic
Naughty by Nature – Hip-Hop Hooray
Substantial – My Favourite Things

After that, I spin some great songs for the rest of the hour.

Shad – Lost
Atmosphere – Color in the Snow
Kosha Dillz / Murs – We are Different
Reverie – Locks Without Keys
JB Nimble – It’s Not You, It’s Me
Paranom and Purpose – Microphone Phenomenal
Coarse Company – Focused
Ed Rowe and Concept – Activate Thought

That last song ties up the 2nd annual Valentine’s edition of The Word is Bond Rap Radio Hour.

Ed Rowe raps, “Let’s take it back to where it was a hip-hop love and not a rap career”

Happy Valentine’s Day Everyone!

artwork by: ShinodaGE