Mother’s Day is a time for you to spend time and appreciate the woman that helped you become the person you are today. Whether that’s through buying her gifts, taking her out to her favorite restaurant or just simply spending time with her.
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When it comes to hip-hop artists, they tend to show their appreciation through their music. Even the most hardcore rappers can’t help but expres the love they have for their moms.
Here are some of the best hip-hop songs to play on Mother’s Day.
2Pac – “Dear Mama”
When I think about a hip-hop song about mothers, this is the first song that comes to mind. Released as the lead single for his third studio album, Me Against the World, Tupac made this song as an homage to his mother, Afeni Shakur. Pac made it acceptable for even the toughest guy you know to be a sensitive mama’s boy.
Kanye West – “Hey Mama”
Kanye West’s love for his mother, Donda, was front and center in the 2022 documentary, jeen-yuhs. He debuted the song in front of his mother during an appearance on Oprah’s Daytime talk show. Although it wasn’t released until 2005, Kanye wrote the song five years earlier in 2000.
Jay-Z – “Smile”
Jay-Z is normally not the rapper to let you into his personal life. But, he let it all out on his 2017 album, 4:44. Throughout the song, Jay talks about how sad memories from his childhood made his life better in the future. It ends with an Outro from Jay’z mother, Gloria Carter, where she opens up about her hidden sexuality.
Snoop Dogg – “I Love My Momma”
This is straightforward. Snoop Dogg just wanted everyone to know how much he loves his mother and how she taught him how to share and care. His verse on this song is written like a letter, where he ends it saying, “Love Snoop.”
Kendrick Lamar – “Momma”
One of the more underrated tracks from Kendrick Lamar’s 2015 album, To Pimp a Butterfly. K. Dot raps about the growth he’s experienced after going through struggles in his life and his need to return home, where his mother is.
J. Cole – “Apparently
This song was a step in a different direction for longtime J. Cole fans. While he raps on this song, he also sings the chorus himself and expresses his appreciation towards the loved ones in his life. Most notably, his mom.
Ghostface Killah – “All That I Got Is You”
Ghostface Killah was always the wittiest and most interesting member of the Wu-Tang Clan. But, on his debut album, Ironman, he showed his ability to be emotional and intimate. On the track, Ghostface raps about the struggles he went through as a child and the sacrifices his mother had to make to raise him.
Chance the Rapper – “Hey Ma”
This is Chance the Rapper before his fame. Released in 2012 on his debut mixtape, 10 Day, he not only shows gratitude to his actual mother but all the women in his life who have taken care of him.
Kanye West – “Only One”
Kanye West does not rap once in this song. Instead, he sings from the perspective of his late mother, who passed in 2007, as she looks down on her son and family from heaven.
Nas – “Dance”
Following the unfortunate passing of his mother, Nas dropped one of the most emotional albums of his career, God’s Son. Serving as the closing track for the album, Nas raps about having one more dance with his mom, Fannie Ann Jones.
Drake – “Look What You’ve Done”
If you weave through all of the bangers from Drake’s 2011 album, Take Care, you’ll find this track, where he gives a beautiful tribute to his uncle, mother, and grandmother. One of the more well-written songs from Drake’s discography.
LL Cool J – “Big Mama (Unconditional Love)”
Under all the muscles, LL Cool J had a deep love for his grandmother. At the beginning of the track, he says, “This one’s dedicated, to my grandmother, and your grandmother. It’s all love, let’s not forget who raised us.”
DMX – “I Miss You”
The late DMX had an incredible talent for being one of the most aggressive and emotional rappers at the same time. He dedicates this particular track to his grandmother who passed away.
Clipse – “Momma I’m So Sorry”
In true Clipse fashion, Pusha T and Malice, ask for forgiveness from their mother for becoming drug dealers.
Common – “Forever Your Love”
Common’s 2019 album, Let Love, did not get enough attention. As the Chicago rapper always does, his lyrics descriptively show the love he has for his mom and how important she’s been in his life.
Beanie Sigel – “Mom Praying”
Even Beanie Sigel, one of the most aggressive and hardest rappers of the early 2000s, can make a song about how much he loves his mom.
Foxy Brown – “The Letter”
As you can see from the title of this track, Foxy Brown is rapping a letter to her mother, apologizing for the ways she’s hurt her.
Aminé – “Mama”
Aminé has always been an underrated MC. He showcases his great songwriting in this song which is dedicated to his mom. He hopes to pay her back for taking care and raising him. He’s also extremely open about things he’s going through currently in his life and wishes she was there to always support him.
Rick Ross – “Smile Mama, Smile”
Rick Ross isn’t necessarily the rapper that fans go to when they want sentimental music, but he gave it to them on this track. He wrote this song after he was released from jail in 2015 and wrote it to encourage his mother that everything will be okay.
Nelly – “Luven Me”
On this track, Nelly thanks every sinle person that his helped him grow as a person and man. The first verse is dedicated to his mother and the others are dedicted to his girl (at the time) and his friends.
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