Future is popularly known as the “toxic king” in the Hip-Hop community, and understandably so. He has a hedonistic approach to his relationships with women, and many believe he should seek therapy. They may be right, but even with concerns for what is going on internally, fans love how he consistently displays a disdain for commitment to one woman.
This era of music fans loves the toxic stuff and often craves it. Thus, many artists lean into these concepts. Sometimes, fans get so consumed in seeking out toxic lines for their Instagram captions, that they miss out on the moments when artists like Future show off their romantic sides.
There have been several flashes of this throughout his career, and VIBE is here to show you a different side of Hendrix. Read along as we look back at eight of Future’s most overlooked romantic bars on his 40th birthday (Nov. 20).
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“Incredible”
Image Credit: Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Victoria’s Secret “Incredible” is found on the Atlanta rapper’s second 2017 release HNDRXX. The record is upbeat and one of the brighter tracks in his extensive catalog. He matches the production with an outpouring of love and emotion for one woman. In the third verse, he likens the object of his affection to a star in the sky when he sings “The best thing about you, oh you’re that far from me/ You a star to me.”
The catchy, repetitive hook where he stutters through the word “incredible” comes up right after and punctuates a heartfelt message. In many people’s eyes, Future is a superstar and knows it himself. However, here he views someone else the same way. The passion and delivery make it believable, even if people want to ignore this side of him.
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“Love You Better”
Image Credit: Paras Griffin/Getty Images “Love You Better,” found on Hendrix’s 2022 album I Never Liked You, is a gripping breakup ballad. Rather than being bitter and shaming the woman, Future hopes that she can find someone to love her better than he did; that’s how deeply he feels for her.
In the track’s sole verse, he reflects on how the love he received from a family member has influenced the way he cared for his ex. “It’s my love from my grandmother make me gentle when I care for you,” he croons. Often people talk about how certain negative experiences with their family makes it difficult for them to love anyone, but this is a refreshing change, especially from someone whom people deem a villain. He lost his love, but he still has feelings and wants the best for her.
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“Beautiful”
Image Credit: YouTube screenshot DJ Khaled has a knack for pairing up the right people and making hits. “Beautiful” features Future and SZA, and while it may not have reached the heights of some of his past bangers, it delivered because this pairing just made sense. These are two artists — who often reflect on lost love or being promiscuous — crooning about their dedication to someone special in their lives.
“Almost went to therapy but you was all I needed/ I can’t even front, you gave me somethin’ to believe in,” Future sings in his first verse. It’s a crazy coincidence since so many people feel he needs therapy and he considered it, but the right love from the right woman made him feel like he was healed. Beyond that, she changed his dystopian view of the world. How beautiful is that?
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“Throw Away”
Image Credit: JP Yim/Getty Images For NYFW: The Shows In this social media era of the world, a lot of people like to be loved out loud. It is a nice feeling, but it doesn’t always work out when dating a public figure. Future addressed this on his 2014 record “Throw Away” from his popular mixtape Monster.
“If loving me in public ain’t safe/ You can take my love in private/ Don’t give up on me today/ Hold on to me like a true love,” he sings. His love for that woman runs so deep that he is willing to keep things private just so their union can’t be ruined. Some people may walk away from a situation like that, but Hendrix encourages his partner to not give up. If it’s true love, hold on to it. Fight for it.
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“Side Effects”
Image Credit: Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BMI One universal truth about rappers is that the goal for many is to get rich and provide for their families, especially if they pass away and can no longer do so. Future considers his mortality in his 2014 record “Side Effects” from Honest and how, if he is to pass away, he wants his lover to have everything.
“If I die today it’s yours/If you want it all I give it to you,” he croons. However, it doesn’t just stop at him dying; he wants to give everything to her while he is still on Earth. It’s a romantic nothing that sounds very viable, given the conviction he sings it with.
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“Supposed To Be Loved”
Image Credit: YouTube screenshot It seems like DJ Khaled recognized the power of linking up with Future for a love song because the charismatic enigma tapped Hendrix for “Supposed To Be Loved” back in August. Together, the Atlanta rapper, Lil Baby, and Lil Uzi Vert did as the song’s title says: told their women that there’s a certain standard the love they deserve has to reach, and they want to do it.
The Grammy winner handles the chorus but also gets a verse. “I been thinkin’ highly of you, that’s imperial/ Thought I wasn’t fallin’ for you, I’m delirious,” he sings. Imperial is defined as “relating to an empire” and given Future sees himself as a king, all of his thoughts about his desired queen have to do with the kingdom they will build together. Beyond that, his affection for her has caught him off guard. He didn’t expect to fall for her, but the power of emotion is intoxicating for the “My Collection” artist. We’ve all been there.
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“Favorite Song (Toxic Version)”
Image Credit: Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET Toosii took over 2023 with “Favorite Song” and made a power play in adding Future to one of its remixes. While his version of the record is labeled “toxic,” he makes sure to throw in some heartfelt bars, as well.
“Feel like true love is a virtue/ Can’t deny, I bring out the best in you/ You know I’m pressed ’bout you
I bring the freak out you/ Come f**k that stress out you/ Nobody can be this possessive/ Nobody can make me this jealous,” he sings. Say whatever you want about Future, but he knows the power of love, as admitted in the first line mentioning virtue. He is aware of the effect he has on his lover, but also vice-versa, as he’s “pressed” about her.He wants to ease the tension in her life via sex because his love turns her into a demon in the bedroom. Player, toxic king and all, he feels possessive over her and even gets envious. C’mon!
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“U Are My High”
Image Credit: Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Coachella Future linked up with DJ Snake in 2021 for the scintillating, dance-inspired record “U Are My High.” It may not have been the most anticipated collaboration, but it worked. Hendrix had a message to get across about how his lady made him feel, and the mission was achieved.
“You elevated, physically, spiritually/ I’m tryna love you, tryna boost your confidence/ I’m tryna spoil you, girl/ I put the big rocks on the seven figure/ Bubble bath in the tub, I see you, I see you,” he sings. He plays on the song’s title by calling the woman elevated and also outlines how he wants to make her feel. Confidence gives people are sense of a “high,” so boosting it only adds to that. Of course, he can also achieve that feeling by drowning her in expensive jewelry and other luxurious things. But also, the simple things like relaxation and pampering in a bubble bath. What a guy.
