10 Rap Songs Mom Will Love

By

Updated on 05/24/19

Mamas and hip-hop. Rappers from all corners of the globe have written plenty of awww-inducing tributes to their mothers. From 2Pac honoring his mother on "Dear Mama" to Nas fighting back tears for one last "Dance" with his late mom, there are plenty of rap songs that toast the women who gave us life. (Don't worry; we have a list for dads, too.

Raise a glass to this playlist of the best rap songs dedicated to mom this Mother's Day.

01

of 10

Kanye West - "Hey Mama"

Kanye West and Donda West — Ethan Miller/Getty Images

An adorable gesture of admiration and honor from Donda's boy. The expression "hey mama" never sounded so sweet. Though the song was written while Ye's mother was alive, he now performs it at his shows in her memory.

02

of 10

Jay-Z - "Blueprint (Momma Loves Me)"

Jay-Z and his mother at an event — WireImage / Getty Images

We've all heard all about absent dads and strong moms, but Jay-Z adds an interesting twist here by acknowledging an infinite lineup of childhood mentors and nurturers, with Mom at the top of the list, of course.

03

of 10

2Pac - "Dear Mama"

Tupac Shakur At Club Amazon — Al Pereira / Getty Images

2Pac's ode to his mother, Afeni Shakur, has become the unofficial Mother's Day hip-hop anthem. On this meticulously-crafted masterpiece, Pac pats his mom on the back for watching over him and even trying to rescue him from the streets.

04

of 10

Canibus - "I Honor U"

Canibus at Welcome To Atlanta Reception — WireImage / Getty Images

"I Honor U," a standout cut from Canibus' self-titled debut, narrates the story of a child whose birth was engulfed by drama. Some of us can relate to bits of the story, particularly the dramatic events that sometimes precede childbirth. This one honors all mothers for their strength and passion, even in trying times.

05

of 10

Ghostface Killah - "All That I Got Is You"

Ghostface Killah at Lovebox Festival 2018 - Day 1 — Redferns / Getty Images

Ghostface delivers a heartfelt account of his rough childhood while acknowledging those that made life easier: mom and grandma. Crashing in a congested apartment, drinking sugar water, and plucking roaches out of a cereal box is all good because of Mom's soothing presence. Mary's tear-jerk chorus adds a solemn touch.

06

of 10

Brand Nubian - "Momma"

WireImage / Getty Images

Lord Jamar, Sadat X, and Grand Puba (of Brand Nubian) take time off their busy schedules to thank Mom for all the love (and whipping) she provided in their younger days ("You might not like it now, but you'll thank me someday"). Yup, Mom was right after all.

07

of 10

Talib Kweli - "Momma Can You Hear Me"

You can almost hear the tear in Kweli's voice as he applauds Mom for her wisdom, strength, and sound advice. Kanye West lays the backdrop—a pristine piano loop backed by booming drums. Kweli waxes poetic, "She showed me how to shoot for the stars until I put a hole in the sky." It's an emotion-laden tribute that Mom will truly cherish.

08

of 10

Beanie Sigel Featuring Scarface - "Mom Praying"

Beanie Sigel 'Lyrics N Hues #3' — WireImage / Getty Images

Both Mom and Grandma get a lifetime achievement award from Beanie Sigel and Scarface in this applause-worthy mother appreciation tune. The heart-tugging strings, courtesy of Just Blaze, only help complement the emotional tales.

09

of 10

Snoop Dogg - "I Love My Momma"

Snoop Dog at Levi's All-Star Weekend Ball-B-Q With Just Don And Snoop Dogg — Getty Images for Levi's / Getty Images

Through all the drama, Snoop Dogg still found the time to declare love for momma. Hey, gangstas need love, too.

10

of 10

Saigon - "If...(My Mommy)"

Saigon at Mark Ronson Live At HighLine Ballroom - New York — Donna Ward / Getty Images

Saigon ditches his guttural steez to affirm fondness for Mom on this beautiful reimagination of the R&B masterpiece "If This World Were Mine." Luther Vandross must be smiling in his grave.