Hip Hop’s breadth of appreciation for mothers is undeniable and rappers are not afraid to share their love for their mothers. From Tupac's "Dear Mama" to Kanye's "Hey Mama," Hip Hop lyrics overflow with praise for moms through emphasis on gratitude and esteem for their strength, love and prowess in raising children despite life’s challenges. Undoubtedly, affording to buy your mother a home remains a standard of excellence and success within the industry. With Mother’s Day upon us, let’s take a look at special instances in which Hip Hop artists have expressed gratitude towards mothers including their own.
Lil Yachty
Happy Mother's Day: When Rappers Bless Moms
Lil Yachty has accumulated much success in the last few years. At only 20 years old, the rapper has not only made a name himself but he's got money saved in the bank. In celebration of his come-up, Boat gave his mother a brand new home, fully paid, in her name. The rapper captured and shared his mother’s response via his Instagram: "You did it!!!! You bought yo mama a house today for real!!!!!! I am so grateful to you for everything you have done for me!!!! Words can not explain how warm my heart is today!!!! You have blessed me beyond measures!!!"
She finishes with powerful words: “I love you so much!!!! [...] Im so humble God picked me to be your Mom!!!!!"
The rapper's generosity continued on Christmas where he spent $150K worth of gifts on his mother and sister. His relatives are seen on video, grinning widely as they unwrap laptops, designer bags and jewelry.
T.I.
Happy Mother's Day: When Rappers Bless Moms
On Christmas day of last year, T.I. offered single mothers in his home town of Atlanta quite the surprise. In an Instagram video, the Southside rapper is seen entering a Target store to purchase gifts for single mothers and their children. “Wish I could’ve came earlier, stayed longer & done more for more people,” cited the rapper in his caption. Overall, T.I. spent a whopping $20,000 worth of Christmas gifts in 30 minutes, checking off items on the mothers' wish list.
Making your mother proud is a commonly-shared goal, and Atlanta rapper 2 Chainz, accompanied by YG and Offset, are intending to do just that in the song “PROUD.” The visuals for the track, however, is what truly set the bar high in terms of motherly appreciation. Mainly because all three rappers have recruited their own mothers to be a part of the video. These Hip Hop mamas are seen rocking designer shades, fresh fits and everything, spitting their sons' lyrics. What better way to show your mom’ love than to have her in your video showing everybody how it’s done?
2 Chainz even posted his mother's hilarious response to the video's views count on his Instagram:
Furthermore, on "PROUD" 2 Chainz mentions: "Bought my mama's first house with the juug money, bought my mama's second house with the club money," and indeed, blessing his mom is nothing new to him. Mr. Hairweavekiller has already gifted two homes to his mother, one purchased prior to the fame and another recently in 2017 for which he shared screenshots of his aunt thanking him for taking such good care of his mother.
So far, the rapper's new song has inspired the hashtag #PROUDCHALLENGE which encourages people to post their unique ways of making their mothers proud.
J. Cole
Happy Mother's Day: When Rappers Bless Moms
In December 2014, J. Cole released his Grammy-nominated and third studio album 2014 Forest Hill Drive as a tribute to his North Carolina childhood home. The album accumulated much success including winning Top Rap album at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards and becoming certified double platinum with no features. Amidst the success, Cole shared the news that he had re-bought the Forest Hill property and would be converting it into a rent-free haven for single mothers.
According to Billboard, the rapper stated, "Every two years a new family will come in, they live rent-free. The idea is that it's a single mother with multiple kids and she's coming from a place where all her kids is sharing a room. She might have two, three kids, they're sharing a room. She gets to come here rent free. I want her kids to feel how I felt when we got to the house."
The Migos is a name familiar to the game and specifically, the top of the charts. Amidst number one singles and sold out shows, the 3 stooges have taken time away from their success to give thanks to their moms. Last Christmas, both Takeoff and Quavo joined forces to gift Quavo's mother a brand new house. Seeing as Quavo is Takeoff's uncle, this is definitely a way to collaborate and give back to the family. The Instagram caption reads in distinctive Migos' fashion "F R O M H U N C H O A N D T A K E O F F M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S M A M A H U N C H O."
It's not the first time Quavo gave his mom a little something special, even if there is no particular occasion for it. Mama Huncho has her fair share of bling too, one particular chain was a given as a gift on Quavo's own birthday.
Mega producer Hit-Boy, also known as the production mastermind behind hits like Jay Z & Kanye West "N**** in Paris," Drake's "Trophies" and more, utilized his wealth to make a huge purchase for his mother dearest. In a heart-warming video, the rapper is seen introducing his mother to a home, before revealing his generous purchase. "Are you guys serious?" his mom responds, taken aback, as the rapper hugs her. Following the emotional scene, Hit-Boy proudly says "this is crazy man, this is what I've been working for since day one."
Often times, mothers almost seem like real-life superheroes. In reality, however, they are very much humans and as such come with their own flaws and short comings. Showing appreciation for our mothers may also include understanding and forgiving them for the ways in which they may have disappointed or hurt us in the past. R&B singer, rapper and actor Tyrese recently purchased a home for his mother to celebrate her 11 years of sobriety. Despite sharing that his mother's previous substance abuse issues deeply impacted his childhood, the Fast & Furious star chose to forgive and focus on the present moment. "This is how I decided to celebrate her and the victories God's favor that he has extended over her life," the singer/actor quotes in an Instagram post.
Jersey-native and Grammy-nominated rapper Fetty Wap has had a fair run leading the charts with major hits like "Trap Queen", "My Way" and "679". In response to his prominence into rap stardom, the rapper went onto purchasing his first home, at only 23 years old, and gifted it to his mother. As noted in the video, Wap is seen dangling the keys to a new home and giving a house tour of his mother's new haven.
Moreover, the rapper shared his thoughts on video as to why he believes his mother deserves to be spoiled rotten. "Your mama work hard man, [...]. Let your mama live the life that a lot of people don't get to experience," he adds.
Jaden Smith has come a long way since his debut acting role alongside his father Will Smith in "The Pursuit of Happyness". Since then, the actor and rapper has starred in several successful tv series and movies, including a remake of the 1951 classic "Karate Kid" and the critically acclaimed Netflix special "The Get Down". In addition, he released his first studio album Syre under Roc Nation which went onto chart at #24 on the Billboard 100. Despite being the child of two mega superstars and being busy garnering success of his own, Jaden still finds creative ways to give back to the ones he loves. On Jada Pinkett Smith's 45th birthday, the actress revealed that her son had gifted her a fresh set of grillz. In a tweet, Jada is seen flashing her brand new, gold fangs. Talk about keeping your mama fresh!
