Hip-Hop Journalist Cody Mack provides you with his 2018 Artist Wacthlist for Chicago Artist
During one of her stops at the A3C festival in Atlanta, The Rap Games Nia Kay was approached by a Young fan and was asked if he can spit a few BARS for her. This is a unique experience because Nia Kay herself is a young rising artist who does the exact same thing to artists she admires.
A MIXTURE OF MUSIC TO CHECK OUT THIS WEEK. THE VIBES VARY FROM AFRO BEATS TO DRILL. YOU ALREADY KNOW IM A MAN OF VERY FEW WORDS ENJOY.
WHO PUT YOU ON: REZA PUT ME ON THIS ARTIST DURING MY WEEKEND AT THE BET AWARDS. THE DJ R.DOUBLE PLAYED THIS IN HIS CAR THE OTHER DAY. CERTIFIED SMASH.
WHO PUT YOU ON: NAYR CREATES
WHO PUT YOU ON: Love Jones sent this one to the WHATS THE WORD group chat, she said its really hitting the burbs, I see why its nice.
WHO PUT YOU ON: NIMIC CAME INTO THE RADIO STATION FOR AN INTERVIEW WITH BREE SPECIFIC. OUTSIDE OF HER AMAZING ENERGY SHE CREATES AMAZING MUSIC AS WELL. THE WORLD WILL KNOW HER NAME SOON.
WHO PUT YOU ON: N/A
WHO OUT YOU ON: MET BANKROL IN ISU AT A JUICE WRL AND GHERBO SHOW, BEEN FOLLOWING HIM EVER SINCE. HE HAS A NEW DEAL WITH EMPIRE LOOK FOR HIM TO TAKE OFF THIS SINGLE BROTHERS IS JUST THE BEGINNING.
WHO PUT YOU ON: 8MatikLogan also known as Logan Cage recently released his first video "House of Pain" recently reaching over 350K views and remerging back into the Chicago music scene with a major feature in Lyrical Lemonade. Listen to “Blah Blah Blah”
WHO PUT YOU ON:
Fresh off My birthday weekend ran across these jams that set the tone for my Birthday Weekend. I would like to share them with the public, some dope tracks to get you though this week.
WHO PUT YOU ON: THIS WAS A MANDATORY PROJECT TO POP IN THIS WEEKEND.
WHO PUT YOU ON: MY HOME BOY VIC CEO OF ACTRITE LOS ANGELES, SENT ME THIS PROJECT. HANDS DOWN ONE OF THE BEST BODIES OF WORK I’VE HEARD IN 2019. SHOULD OF BEEN A ALBUM. ITS ONLY AVAILABLE ON SOUNDCLOUD.
WHO PUT YOU ON: LIL BIBBY DROPPED THIS ON INSTAGRAM, A CERTIFIED BANGER. I LOVE THE ROSTER HE IS BUILDING AT GRADE A.
WHO PUT YOU ON: BLAKEMORE BEEN TELLING ME TO CHECK HIS BOY OUT FOR MONTHS, LEAVING MY MORNING WORK OUT I DECIDED TO GIVE HIM A CHANCE. I CAN HONESTLY SAY I BEEN SNOOZING.
WHO PUT YOU ON: PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST UNDERRATED ARTIST FROM CHICAGO, THIS SONG IS PURE FIRE. SHOUT OUT TO RICKEE ARTS FOR SHOOTING THIS VIDEO. THATS HOW I FOUND IT.
WHO PUT YOU ON: SITTING IN A D1CMG STUDIO SESSION OVER THE WEEKEND, THE HOMIE TR3 BANDZ NAME POPPED UP, NOTHING BUT POSITIVE FEEDBACK FROM THOSE IN THE ROOM. WHAT REMINDED ME THAT TR3 BANDZ HAD SENT ME SOME TRACKS TO CHECK OUT EARLIER LAST WEEK. OF COURSE WAITIN’ WAS ONE OF THOSE TRACKS.
WHO PUT YOU ON: MY HOME BOY AND FUTURE ATTORNEY DRE KEPT REQUESTING THIS TRACK ALL WEEKEND. I’M A HUGE JEEZY FAN, THIS WAS A DOPE TRACK. I HOPE ITS ON TM104.
WHO PUT YOU ON: GOT TO CREDIT THIS ONE THE JOE BUDDEN PODCAST.
On Monday July 1st, The Rainbow Push Coalition hosted the Independent Music Seminar in collaboration with SuperGrindR. The night was full of special guests such as Waka Flaka, his mother Debra Antney, Chicago’s own Bo Deal, and many others.
Queen of Chicago Hip Hop Radio, Barbara “Bam’’ McDowell moderated the first half of the seminar, the power of women in entertainment panel. The panelists included Mizay Entertainment CEO, Debra Antney; Philanthropist, Angela Stanton-King; and Entertainment Attorney, Brenda Robinson.
This panel was highly informational and interesting. The main takeaway points were how to protect yourself in the entertainment industry, validating yourself, and speaking things into existence.
National best-selling author, Angela Stanton-King, spoke about her life in prison. Giving words of encouragement to everyone in the audience, I learned of the prison reform work she has done.
Brenda Robinson, who is a Chicago native from Roseland gave advice of giving back to the community you’re from. She also talked about how Chicagoans don’t have to leave the city to become successful.
Debra Antney spoke on how unity in the Black community is needed now more than ever. “There is strength in numbers” she shouts to the audience. She also spoke about her work in artist management and her Hip Hop roots.
The Masters Class seminar was moderated by Rolling Out author, Christal Jordan. The panelists for this included recording artists, Waka Flaka and RTS Management founder Bo Deal; his artist El Hitta made an appearance. The highlights from their talk included using your gift to get away from the hood life, saving money, and putting your city first.
The cucumber challenge was also brought up. Waka and Bo were asked to give their thoughts, they spoke on the importance of daughters having fathers in their lives.
Waka gave Chicago major love when he talked about the city being one of the first to rock with him during his mixtape days.
The night was jammed pack with knowledgeable people who used their experience to drop gems. Jesse Jackson even made an appearance and gave words of wisdom.
Check out more photos from the night below!
2019 hasn’t delivered as much music as 2018, but we were blessed with some dope tracks. With the Chicago music scene constantly blossoming, its only right to highlight some of our favorite tracks through this halfway point of the year. No need for an explanation just press Play and Enjoy.
(Some tracks were released December of 2018)
This July we’ll be blessed with a Chance The Rapper “owbum”. Chance has been hyping us up with the anticipation of his debut album since February. From tweets, to instagram posts/stories, and even the fun “GRoCERIES” dance challenge. Everyone is excited to see what this project will sound like and who will be featured.
July
— Chance The Rapper Album in July (@chancetherapper) February 12, 2019
Although, he has blessed us with music over the past 8 years, this will be Chance’s first official album. As crazy as it seems, it has been 3 years since his third mixtape “Coloring Book”.
Chance’s mixtapes include 10 Day, Acid Rap, and Coloring Book but he also has honorable mentions such as Surf with The Social Experiment and Merry Christmas Lil Mama with Jeremih. Let’s take a look into those solo mixtapes of Chano, and really see what they were about.
The buzz around the newest Chicago rapper came after Chance’s introduction mixtape 10 Day. On 10 Day we learn that Chance got a 10 day suspension from school for having weed on school grounds. During the 10 day suspension he recorded the project which is critically acclaimed.
Tracks such as “Hey Ma” and “Prom Night” left his supporters desiring more. On the mixtape, we learn Chance is a good kid that gets caught up in a bad situation. We hear his innocence in the soulful sounds on this tape. The adventurous and gentle kid from Chicago just wants to be heard.
Chance also collabs with Chicagoans such as Vic Mensa, Alex Wiley, and Nico Segal (now known as Donnie Trumpet) on this piece. We see some of the Savemoney collectively bringing heat to these tracks, that have aged very well.
My favorite thing about this mixtape is the diversity, as we see more of during Chance’s progression. From tracks like “Fuck You Talm Bout” and “Juke Juke” Chance is able to use his creative ability to give us street tracks as well as songs we can dance to.
My favorite track from this project is “Brain Cells.” I find it intriguing because of the catchy hook and his lyrical ability.
What’s most important to digest is the fact that a 10 day suspension lead to a great body of work. Makes me wonder if we would’ve got the same result had it not happened.
Chance’s follow up to 10 Day is 2013’s Acid Rap. Acid Rap is the mixtape that many casual listeners know Chance from. Riding the success of 10 Day, Chance had many eyes on him to release this project.
Acid Rap is more of a music based mixtape than a story-telling one, as Chance stated himself. As you can tell in the opener with “Good Ass Intro,” the jazz influence on this project is in abundance.
He also garnered many notables collabs on this mixtape, including features from Chicago’s own Twista, Noname Gypsy and BJ The Chicago Kid. Other notable features on the project are Childish Gambino, and TDE’s Ab-Soul.
One of my favorites from this mixtape is “Juice”, I love the video and the track. Chance explains how much love he’s gotten from the drop of 10 Day and even shouts out Chicago’s own Chief Keef. This track is so dope, Chance knows that he has the “juice”, the clout, he is the wave, and as he once said “Nigga, I am the culture.” The way he executes it is arrogantly humble.
Chance has also stated that he named the mixtape Acid Rap, because he did experiment with the drug around the making of this mixtape. This is also apparent in the track “Acid Rain”.
Chance 3! Chance’s highly anticipated and greatly celebrated third mixtape. Some would argue that this is his first album. Even if you hadn’t heard his two previous project, you were still excited for this.
You really can tell how much Chance progressed by listening to this mixtape compared to his others. Between the three mixtapes this is the most polished project. However, I’d say 10 Day has a bit more consistency when it comes to content.
Coloring Book is definitely a feel good tape. It’s music that you can listen to that puts you in a feel good mood. In some ways, I actually believe that it is a gospel album. Chance is preaching!
The collabs on this are majorly huge. Chance opens it with the one and only Kanye West in “All We Got", bringing hella energy and sets the mood for the rest of the project. He also has features from Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, and even Kirk Franklin.
My favorite track from Coloring Book is “Smoke Break” this track is such a vibe. I don’t smoke but I can’t get enough of this track. I love how Chance uses smoking a bowl as an analogy to not being able to spend enough time with his now wife Kirsten Corley. “We just been smoking a bowl, we don’t got no time to roll” it’s simple, yet its meaning holds much weight.
If I had to rank Chance’s solo projects from favorite to least favorite. I would say 10 Day, Coloring Book, then Acid Rap.
I know that many may not agree, but I fell in love with 10 Day as I listened and learned Chance’s personality and story. In Coloring Book, I felt the lyricisms of a young man who spoke with so much merriment from the release of the first mixtape. Acid Rap solidified his fanbase and made us realize just how dope Chance is.
Tell us what you think in the comments below.
The event of the year happened and it was off the chain! The Agora Sneaker Ball invite only gala was filled with food, people and music. And the attendees did not come to play about networking and having a great time.
The Agora Sneaker Ball is the urban Met Gala, mixed with sneakers, networking and promotion of community service. In preparation for the event I looked forward to the looks, the concept of millennials giving back and the diversity of attendees. However, the fashion stole the show. Chicago natives and others who traveled to the city all looked beautiful. Women were dressed in bright, bold colors and the men were Dapper Dan fresh.
I think it’s safe to say the trend for the night was fluff and tule and the men went for the clean look. I myself followed the craze and I think I pulled it off very well.
Okay enough about me, lets take a look into two very important looks. The looks of the founder of sneaker ball, Justin Johnson and the host LaRoyce Hawkins.
Both men were looking like millionaires but let’s take a deeper look into their attires. Starting with the host of the night, LaRoyce Hawkins, who wore a purple suit with many accessories. The rosary and the bracelet were great additions to his look. Plus the splash of purple his of his Off-White x Serena Williams “QUEEN” shoes matched perfectly to his suit.
Justin Johnson, a fan of Nipsey Hussle wore a blue quite close to the hue Nipsey Blue. He ties his outfit with only a couple accessories and black Off-White shoes.
During my interview with the men I didn’t get to ask about their outfits however, I do wonder if the outfits say anything about who they are?
Here’s a few more looks at the 2019 Agora Sneaker Ball
Chicago’s 290 Queen Breanna Anderson, who’s best known as Bree Specific is taking over the radio, and plans on taking over the world. The Public Relations degree holder decided that instead of managing the spread of information between someone and the public, she’ll embark on a journey to become a Media Personality. Recently, the radio personality was awarded her own show on Power 92.3 and is also now apart of the Whats The Word family. Specifics’, “Specific Sites” are now available on Whats The Word platforms showing you all the dope events going on in the Chicagoland. To get y’all familiar with our girl Bree, Whats The Word member Cheanell sat down with her to chat. The ladies talked men, colorism in this industry, education and more.
Cheanell: Who is Bree Specific?
Bree Specific: She’s the person within Breanna that never really came out. It took like 22-23 years to come out. Growing up I was shy, I didn’t have too many friends, I didn’t like to be around too many people. But I always felt like being outgoing was in me. But I didn’t know where it was. I feel like Bree Specific is the person that was inside of me that was scared to come out. “
View this post on InstagramA post shared by MEDIA PERSONALITY (@breespecific) on
Q: Is Bree Specific Brianna Anderson’s alter ego, do you click Bree on and off?
A: No, I don’t think I click her in and out. I think I’m okay with being who I am now. She came about in college. I think going to college made me who I am now.
Q: So was leaving SIUC while pursuing a Masters a difficult decision? Do you feel like it was a good move for your career?
A: I was terrified! I didn’t have a plan, I started doing radio my senior year and it rolled over to my first semester of grad school. The only reason I went to grad school is because I didn’t have a plan and I knew I could keep my radio show if I stayed in school. In the meantime, I was sending my videos and audios to different people, but nobody was responding. I didn’t know how to get into radio, I didn’t go to school for it.
Q: What do you want next, what do you expect next from yourself?
A: I really want to hone into being an entrepreneur. I have a candle line called Specific Scents and it is probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I feel like it explains who I am. I’m a real zen person. I want to learn more about entrepreneurship.
Q: You host events, you have a radio show and you’re an entrepreneur, what suffers in your life?
A: My candle business. I work a lot to support my lifestyle and to invest in myself. I have to work to buy inventory and people not buying the candle and I have to figure out why they’re not buying the candle and that costs money.
Q: Does your dating life suffer too because you’re a woman in media?
A: Yes, my dm’s do not bust, well they just started bustin. As far as dating, I really believe in friendship first. A lot of people have more loyalty for their friends than they do their counterpart.
Q: Do men befriend you to better their careers?
A: I have that happen all the time and I see through it all the time. I will start talking to someone and then they’ll start sending me music or their homie music. It is an instant turn off for me.
Q: What else do you battle with in this industry that comes with you being a woman? Colorism?
A: Yeah, I’ve had someone in this industry come up and tell me “They’ll never going to pick you, you’re too dark skin.”
Q: They said this to your face?
A: Yeah, but I never took it as an insult. They weren’t saying I’m not capable or that I’m not talented. I took it as that person being someone in the industry and being around and knowing what’s going on. However, that made me work harder. I feel like colorism is definitely a real thing.
Q: What is your motivation to stay positive and reach your goals?
A: My family and wanting better for myself. Sometimes I found myself just wondering about my future. I want my family to be okay. If I'm ever in a jam, me and my parents are going to figure it out. I just want to be at peace. Me really being at peace in trying to be specific with my self has really got me to where I am now.
Who put you on: World Star
Who put you on:
Who put you on: LakaFilms
Who put you on: DJ Pharris
Who put you on: Nayr Creates, the Chicago street A&R never disappoint when it comes to putting you on bangers.
Who put you on: Met Tes X at the listing money for new Cash Money Midwest Artist Ace Wrld Listening party.
Who put you on:
Who put you on: Cierra Monay
This week is full of Heat from bangers that’s banging throughout the street.
Who put you on: Love Jones
Who put you on: Calboy posted it on his Instagram page.
Who put you on: N/A
Who Put You On: randomly found this song on YoutTube Music. Bread Doe, smoked this hook!
Who put you on: Its obvious this song was suppose to be on Love Songs For The Streets 2, but someone leaked it..smh
Who put you on: N/A
Who put you on: N/A
Who put you on: Terry Mathews
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Audiomack (@audiomack) on
G.O.O.D music signee and Chicago naitive, Valee drops some new music to kick off summer 2019. He links up with the music streaming platform Audio Mack to exclusively release the Runnin’ Rich [EP}. Check it out below. The project includes features G Herbo, King Louie and Vic Mensa. With production from TYMadeIt, Narcowave, ChaseTheMoney, Young God, Rio Mac and Valee himself.
This is Valee’s first full project since he dropped the GOOD Job You Found ME EP, in 2018 after the announcement of signing to Kanye West’s G.O.O.D Music record label. It’s dope to see Chicago artists and producers to collaborate on a project of this magnitude
Listen Below:
With major award shows approaching like the BET and NBA player awards, we felt is would be dope to handout out some awards to highlight those individuals who contribute in making Chicago hiphop culture great and unique. Awards were given out based upon each artist, producer and influencer performance in 2018-19. The award winners were selected by members of the media, DJs, PR reps and other local influencers. scroll down to view the 2019 Buzz Award Winners.
Riding the wave of his smash single “Lucid Dreams” Juice WRLD held his own, and earned the rights to be MVP.
Nominees: Gherbo, Lil Durk, Kanye West, Dreezy, Famous Dex
The envy me song was a track that took the city by storm. Released in late August as a part of the southside rapper’s Wild boy fridays rrelease, it instantly became a banger. FBG Slide was a record that came a close 2nd.
Nominees: SLIDE by FBG DUCK, LUCID DREAMS by Juice Wrld, POPOUT Polo G & Lil Tjay, SWERVO by Gherbo, JAPAN by Famous Dex, HOMEBODY by Lil Durk.
Many may think this is bias, but we didn’t have a vote. A committee of 20+ voters decided that we were the best platform this year pushing the Chicago culture forward.
Nominees: Illanoize Radio, Power 92, WGCI, Fake Shore Drive, Lyrical Lemonade, Urban Grind TV
Two of the top radio personalities in the city, it came to know surprise that these two tied. DJ Pharris the king of the south and the most know influencer that Chicago has to offer, outside of Ryan Henry. DJ Pharris illustrated his influence numerous times over the past year by winning The Midwest DJ of The year at the Global Spin Awards, hosting an Iconic Kanye West Interview and officially launching his new label This Is Chicago Music Group.
Tone Kapone on the other hand is the downtown night life King, his deal with Hennessy has made him a national influencer and a hometown favorite. Tone biggest moments in came during an Iconic interview with Nipsey Hussle, addressing the clout chaser DJ Akademics. Tone won over the fans when he announced his relationship with Real House Wives of Atlanta’s Phaedra Parks. He is a Dish Nation television representative and frequent member of the the Fox 32 news crew.
Nominees: Korporate, Ryan Henry, Hebrew Brantley, Andrew Barber, SeanDale,
Kendra G is not a Chicago native, but the WGCI morning show host has made her name in the Chicago community. As a role model to African American women in media in the city Kendra G defines the colorism stigma that women with darker skin tones cannot flourish In entertainment.
Nominees: Ari Fletcher, Maha, Charmaine, Brooke Mackie, Englewood Barbie.
Kanye West’s fans may have mixed feeling about him because of his recent political views. If you separate the music from his political views Ye snapped. From The GOOD Music 7 song album run, creating hits with Migos, Travis Scott, Christina Augila, YNW Melly and More!
Nominees: Hitmaka, CBMix, D.Brooks Exclusive, C.Sick
A Juice WRLD and Cole Bennett collab had no choice to win, these two creators provided a dope visual for one of the biggest records of 2018.
Nominees: Lil Zay Osama “Changed Up”, Chimeka - Champagne Showers, King Louie - Just Relax, Tobi Loui Ft Smino - Darling, Valee -“Womp Womp”
Hotrod is the Chicago radio rookie, December 2018 making a full year since he took over the full-time evening position on Power 92 Chicago radio. Once Hotrod got his seat, he never looked back, his Lit Pit and “What’s Hotrod” feature has provided a unique platform for rising musicians to obtain radio play. Outside of radio, Hotrod allow various creatives opportunities to display their talents. Creatives from photographers, videographers, bloggers and graphic designers. Hotrod is the creator of Pep Rally Take Over, a non profit organization that connects children with various entertainers resulting in a pretty amazing experience.
Nominees: DJ Pharris, Cody Mack, Nayr Creates, Andrew Barber, and Mark Hubbard.
Ann Marie delivered the most trending R&B content during this time period, with singles such as Handle It & Little secret. She defiantly made her mark.
Nominees: Tink, Dreezy, Jeremih
After being sign to Interscope, Juice WRLD came out the gate swinging with his debut album that featured tracks such as Lucid Dreams, All Girls are the same, Armed and Dangerous Ft Lil Uzi Vert + More.
Nominees: Saba “Care for Me”, G Herbo “Swervo”, Lil Durk “Signed to the Streets 3” , Kanye West “Ye
The Chicagoland area is filled with plenty dope music video directors, but Cole Bennett won this award by a land slide. His recent uploads included Juice WRLD, Kevin Gates, Cardi B, BlueFace , Wiz Khalifa, Future, Kanye West + More!
Nominees: Laka Films, Dgainez, J visuals, LakeShore HY, Royal. Media, Dog Food Media, Strip Mall productions.
The response Dreezy got from this project was stellar, many thought it was her album but it wasn't. She still didn’t fail to deliver.
Nominees: Valee “Good Job You Found Me”, Lil Durk “Just Cause Y’all Waited”, Tink “Pain and Pleasure EP” Queen Key “Eat My Pussy”.
This freshman won MVP, so its without a doubt he was going to win this award. The votes were very close though, Calboy came an extremely close second.
Nominees: Calboy, Lil Zay Osama, Polo G, Ann Marie, Valee
Dreezy is the real deal and over the past year she has proven that she deserves to be mentioned with the elite in the hiphop game when it comes to female spitters.
Nominees: Tink, Queen Key, No Name, Ann Marie, Chimeka
DJ Khaled is released his new album Father of Asahd at midnight, the new album is packed with huge name features. JAY-Z, Beyoncé, Cardi B, Nas, SZA, Travis Scott, Lil Wayne, Future, Post Malone, 21 Savage, Chance, Big Sean, J Balvin, and many others are set to appear on the album.
It also includes the highly anticapted track “Higher,” which features the late Nipsey Hussle and John Legend. This is reportedly Nipsey Hussle last music video before he murdered in early April. Listen to the album below, and watch the new Nipsey-featuring video for “Higher.”
The History of Mother’s Day is a simple one. A caring, hardworking woman who witnessed war tear down men, boys, and families decided to make a difference. Ann Jarvis was a social activist and community organizer who started a woman’s club in the 1860’s to help assist mothers and children affected by the trauma of the American Civil War. Within these clubs she assisted in serving the needs of the public. She served the community in multiple ways like education on sanitation, medical issues, and whatever she saw fit. Ann Jarvis expanded on that activism by deciding to shed light on something deeper, the role of a mother. She chose to honor them with a day of recognition. This task was not an easy one. In fact, Mrs. Jarvis died before her dream reached a calendar. But as said, a mother’s love extends through her children. In 1905 Anna Jarvis chose to continue her mother’s work only months after her death. After years of advocating and raising awareness for the day of observance, President Woodrow Wilson signed the proclamation for the national holiday in 1914 and we’ve been celebrating the holiday ever since.
Although the meaning behind the holiday hasn’t changed, the way we practice has. To Anna, the observation of Mother’s Day was meant to be showed through truth, admiration, and hand made cards. She strongly advocated against the commercialization that’s overtaken the holiday. She didn’t believe in spending $10 on a card that read another person’s thoughts. She believed that a significant part of honoring your mother on this day meant speaking from the heart. Therefore, that’s the goal we aim to complete here.
I read a quote once that stated,
“Life doesn’t come with a manual, it comes with a mother.”
Not only did I find this quote to be interesting, I found it to be true. As I reflect on my 22 years living, I realize that everything I know has come from a common source, my mother. Throughout my entire life my mother has served as my confidant, life coach, and instruction manual. If I don’t know how to do something, you can bet she’s my lifeline to figuring it out.
It’s no question that the culture recognizes the importance of a mother’s presence. We all agree and take heed to the gravely significant difference they can make in our lives. You see that idea reflected on TV everyday. Mothers like Sandra Bullock in The Blind Side and Phylicia Rashad in The Cosby Show reciprocate that idea and truth every time we watch. Just like our real mothers our TV mothers provided a support system for us and their children. Their willingness to believe in us and fight for us at every twist and turn life throws is what drives us to keep going.
The culture has always proclaimed its love for motherhood through music. Rappers like Lil Wayne, Drake, 2 Chainz and countless others have consistently referenced their mother’s impact on their lives. We praise and sing along to songs like Dear Mama by Tupac Shakur and Hey Mama by Kanye West everyday. Tracks likes Dear Mama express in numerous ways how both a mother’s negative and positive impacts help shape us. But still, throughout his lyrics we understand that a mother’s love is reliable, she’s always there.
“Pour out some liquor and I reminisce, cause through the drama
I can always depend on my mama
And when it seems that I'm hopeless
You say the words that can get me back in focus”
In Hey Mama Kanye West recognizes that a mother’s love is consistently given to us in an abundance. Although we sometimes take that love for granted, we never forget that it’s in arms reach. She’s our first friend and our best friend. Throughout these lyrics, Kanye West acknowledges that a mom’s love is forgiving.
“My mama told me go to school, get your doctorate
Somethin to fall back on, you could profit with
But still supported me when I did the opposite”
Along with music, the sports industry is no stranger to acknowledging their mother’s contribution. Whether it’s thanking them throughout speeches or interviews or simply hugging them after a game, athletes steadily advocate their mother’s role in their life. Athletes like Lebron James have consistently referenced their mother as an important factor in their success. Throughout interviews he’s stated that
“Being a mother -- it’s the toughest job in the world. It’s tougher than being a professional athlete or being the president. It’s a powerful thing…”
James, like us, learned throughout his childhood that a mother’s love is sometimes sacrificial to her own happiness. Through an interview his mother, Gloria James, spoke on her decision to send him to live with another family. She goes on to state,
“It was the hardest decision I’d made in my life but it was also one of the best. At that time in his life he needed stability. It was hard, but I knew it was not about me. It was about him. I had to put him first.”
Just like many moms throughout the world, community, and culture, Gloria James knew and understand that motherhood involves putting your child’s needs before yourself. Herself and many others do it everyday. Whether it’s the working mothers who come home after 16 hour shifts and still helps with homework, or the mothers who drive an hour everyday so their child receives the best education, they do it with a heart full of love and their child’s future in mind. Thus, as the day unfolds, remember to take a moment to step back and truly tell your mother what she means to you. Whether it’s your biological mother, grandmother, aunt, family friend or neighbor; make sure that you speak from the heart and express your admiration for all that they do for you. To every mother near and far, we, the culture, appreciate you. Happy Mother’s Day!
Source: McMillen, M. (2019). LeBron James Talks About His Mother. [online] WebMD
