As fans wait for new Billie Eilish music, the singer has instead shared some old music: Yesterday (May 9), she brought “Hotline (Edit)” to streaming services. The track is just a minute long and it’s a cover of the Drake classic “Hotline Bling.”
While this may seem random, it doesn’t come completely out of nowhere.
Per setlist.fm, Eilish performed the song dozens of times in 2017 and 2018, seguing it into her own “Party Favor.” Those songs were paired up for a Record Store Day-exclusive vinyl release in 2018 and Eilish shared the two-minute “Hotline Bling” cover on Soundcloud shortly after. The newly shared version is just the second half of the Soundcloud upload.
As for why Eilish decided to share the one-minute version now, that remains unclear. “Hotline Bling” album Views just celebrated its seventh anniversary on April 29, so perhaps that make Eilish think about her old cover again.
Meanwhile, Eilish recently said of performing for huge crowds, “It’s weirdly in a way underwhelming when there’s more people. I played my first stadiums over the summer. […] I was like, ‘I’m in a stadium, it’s so sick, it’s so big, you’re a f*cking star.’ And then you’re on the stage and you feel like you’re alone. It feels like there’s a printed out wallpaper of thousands of people. They’re so far away that there’s like no intimacy.”
Listen to “Hotline (Edit)” and the longer 2018 Soundcloud version above.
Rap and sports go hand in hand. The impact both have on society today is comparable to none. Rappers love to shout out popular players, teams, or sports in their songs. Take Nicki Minaj bars, for example; she has plenty of LeBron James references. Athletes also show their love for rappers in return. For example, LeBron James gave 2 Chainz his game-worn jersey after the Los Angeles Lakers played the Atlanta Hawks this year. Or how the Golden State Warriors players share a word with E-40 after home games. There’s mutual respect between the two arts.
You can always find a witty sports reference in Nicki Minaj bars. You may think she was an athlete at some point in her life. Whether it be basketball, football, baseball, boxing, or golf, you get the impression that she knows a thing or two. The way she flips and puts words together makes her the rapper she is today.
Throughout the years, Nicki Minaj has proven to be a legit emcee behind the mic. Undoubtedly, she’s one of the greatest rappers of all time. The Beam Me Up Scotty rapper can rap about anything, but she always nails the sports bars. Let’s look at some of Nicki Minaj’s bars about sports.
13. “Side To Side” – Ariana Grande ft. Nicki Minaj (2016)
“Curry with the shot, just tell ’em to call me Stephanie.” It seems like every rapper has a Steph Curry bar. Since Curry burst onto the scene, he has been in more rap songs than you can count. Whether it’s his name, jersey number, or team, Chef Curry is pretty popular. Nicki gets her chance on Ariana Grande’s “Side To Side.” She gets clever by calling herself Stephanie, not Steph.
12.“Motorsport” – Migos ft. Cardi B & Nicki Minaj (2018)
“I am the champ, I’m Iron Mike in a bout.” It’s funny how Nicki uses these bars on “Motorsport.” With Cardi on the same track, it’s no coincidence that she raps like this. She uses a boxing reference while talking about Iron Mike. Iron Mike is former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson’s nickname. Known to knock his opponents out, Nicki feels she is just like the champ.
11. “My Chick Bad” – Ludacris ft. Nicki Minaj (2010)
“Runnin’ down the court I’m dunkin’ on ’em Lisa Leslie.” It’s good to hear Nicki shout out the WNBA. Lisa Leslie is one of the best basketball players to play the game. She was a dominant force in the WNBA and was the first woman to dunk in a WNBA game. It looks like Nicki feels like she’s leading the competition like Leslie did.
10. “Roman’s Revenge” ft. Eminem (2010)
“These b*tches callin’ me Manning, Eli.” The “Super Bass” artist revealed her alter ego, Roman, on “Roman’s Revenge.” Nicki usually references baseball and basketball, but it looks like Roman is privy to football. Here, Minaj compares herself to two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Eli Manning. With Eli playing for the New York Giants, Nicki prefers to name him instead of his popular older brother, Peyton. It may be a New York thing.
9. “Truffle Butter” ft. Drake & Lil Wayne (2015)
“I’m good with the ballpoint game, finger roll.” Nicki has plenty of confidence in her writing skills. She makes it clear that she writes her lyrics down with a ballpoint pen. In basketball, a finger roll is a smooth layup in which the ball glides right off the fingertips into the hoop. It seems like the words come easy to the Pinkprint rapper.
8. “My N**** (Remix)” – YG ft. Lil Wayne, Rich Homie Quan, Meek Mill, & Nicki Minaj (2014)
“Like they injured Chris Paul, you ain’t got no point.” Chris Paul is one of the best point guards in NBA history. When Paul is injured, the team loses their point guard. In the line before, the Queens artist says, “You n***** ain’t got no joints.” She’s letting these rappers know they don’t have any hits, so there’s no point in them being here.
7. “No Frauds” ft. Drake & Lil Wayne (2017)
“They say numbers don’t matter but when they discussin’ the kings, they turn around and say Lebron ain’t got six rings.” On “No Frauds,” Nicki sends plenty of shots Remy Ma’s way. Again, she references basketball, and of course, LeBron gets another shoutout. This whole verse was dedicated to Remy Ma as she mentions that her album sales are not high. Remy and many others feel she shouldn’t talk about sales, but Nicki disagrees. In basketball, the conversation is, who is the better player? Michael Jordan or LeBron James? Many will say Jordan because he has six rings while LeBron has four.
6. “Love More” – Chris Brown ft. Nicki Minaj (2014)
“I hope your pockets got m******** pot belly or is it that you never ball? John Salley.” Another basketball reference here for arguably the Queen of Rap. Nicki must be referring to John Salley’s later playing days. He was a part of the Detroit “Bad Boy” Pistons, winning championships with them in 1988 & 1989. In 1999, Salley came out of retirement to suit up for the Los Angeles Lakers. Though he didn’t play much, Salley won another championship with the Lakers.
5. “Only” ft. Chris Brown, Drake & Lil Wayne (2014)
“And tell them b*tches blow me, Lance Stephenson.” Nicki has LeBron on her mind once again. She must be familiar with the LeBron James-Lance Stephenson rivalry. Their matchups were always entertaining when James played for the Miami Heat, and Stephenson played for the Indiana Pacers. In one of their matchups, Stephenson was guarding James as the ball was waiting to be thrown into play. He blew in his ear, and James just chuckled. Wonder if LeBron knows the number of times he’s been in Nicki Minaj’s bars.
4. “Roman’s Revenge” ft. Eminem (2010)
“I’m a bad b*tch, I’m a c****, and I’ll kick that h**, punt.” Roman mentions football again in “Roman’s Revenge.” In football, a punt is when one team kicks the ball to its opponent. A punt is a long, high kick that soars through the air. Nicki has plans to kick her opposition out of here. It’s not hard to find a bit of humor in Nicki Minaj’s bars.
3. “Moment 4 Life” ft. Drake (2010)
“And yes, I call the shots, I am the umpire.” The host of Queen Radio has rapped about sports since the beginning. In “Moment 4 Life,” Nicki describes herself as an umpire. Umpires officiate the game of baseball. One of the most important tasks of umpires is to monitor the pitches. Just like the umpires, Nicki is calling everything.
2. “Plain Jane (Remix)” – ASAP Ferg ft. Nicki Minaj (2017)
“If I call him them he comin’ home runnin’, Derek Jeter.” The Young Money artist has been known to jump on a song for a remix. On ASAP Ferg’s hit, “Plain Jane,” Nicki references Hall of Famer and five-time champion Derek Jeter in these bars. Nicki plays on the baseball term “home run” by saying her man will come home running when she calls. Also, it’s interesting she mentions Jeter as Nicki is from Queens, New York, and Jeter played his whole career with the New York Yankees. It’s only right she namedrops a New York great while on a New York artist’s song.
1. “Do You Mind” – DJ Khaled ft. Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, August Alsina, Jeremih, Rick Ross, & Future (2016)
“Every baller tryna score, check them shot clocks, but I hit ’em with them ‘Bron-Iguodala blocks.” It might be safe to say LeBron James is Nicki Minaj’s favorite. basketball player. Throughout her career, she has mentioned the NBA superstar in different ways. On DJ Khaled’s “Do You Mind,” these bars come right on time. Nicki references the historic 2016 NBA Finals, where the Cleveland Cavaliers came back from 3-1 to win the series.
James had the infamous block on Andre Iguodola with under two minutes left in Game 7. The Pink Friday rapper shows love to the historic play made by James just months earlier. Also, Nicki was in a relationship with Meek Mill around this time. These lines also mean that Nicki is curving any man that is interested in her. There’s a reason she’s included in the Top 50 greatest rappers of all time.
Drake is someone who loves some good fashion. Overall, he is an artist who has given us quite a few different looks over the years. Although he may not be a fashion god like A$AP Rocky, he still understands how to put an outfit together. Additionally, Drake has always been top-tier when it comes to his sneaker choices. Of course, he has his very own deal with Nike which has led to his own silhouettes, as well as some Jumpman offerings. Needless to say, Drizzy is tapped into the sneaker world.
As it turns out, the artist has been instilling these values into his young son Adonis. At this point, Adonis has access to whatever fashion he desires. Although he is just a young kid, if there is a pair of shoes he wants, he can have them. Moreover, he can just look at his father for inspiration on how to dress. This makes Drake and Adonis an incredible pair whenever they sit courtside at a basketball game. Like father like son truly does manifest in the real world.
Furthermore, when it comes to shoes, sometimes, Adonis is gifted with pairs. Whether it be from his father or the brands themselves, the kid is always getting some new heat. For instance, he was recently blessed with a new pair of Puma MB. 02s. Of course, this is the signature shoe of none other than LaMelo Ball. Overall, the colorway Adonis received had a sandy brown upper to it, with and orange pop of color. This is definitely a color scheme that looks great and will flash out on the court. With Adonis trying to hone his basketball skills, these kicks will go a long way.
In the future, we imagine that Adonis will be gifted even more great sneakers. Between Drake and his new famous pals, there are plenty of gifting opportunities to be found here. By the time he is an adult, Adonis will have one of the most impressive sneaker collections in the world. If you’re a sneakerhead, you can’t help but be at least a little jealous. Let us know what you think of these LaMelo kicks, in the comments below.
Whether you like him or not, Drake is one of the best-selling musicians ever and is here to stay! In terms of numbers, he has become one of the greatest artists of all time. The Canadian star’s song has been streamed billions of times, and he has won numerous awards, including several Grammy Awards. His surprising range of styles has significantly impacted music and culture. Empirically speaking, Drake has hit songs that you can use in any situation.
At his best, he has a knack for transforming underground sounds into arena-sized hooks and evocative, heartbreaking ballads. Critics would call his sound choices “vampire-like,” “uneven,” too Instagram-friendly,” and, at their worst, “meme-able.” Nevertheless, this post will review the top Drake songs that helped put him on the Greatest of All Time map. These songs have defined Drake’s career and made him the artist he is today.
‘Laugh now car later” came out in 2020, and it was the lead single from Drake’s fifth studio album, Certified Lover Boy. In the song, he reflects on life’s ups and downs, noting how people can be laughing one moment and crying the next. Furthermore, the song features a classic Drake beat, with bright synths and an infectious bass line. Apparently, critics praised this song for being a reflection of Drake’s ever-evolving sound and a radio-friendly hit.
“Tootsie Slide” (2020)
This single was a single from Drake’s fifth mixtape, Dark Lane Demo Tapes. The song’s leading lyrical hook, “Right foot up, left foot slide,” instantly became a hit and made the song one of Drake’s biggest successes. Eventually, the beat is one of Drake’s signature trap-style instrumentals, with driving synths and low-end bass. Overall, Drake’s delivery is bouncy and light, allowing him to glide over the beat effortlessly.
“Pain 1993” (2020)
This is one of the album’s more introspective songs, as Drake reflects on his past, present, and future. A melancholy piano riff drives the beat, and Drake’s lyrical delivery is a mix of rapping and singing, giving the song a unique feel. However, the song is memorable for its honest portrayal of Drake’s pain and loneliness. It’s a heart-wrenching song and one of Drake’s best introspective songs.
Another Drake anthem, this is one of those songs you listen to when you need to get pumped up. While triumphal horns blare in the background, Drake is succinct and to the point, celebrating another W following the release of his Nothing Was The Same album. In a nutshell, we need more Hit-Boy and Drake songs.
“God’s Plan” (2018)
“God’s Plan” was the lead single from Drake’s chart-topping album, Scorpion. It was an instant smash hit, and it is one of Drake’s biggest successes. Interestingly, Drake’s verses are uplifting and positive as he celebrates his victories and acknowledges his blessings. The song is as much a banger as a personal anthem, and it is one of Drake’s most popular songs.
“Started From The Bottom” (2013)
This song is one of Drake’s most memorable as he puts on for his crew. It has become an anthem in its own right for those who keep their circles close and tight-knit. The beat is a classic Drake instrumental, with a driving drum beat and a catchy synth riff. Critics praised this song for its autobiographical lyrics and infectious beat.
“Hotline Bling” (2016)
“Hotline Bling” is a song that everyone knows, whether you like Drake or not. The song dominated the Billboard charts thanks to its incredibly catchy tune and accompanying music video, which has received over one billion views since its release. Additionally, the music video was the catalyst for one of Drake’s most popular memes.
“Passionfruit” (2017)
From his 2017 album More Life, the hit song “Passionfruit” makes you want to roll down your window and put your arms out. The song has a warm vibe, and like all of Drake’s songs, it has a nice touch of charm. Drizzy has a tendency to create songs that take over seasons, and this one was poised for the summer.
“Marvin’s Room/Buried Alive Interlude” ft. Kendrick Lamar (2011)
This is definitely one of those singles that stands out from the rest. First, it has one of the most straightforward productions he’s ever done. It’s also mostly R&B, with a little bit of rap here and there. This song is one of his most important ones because it is open and honest from the heart. Of course, when K.Dot is on the scene, it makes for an epic collaboration.
This is a dance track that will make you want to get moving. Yet, “Take Care,” which Drake and Rihanna released in 2012, is a love ballad with a twist, judging by the lyrics. Drake sings about how he will never give up and always be there for the person he loves. This song arrived in the thick of rumors about the two and only intensified the gossip.
“Best I Ever Had” (2009)
Drake uniquely can turn a rap song into a modern love ballad. His songs are known to be party-starters, but every once in a while, he surprises us with an upbeat sing-along song. “Best I Ever Had” is one of those songs you want to dedicate to the person you love. It’s gone down as one of Drake’s earliest smash hits that continues to be on playlists today.
Believe it or not, the competitive nature of rap beef has played a crucial part of Hip Hop. LL Cool J vs. Canibus, 2Pac vs. The Notorious B.I.G, 50 Cent vs. Ja Rule, and the list goes on and on. But north of the border, Toronto rappers, Drake and Tory Lanez, spent time going back and forth a few years ago.
It’s no secret that Drake has immensely uplifted the Toronto Hip Hop scene. Since 2009, he has put Canada at the forefront and now, there’s a flourishing scene that’s getting the respect they deserve. However, there was a time when Tory Lanez was seeking validation from Drake. Although he emerged with great success, it took him years to receive an acknowledgment from his now-peers and Drake.
Tory first mentioned Drake back in 2010 as he was trying to break out of the Canadian scene and into the American market. Although they took shots at each other on wax, the two are finally friends. It’s a great thing for Hip Hop and for Toronto, as well. Let’s take a look at what happened between the Toronto standouts.
Tory Lanez Makes Drake an Offer
A video circulated on YouTube of Tory Lanez freestyling with the title, “Drake’s Lil Brother Tory Lanez Freestyle In The Room.” Fans went into a frenzy when seeing this but Lanez eventually cleared things up. He clarified that he is not related to Drake but did have a proposal for his fellow Torontonian. He offered Drake $10,000 to listen to his music. If he didn’t like it he could take the money. However, the So Far Gone rapper did not respond.
In 2015, Tory Lanez stopped by Sway in The Morning where he discussed Drake comparisons. He further addressed Drake during a freestyle on the show, rapping, “I know these niggas about to act scary/ T.O. nigga, only spitting without the Blackberry.” Tory Lanez references Drake’s infamous HOT 97 freestyle with Funk Flex where he pulled out a Blackberry to dish out some bars. Later that year, Tory tweeted that the nickname for Toronto, “the six” was “not cool,” which many perceived as another dig at Drake.
“Summer Sixteen”
The following year, Drake dropped “Summer Sixteen” and had a few bars for Tory on the track. Namedropping Tory’s mixtape series, The New Toronto, Drake raps, “All you boys in the new Toronto want to be me a little.” The 6 God continues to rap about his foe, ”Oh it’s your time now, yeah, that’s what everybody say… Say you seeing ‘bout it when you see me, man, y’all never home anyway”.
Drake continues to take shots at Tory Lanez, even mimicking the way he raps on his song, “Blow” before namedropping Lanez’s record, “Round Here.” ”Getting things done around here/how you let me run it down here/ I’m not even from around here,” Drake raps.
It seems like Tory Lanez was shocked after hearing the shots Drake threw at him. ”I don’t know what that man has against me. I’m getting money over here. I’m good, young. I’m finally in a position to feed my family. Please don’t try to take that away from me. All I want to do is rap. I’m a f**king Drake fan,” he told Revolt TV in 2016. “Drake could diss me 20,000 times and I’ll never diss him. I’m a fan.”
Tory and Drake Jabs
Shortly after “Summer Sixteen” dropped, Lanez put out a freestyle to “Uber Everywhere.” Here, he throws subs back at Drake as he seemingly references the “One Dance” rapper’s upbringing. “P**** boy, smack that smile clean off your face/ You don’t know no trap n*****, you don’t be around this way/ You some actor n**** boy/ I used to see you on the screen,” he raps, referencing Drake’s time on Degrassi.
In response, Drake switched up the lyrics to “Summer Sixteen” to take a direct jab at Tory Lanez on his tour of the same name. He raps, “All you boys doin’ fake Controllas want to be me a little.”
Although Tory caught strays, “Summer Sixteen” came in the midst of Drake’s beef with Meek Mill. Around that time, Lanez went on Snapchat to say he was good in Philadelphia, Meek’s hometown, unlike other rappers. Given the nature of their feud, it seemed like a timely response to Drake. However, he, once again, downplayed the severity of their feud during an interview with The Breakfast Club. Tory explained to DJ Envy that people from their camps would go missing if he and Drake had actual issues with each other.
Tory Benefits Off Of Drake
In various interviews, Lanez has taken the opportunity to talk about his then-nemesis. He suggested Drakee must’ve felt threatened by him musically to address him on wax. However, Tory seemingly got the last laugh during their beef. In a conversation with Forbes, Lanez claimed he made $20,000 from The New Toronto merchandise after “Summer Sixteen” dropped.
During an interview with Sway, Tory also explained why he remixed Drake’s “Controlla.” “I just like that song. That’s all it was. I’m not a hater. I’ve expressed this before. I’ve never been a hater. We like you. We just want to be #1. Is there a problem with that? Can I be the best? Can y’all watch me be great? Will y’all allow me to do that?”
Beef Rolls Into New Year
Tory dropped two mixtapes at the top of 2017, The New Toronto 2 and Chixtape IV. On “Drive You Crazy” off the former, Lanez throws a small shot at Champagne Papi. “I pray I never dress like y’all/ Only bird on my shirt is when I press that raw,” Tory raps, an obvious reference to the OVO Owl.
Then comes Drake’s “Do Not Disturb” from More Life where he subtly mentions Tory’s government name aan debut album, I Told You. “You overnight celebrity you one day star/ I swear I told you I’m in this bitch for eternity/ I am a reflection of all of your insecurities/ Behind closed doors a lot of 6 God worshiping/ Done talk now ‘cause there’s other shit that concerning me,” Drake raps.
In May 2017, their beef was finally put to an end. Drake and Tory Lanez put their issues behind them, confirming it was all love in the 6ix with a simple Instagram post. Word is that people on both teams encouraged the two to let go of the petty beef. After a phone call between the two artists, the two met up the following week in New York.
During his annual OVO fest in August, Drake brought out Tory Lanez and the two performed “Controlla.” The 6 God addressed their beef as he spoke to the crowd. “This guy right here, we had problems with each other and we hadn’t even met each other. I met the man and he’s a great guy,” he told their hometown.
The next time Drake does an Afrobeats song, it’ll be hard for his haters to accuse him of being a culture vulture. After his dad, Dennis Graham, took an ancestry test that determined he’s got mostly Nigerian ancestry, Drake posted the results on Instagram, wondering, “Does this mean I’m a Naija man finally?”
Instagram
The influence of West African music on Drake’s music has been noted in the past. On tracks like “One Dance” and “Passionfruit,” Drake employs sounds common to Nigerian Afrobeats, and in helping to popularize UK drill and grime stateside, he’s worked with a number of British Nigerian artists including Skepta and JME. We’ll see how this revelation affects the Canadian star’s music in the future, if at all, but it seems he’s excited to finally be a part of the “family.”
In the meantime, he’s continuing his tour with a rapper of East African heritage, adding more dates to his and 21 Savage’s It’s All A Blur Tour. As tickets for the tour reportedly reached as much as $1000, the two rappers ensured that the sky-high demand won’t keep any of their fans from getting to see them. With his new song “Search & Rescue” debuting at No. 2, it’s clear that Drake remains one of the most popular artists around.
Appearing on VladTV on May 3, acclaimed rapper Cassidy was asked by a viewer to compare Drake and Kendrick Lamar. The two rappers have long had their flows compared, analyzed, and contrasted. Both performers have been active in the music industry for a similar amount of time. Drake broke out in 2001 while Lamar ventured into the music in 2003. Both are multi-platinum, world-renown rappers, however.
Cassidy, who has never been afraid to share his opinions on other rappers, was more than happy to answer the question. Cassidy may not be as prolific as the two men he spoke about. However, he is a certified platinum artist for his 2005 single “I’m A Hustla”. Furthermore, he gave a fascinating insight into how the two performers construct their songs.
Cassidy Explains Styles Of Drake And Kendrick
“Well, Drake — he got a lot of styles,” Cassidy began. “Drake — through different times, he used so many different styles. I don’t know where he be getting all these different styles from, or who be responsible for the styles, or who be coming up with the styles. But he got a lot of different styles though. Sometimes, you know, I might hear Drake rhyme one syllable. And then, sometimes, I might hear Drake come on the verse and rhyme four, five syllables, and piece it up, clean. So he do all different type of shit, you know what I’m saying?”
However, Cassidy didn’t have much to say about Kendrick Lamar. “With Kendrick, I don’t know that style completely, but I feel like everybody make a mistake,” he said. “And that’s what I’m gonna do on my podcast, you know? We’ll go over people’s styles. … You won’t just see me break down Drake and Kendrick, you know? It has to be a specific song. You could play it. You could play the first two bars, and then I’ll break that down for you. Did they rhyme syllables? Did they use figurative language?” What do you think about Cassidy’s insights? Do you prefer Drake’s or Kendrick’s style? Let us know in the comments.
On May 5th, Will.i.am, the founder of the Black Eyed Peas, joined a growing list of hip-hop celebrities who have expressed concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence (A.I.). During an appearance on Sirius XM, he engaged in a lengthy discussion with DJ Whoo Kid and his co-hosts, Mack and Jen. They spoke about the effects of A.I. on society and the arts. His views were similar to those expressed by other artists about the future of art. It seems uncertain in a world dominated by A.I.
When asked about his thoughts on whether artists should be worried about A.I., Will.i.am responded by stating that it is a legitimate concern. He went on to express his desire to safeguard his face from the potential threats posed by the technology, saying, “I am my face math, I don’t own that. I own the rights to ‘I Got A Feeling,’ but I don’t own the rights to my face or my voice? There are new laws and industries about to boof.”
Will.i.am is far from the only artist that has criticized A.I. Drake has been in the headlines a lot recently for the same reason. The rapper has been involuntarily involved in the new wave of A.I. music that has begun to saturate social platforms. From funny covers to nonexistent collaborations, A.I. creators are taking the concept and running with it. Drake isn’t too happy about it either. In fact, he called an A.I.-generated cover of Ice Spice’s “Munch (Feeling You)” the final straw. It’s not clear where to draw the line when it comes to A.I. “art.” Some musicians have even given people the go-ahead to use their voices as they choose.
Universal Music Group has urged streaming platforms to remove content created by artificial intelligence (A.I.), and many other artists, including Drake, have criticized this practice. This raises several issues, from copyright problems to human rights violations. If a creator can use an artist’s likeness or voice with no consequences, what implications does that have? Other musicians share Drake’s concern about this issue, and it seems that the problem is only getting worse. More and more websites are emerging that enable users to use a rapper or singer’s voice to create a new song. What do you think about A.I. in music? Let us know in the comments!
As Mother’s Day approaches, now is a great time to look back at some of the songs inspired by our favorite rappers’ mothers. It’s a topic that many rappers have dived into in order to show gratitude for everything their mothers did to help them succeed. From Tupac to Lil B, here’s a look at the best 11 songs dedicated to Moms in Hip-Hop history.
11. Lil B, “Best Mom Ever” (2010)
Lil B is largely known for his “meme” style of rap that has captured the internet over the last decade. However, if you dig a bit deeper into his prolific catalog, Lil B’s also shown that he can tug heartstrings with emotionally potent records. His 2010 dedication to his mother, “Best Mom Ever,” is proof of that. He opens the song as though he’s speaking directly to her, rapping, “It’s ya boy Lil B, actually it’s your son, Brandon.” After this, Lil B praises his mom, rapping that she, “kept it more realer than any best friend”, and “gave me strength even when I didn’t have weight.” Lil B closes the record as he declares, “you the best mom ever.” The entire track is heartfelt and uplifting; a perfect celebration of all great mothers.
“Smile, Mama, Smile” is a raw track in which Ross details everything his mother has done for him throughout his life. In the first verse, Ross speaks on the impact his mom had on him after he had seizures in 2011. However, the underlying theme is gratitude, especially as Ross details how his mother raised him and expresses hope to repay her in his adult years. Cee-Lo Green’s beautiful chorus supplements Ross’ verses. The song is one of Ross’ most vulnerable and is a testament to his appreciation for his mother.
9. Mac Miller, “I’ll Be There” (2011)
Mac Miller’s tribute to his mother, “I’ll Be There,” came from his 2011 mixtape, Best Day Ever. On the record, Miller details how his mother instilled confidence through her loving words of encouragement throughout his childhood. However, his gratitude for her bears no limits as he thanks her for giving birth to him. Ultimately, he turns to the listener and urges them to similarly show love to their moms at any opportunity. “If you have your moms, you better treat her right/ Call her up, say ‘wassup’ before you sleep tonight/ Tell her you love her and thank her for what she did/ You may be grown now but remember being a kid when she fed you in your bed,” he raps.
8. Snoop Dogg, “I Love My Momma” (1999)
Over hypnotizing West Coast production, Snoop Dogg delivered a captivating dedication to his mother in “I Love My Momma.” In his single verse on the song, Snoop details how his mother took on the roles of both parents, rapping, “My momma was my homey, my daddy, and my best friend.” He reflects on the musical palette that helped form his own artistry as Snoop recalls his mother played oldies in the living room. However, he perfectly summarizes their relationship towards the end of his verse. “She taught me everything, but she didn’t charge a fee/ She taught me everything, except how to see a G/ For the nine months you carried, I hope you bury me/ Instead of the other way around, and I put that on Dogg Pound,” he raps.
The entire album, 2014 Forest Hills Drive, is a grand reflection of J. Cole’s childhood and upbringing. While Cole mentions his mother throughout the album, “Apparently” serves as a proper dedication. Cole reflects on his mother’s dedication to ensuring he had a better future, such as struggling to pay for his college tuition. The final lines of his first verse are, in particular, the most heartfelt. In them, Cole raps, “Wish you could live forever/ So we can spend more time together/ I love you, mama.”
Chance The Rapper’s song “Hey Ma” is not only a tribute to his own mother but to all the mothers who helped raise him. In the song, Chance details the mistakes he made along the way and the gratitude for his mother’s acceptance. “Hey ma, I know I never did behave a lot/Never got good grades a lot,” he raps, reflecting on his childhood. However, he also mentions the maternal nature of his friends’ moms, as well as the women throughout his neighborhood who looked after him. In his own words, Chance states the song is for “anybody who’s been a mother to a motherless child.” “Hey Ma” is a tribute to the women who’ve cared for a child, whether or not it was their biological child.
5. Nas, “Dance” (2002)
“Dance” is an emotional tribute to his deceased mother. Perhaps the most ” emotionally charged song on this list, Nas reflects on his mothers sacrifices and imagines his mother dancing in Heaven. “Jesus finally got his bride/ mommy dance with him,” he raps. Throughout it all, Nas concludes that he wants one more dance with his mother. “Dance” is a tearjerker and Nas’ pain vibrates throughout the track. Much like other entries on this list, “Dance” is a firm reminder to appreciate their mothers while they’re still alive.
4. Drake, “Look What You’ve Done” (2011)
Drake’s sincerity shines on “Look What You’ve Done,” a song dedicated to his mother, grandmother and uncle. The Take Care highlight details Drake’s appreciation for his mother and the hardships they faced throughout his childhood. The first verse plays out like an argument between the two before Drake details the pain that these arguments cause him. Despite these heated moments, he makes it clear that his love for her never fades. More significantly, Drake details her struggles with illnesses, explaining that his primary motivation for his extraordinary work ethic is to see his mom healthy.
3. Jay-Z, “I Made It” (2006)
Jay-Z’s “I Made It” is a triumphant track that celebrates the rapper’s success as well as the impact his mother had on that success. Jay-Z shares his thankfulness for her role in repairing his relationship with his father before he passed, as well as his mother’s efforts to keep the lights on as he grew up. In the third verse, Jay-Z promises to give his mother everything. He raps, “now your lil’ misfit make sure every day is Christmas, write out your wish list.”
2. Tupac, “Dear Mama” (1995)
“Dear Mama” may be the greatest dedication to a mother in music history. Tupac opens up about their relationship, from the struggles his mother faced to the good times they shared together. For example, Tupac shares his admiration for his mother’s ability to defend herself in court while pregnant. “Dear Mama” is regarded as one of Tupac’s best songs ever and for good reason. It is not only a sincere dedication to Afeni Shakur but also a universal tribute to all mothers. In the words of ‘Pac: “Ain’t a woman alive that could take my mama’s place.”
1. Kanye West, “Hey Mama” (2005)
Kanye West’s “Hey Mama” has taken on even more emotional weight after the passing of West’s mother, Donda. Kanye debuted the song on an episode of Oprah with his mother sitting on stage with him. During the third verse, Kanye danced with his mother and handed her the mic to sing along with him. Along with Tupac’s “Dear Mama”, “Hey Mama” has become one of the most well-known celebrations of mothers in music history. Kanye has continued to perform the song as a tribute to his mother, most notably at the 2008 Grammy Awards, in which Kanye broke down mid-performance. In its totality, “Hey Mama” is a deeply touching and powerful song, and is both a celebration and tribute to mothers around the world.
(@nojumper)
