Mother's day is a time to celebrate the women most important to us. Whether that be your mama, your baby's mama your grandmama or your mama-in-law, we've got you covered with these ten tracks dedicated to the women who support us every day. It's no secret that rappers love their mothers just as much as the rest of us, so this year instead of being cliche and getting mom some more flowers that she doesn't need, why not make her playlist that shows her or whatever female in your life how important they are to you? You can start with these ten tracks. Play these for your mom.
Cover
"Me and Your Mama"
Childish Gambino "Me and Your Mama"
While the title may sound like Gambino is trying to swoop, the track is actually an ode to the mother of his recent child. The result is a six-minute layered funk odyssey comprised of endless sonically different sounds that come together in an almost symphonic fashion. While Gambino AKA Donald Glover's unprecedented popularity means that you and your mama are probably fans already, this track is worth a few more spins today.
"All That I Got Is You" - Ghostface Killah
Ghostface Killah "All That I Got Is You"
Ghostface's "All That I Got Is You" finds one of hip-hop's premier storytellers at his most autobiographical, lamenting about the sacrifices that his mother made for Ghost and his family. With the help of some soulful vocals from Mary J. Blige Ghost pays homage to his mother in a way other emcees can match.
"(Blueprint) Momma Loves Me"
Jay Z "Blueprint (Momma Loves Me)"
Gloria Carter has long been a fixture in Hov's rhymes and it's only fitting that perhaps the greatest cut dedicated to her comes as the final track (bonus songs not included) on Jigga's classic album, The Blueprint.
"Apparently" - J. Cole
J. Cole "Apparently"
J. Cole's "Apparently" finds the conscious emcee at his most introspective as he laments some of his past mistakes. Cole takes a step back to evaluate his decisions in the wake of his new-found success and ponders how best to navigate fame and personal relationships. While he admits to having the wrong priorities in the past, Cole redeems himself in the best way he knows how through his music, to the one person that has always shown him unconditional forgiveness.
Kendrick Lamar "Momma"
Tucked between the anthem "Alright" and the fiery "Hood Politics" is another in what is becoming an ever-expanding catalog of classics courtesy of Kendrick Lamar. While the song may be titled "Momma," the track finds Kendrick struggling with his many conflicting identities. In the second verse, Kendrick summarizes everything that he "knows" in just under 200 words. The many different pieces of K. Dot's complex identity are recounted as Kenny speaks to his mother and himself over the Knxwledge beat.
"Ms. Jackson" - Outkast
Outkast "Ms. Jackson"
Because sometimes the in-laws need love too. This classic cut from what is still the only hip-hop album to ever take home the Grammy for album of the year (Speakerboxxx/The Love Below), is by all accounts, a message to Erykah Badu's mother, Kolleen Wright; giving her Andre 3000's side of the story. While the Jackson moniker may be made up, the story isn't. Erykah and 3 Stacks had a child much to the disapproval of Badu's mother. "Ms. Jackson" is Andre with the help of his ATLien brother, Big Boi, trying to convince Erykah's mother to hear him out as he felt he was being portrayed as a bad father.
Goodie Mobb "Guess Who"
From their iconic album Soul Food that helped to put southern hip-hop on the map, Goodie Mob's classic cut "Guess Who" finds each member detailing the different dynamics of the relationships they each share with their mothers. Cee-Lo saves his most soulful lines for the end of the song when he sings "I know there will never be another that will love me like my mother.
"I Miss You" - DMX
DMX "I Miss You"
DMX's classic cut with Faith Evans is a reminder that our grandmothers are often just as impactful as our mothers. On "I Miss You," X reminisces on his favorite memories of his grandmother in his signature rough tone while Evans provides complimentary vocals.
2Pac "Dear Mama"
What may be the crowned jewel of rap songs about moms is predictably by one of the greatest lyricists of all time. Pac's "Dear Mama" is a tribute to his mother, Afeni Shakur. Throughout, Pac details his childhood poverty and his mother's crack addiction while at his most vulnerable and poetic. The track's most famous lyric "And even as a crack fiend, you always was a black queen, mama" speaks to Pac's maturity as he praises her love while simultaneously naming her affliction.
"Hey Mama" - Kanye West
Kanye West "Hey Mama"
Yeezy's mother, Donda West, has always been a fixture in West's music. Her tragic passing in 2007 shook many, none more so than Mr. West himself, who has gone on to name his charitable foundation and creative agency in her honor. While Kanye continues to craft music that he hopes would make his momma proud, this track remains one of his shining moments as Ye professes his desire to "Scream so loud for you, because I'm so proud of you".