Today we’ll look at some R&B songs about cheating. The singers in these songs artistically illustrate tales of unfaithfulness and infidelity, with many of them likely having experieonced a similar situation themselves. We hope you can’t relate to these songs, but if you can, we hope you find comfort in the fact that it’s not just you.
1. “I Should Have Cheated” by Keyshia Cole
Song Year: 2005
We can all agree that “I Should Have Cheated” is a classic in the R&B genre. This song solidified Keyshia Cole’s standing as an influential voice in slow jams and R&B music.
Featured on her debut album, it sent shockwaves through audiences with its raw exploration of themes such as infidelity, regret, and accusation. Receiving rave reviews upon its release in 2005, it has continued to resonate with fans of R&B music over the years.
Infused with emotional intensity, one cannot help but appreciate moments where heartfelt storytelling meets exceptional songwriting ability.
2. “U Should’ve Known Better” by Monica
Song Year: 2002
“U Should’ve Known Better” by Monica is a track that digs deep into the emotions behind betrayal and cheating. As part of her third album, “All Eyez on Me,” this song epitomizes her ability to depict raw emotion through music.
Collaboratively crafted with Harold Lilly and Jermaine Dupri, it immersed listeners in the heartbreak of discovering infidelity.
The emotional depth explored within these verses evokes empathy from its audience, making it more than just a song—but an experience. This single from Monica remains a standout in her discography, even though it achieved only moderate success on the charts initially.
3. “Over And Over” by Nelly
Song Year: 2004
In the realm of R&B songs about cheating, “Over And Over” by Nelly holds a unique place. Released in October 2004, this hit single presents an emotional narrative of heartbreak and the struggle to forget a past lover.
A significant part of this song’s appeal lies in its blend of distinctly different genres—hip-hop and country music. Showcasing Nelly’s versatility as an artist through genre exploration and collaborative ventures allowed him to leave his mark on multiple aspects of the music industry.
4. “My Little Secret” by Xscape
Song Year: 1998
One of the best R&B songs about cheating is “My Little Secret” by Xscape. This song tells a story about a secret affair and the thrill and excitement that comes with it.
Released as the second single from Xscape’s third album, “My Little Secret” became a top ten hit on both the Pop and R&B charts. Xscape, known for its soulful R&B sound, delivered powerful vocals in this song that resonated with listeners who may have experienced or been involved in similar situations of infidelity.
With its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, “My Little Secret” remains popular among R&B fans today.
5. “Shoulda Let You Go” by Keyshia Cole
Song Year: 2007
“Shoulda Let You Go” by Keyshia Cole is undoubtedly one of the best R&B songs about cheating. This emotionally charged ballad expresses the deep regret and heartbreak of staying in a relationship with a cheater.
Keyshia Cole is known for her talent in conveying raw and honest emotions through her music, making “Shoulda Let You Go” stand out among other R&B tracks. Her ability to tug at our heartstrings with every note showcases her artistry as she delves into themes of love, heartbreak, and ultimately finding strength within oneself.
6. “Secret Lovers” by Atlantic Starr
Song Year: 1985
“Secret Lovers” by Atlantic Starr is one of the standout R&B songs about cheating. It was a breakthrough hit for the group on the pop and R&B charts, solidifying their place in music history.
The song tells the story of a secret love affair or forbidden love, capturing the emotions and complexities of such situations. With its catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics, “Secret Lovers” resonates with listeners who may have experienced similar circumstances or are simply intrigued by forbidden love.
7. “Me & Mrs. Jones” by Billy Paul
Song Year: 1972
“Me & Mrs. Jones” explores the perspective of the “other man” in a cheating situation, delving into the consequences and emotions involved when crossing boundaries in relationships.
With its smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics, “Me & Mrs. Jones” has become one of the best R&B songs about cheating. It finds its place among other popular tracks on a list of 19 top songs that address this challenging topic in relationships, making it an essential listen for music fans seeking to explore the complexities of love, betrayal, and trust issues.
8. “If Your Girl Only Knew” by Aaliyah
Song Year: 1996
“If Your Girl Only Knew” by Aaliyah is one of the most iconic songs about cheating in R&B. Released in 1996 as part of her second studio album, One in a Million, the song tells the story of a girl who discovers her boyfriend’s infidelity.
Even years after its release, “If Your Girl Only Knew” remains an influential track that continues to captivate R&B fans with its engaging lyrics and powerful emotions surrounding infidelity.
9. “Case of the Ex (Whatcha Gonna Do)” by Mya
Song Year: 2000
“Case of the Ex (Whatcha Gonna Do)” by Mya is a standout track in R&B songs about cheating. Released in 2000, this song struck a chord with listeners who have experienced infidelity or betrayal in their relationships.
It explores the choices one has when faced with a cheating partner, emphasizing how to handle an ex-lover trying to get back into her life.
10. “Don’t Think I’m Not” by Kandi Burruss
Song Year: 2000
“Don’t Think I’m Not” takes a unique approach as it leans more towards revenge rather than just focusing on the act of cheating itself. As a member of the R&B girl group Xscape, Kandi has also made her mark as an accomplished songwriter for artists like TLC and Destiny’s Child.
With its empowering lyrics and catchy melody, “Don’t Think I’m Not” has become famous for fans looking for an anthem that captures themes of betrayal, heartbreak, and standing up for oneself.
11. “Unfaithful” by Rihanna
Song Year: 2006
“Unfaithful” showcases Rihanna’s incredible talent and emotional depth as an artist. Rihanna portrays a character caught in a love triangle with guilt and regret.
Not only does “Unfaithful” highlight Rihanna’s incredible vocal performance, but it also showcases her versatility as an artist. Breaking away from more light-hearted pop tunes, she tackles deeper and more mature subject matter in this soul-stirring R&B track.
12. “Not Gon’ Cry” by Mary J. Blige
Song Year: 1996
“Not Gon’ Cry” by Mary J. Blige is a powerful and emotional R&B song that has resonated with listeners for years. Released in 1996, it quickly became one of the best songs about cheating in the genre.
The lyrics of “Not Gon’ Cry” tell the story of heartbreak and betrayal, reflecting the pain of infidelity in relationships. It has become an anthem for those who have experienced similar situations and serves as a reminder of resilience and strength.
13. “If That’s Your Boyfriend (He Wasn’t Last Night)” by Meshell Ndegéocello
Song Year: 1993
“If That’s Your Boyfriend (He Wasn’t Last Night)” by Meshell Ndegéocello is a powerful R&B song that tackles the painful topic of infidelity in relationships. This track explores the emotions and fallout when someone discovers their partner cheated.
With its soulful R&B sound and Ndegeocello’s captivating vocals, the song resonates with listeners who have experienced betrayal and heartbreak. The lyrics convey a sense of deception, trust issues, and emotional pain caused by adultery.
14. “Confessions, Pt. II” by Usher
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7luoxUjZwGs
Song Year: 2004
“Confessions, Pt. II” by Usher is a standout track in R&B songs about cheating. Released in 2004 as part of his album “Confessions,” this song delves deep into the theme of infidelity and its consequences. With emotional lyrics and Usher’s raw vocal performance, “Confessions, Pt. II” showcases his ability to convey the remorse and betrayal of cheating in relationships.
Through his music, Usher vividly depicts the turmoil experienced when trust is broken.
It’s no wonder why this track stands out among other R&B songs about cheating – it captures all the pain, regret, and heartache that comes from being unfaithful or dealing with infidelity in a relationship.
15. “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye
Song Year: 1968
“I Heard It Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye is a timeless classic that tells a cautionary tale about infidelity. This iconic song, penned by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, has become one of the best songs about cheating in music history.
It shares the story of a man discovering his partner’s unfaithfulness through rumors (“through the grapevine”). Over the years, “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” has been covered by numerous artists due to its powerful message and catchy melody.
16. “It Wasn’t Me” by Shaggy
Song Year: 2000
“It Wasn’t Me” by Shaggy is a song that has been widely interpreted as being about cheating. However, in a recent interview, Shaggy revealed that the song is an anti-cheating anthem.
The lyrics tell the story of a man caught cheating on his girlfriend but denies it, even though he is guilty. So next time you listen to “It Wasn’t Me,” remember that it’s not just about cheating, but rather about avoiding responsibility for one’s actions and trying to convince your partner of your innocence.
17. “Marvin’s Room” by Drake
Song Year: 2011
“Marvin’s Room” by Drake is a standout R&B song that delves into the complexities of cheating in relationships. The song, featured on Drake’s album “Take Care,” was released in 2011 and quickly gained attention for its raw emotions and relatable storytelling.
In “Marvin’s Room,” Drake expresses his anger, sadness, and vulnerability after being cheated on by a woman he has been seeing. As music fans, we find ourselves drawn to songs like “Marvin’s Room” because they provide an outlet for our feelings of anger, pain, sadness, or confusion when faced with infidelity.
18. “Wicked Games” by The Weeknd
Song Year: 2011
“Wicked Games” by The Weeknd is a standout track on the 19 Best R&B Songs About Cheating list. This haunting and ethereal song delves into the dark side of infidelity, with lyrics that capture the pain and deception of a cheating partner.
Accompanied by a mesmerizing music video, “Wicked Games” showcases The Weeknd’s ability to create captivating visuals that enhance the song’s overall impact. With its notable chart position and inclusion in this esteemed list, it’s clear that “Wicked Games” is one of The Weeknd’s most powerful tracks that resonate deeply with listeners.
19. “All Cried Out” by Allure
Song Year: 1998
“All Cried Out” by Allure is a powerful R&B song that perfectly captures the pain and heartbreak of infidelity. Released in 1998, this classic track showcases the emotional vocals and harmonies of both Allure and 112. “All Cried Out” tells the story of a woman betrayed by her partner and can no longer shed any more tears.
Its raw lyrics, combined with the soulful voices of Allure and 112, make “All Cried Out” an unforgettable song that remains popular among R&B music fans today.
20. “You Make Me Wanna…” by Usher
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQRzrnH6_HY
Song Year: 1997
“You Make Me Wanna..” by Usher is a scandalous R&B hit that explores the theme of cheating. With its catchy melodies and soulful vocals, this song captures the emotions and turmoil of infidelity.
The lyrics tell a story of temptation and longing for someone already in a committed relationship.
“You Make Me Wanna..” reminds me that love triangles can be captivating and destructive, highlighting the consequences that often follow dishonesty and betrayal in relationships.
21. “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child
Song Year: 1999
“Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child, released in 1999, navigates the theme of suspected infidelity. The song captures a woman’s suspicions that her partner is cheating because of his odd behavior, notably avoiding saying her name during their phone conversation, leading her to believe he’s not alone.
The song was part of their second album, “The Writing’s on the Wall,” which marked a significant leap in the group’s career. The relatable lyrics, catchy melody, and outstanding vocal performances made “Say My Name” a timeless anthem of love and suspicion.
22. “Creep” by TLC
Song Year: 1994
“Creep” by TLC, released in 1994, is a song about infidelity, albeit from a different perspective than most. It tells the story of a woman who, feeling neglected by her partner, decides to cheat, rationalizing it as a response to her suspicions of his infidelity.
Furthermore, the music video featuring the group members in silk pajamas was iconic and widely embraced. “Creep” significantly shaped TLC’s identity as bold, independent, and unafraid to tackle taboo topics.
23. “Resentment” by Beyoncé
Song Year: 2006
“Resentment” by Beyoncé, part of her 2006 album “B’Day,” tackles the painful theme of infidelity. The song lyrically conveys that she harbors resentment because of her partner’s lies and struggles with forgiveness, as she still loves him despite his unfaithfulness.
The song’s theme resonates deeply with many listeners, making it an essential part of Beyoncé’s repertoire.
While it has sparked speculation about its relevance to Beyoncé’s personal life, it is a testament to her ability to capture universal human experiences, making it both a powerful and relatable piece.
Top R&B Songs About Cheating, Final Thoughts
In conclusion, these R&B songs about cheating perfectly capture the pain and betrayal that comes with infidelity. Whether you’ve experienced it firsthand or just appreciate the raw emotion in these tracks, they offer a cathartic release for anyone with a broken heart.
So go ahead, put on your headphones, and let these ballads guide you through the ups and downs of love’s complexities.