Songs for Mama: The Root's Ultimate Mother's Day Playlist
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No Mother’s Day celebration is complete without good music. Lucky for you, there are plenty of great songs to choose from. From R&B and soul to hip-hop, Black artists have always used music to show appreciation to the women who raised them.
So while you’re putting together your playlist, check out our favorite songs that celebrate mom on her special day.
“Dear Mama” by Tupac
Tupac’s 1995 hit “Dear Mama” is dedicated to his mother, Afeni Shakur. The song is an emotionally raw tribute to the woman who raised him and an opportunity to show his appreciation for all that she sacrificed.
“Grandma’s Hands” by Bill Withers
Bill Withers’ 1971 “Grandma’s Hands” is a soulful celebration of his grandmother, whose hands were used for clapping in church and picking him up when he fell.
“Superwoman” by Alicia Keys
We can’t think of a better song that acknowledges that motherhood is a job with no days off than Alicia Keys’ “Superwoman.” Keys sings: “Even when I’m a mess; I still put on a vest; With an ‘S’ on my chest; Oh yes, I’m a Superwoman.”
“A Song for Mama” by Boyz II Men
Originally written as the theme song for the 1997 movie Soul Food, Boyz II Men’s A Song for Mama” is a Mother’s Day classic.
“I’ll Always Love My Mama” by The Intruders
If you’re looking for a song that is sure to make mom dance, The Spinners’ 1973 single “I’ll Always Love My Mama” is one of the funkiest tributes to the woman who brought you in this world.
“Mama Used to Say” by Junior
British R&B singer Junior’s 1980s hit “Mama Used to Say” is full of wisdom from Mama about how to live his life. The song that still gets people dancing, spent time in the top 10 on Billboard’s Disco and Hot Soul Singles charts.
“Apparently” by J. Cole
In 2014's “Apparently,” rapper J. Cole acknowledges his past slip-ups and apologizes to his mother for not always being there.
“The Sweetest Gift” by Sade
“Quietly while you were asleep; The moon and I were talking; I asked that she’d always keep you protected.”
Sade’s “The Sweetest Gift” doesn’t mention a mother by name, but the lyrics certainly capture the special love between a parent and child.
“Wish U Were Here” by Jamie Foxx
Jamie Foxx released “Wish U Were Here” in 2005, a tender tribute to his grandmother who adopted him when he was seven months old.
“Sadie” by The Spinners
Released in 1975, The Spinners’ “Sadie” is the ultimate tribute to both the strength and tenderness moms show their children. The song is such a classic, that Tupac sampled the chorus on his hit, “Dear Mama.”
“All That I Got Is You” by Ghostface Killah
One of Ghostface Killah’s most intimate songs. He opens up about the struggles he and his mother went through when growing up and how much she sacrificed to keep him safe.
“Hey Mama” by Kanye West
If there is one thing we know about Kanye, it’s that he loves his mother very much. This 2005 track is an anthem for anyone who wants to express their adoration for their mother.
“Smile” by Jay-Z
Normally, Hov is an artist who keeps his personal life to himself. But he gave the world a peak into his relationship with his mother where he reflects on memories from the past. The song concludes with a spoken outro from Gloria Carter, his mother.
