If the tone of the song was changed to enthusiastic, loud, angry, or fast, the whole meaning would change because it would not correspond with the appreciation, love, and thankfulness he is trying to express. Tupac probably wanted people to attach to the lyrics instead of an addicting rhythm of a song, and that is why he chose simple music to flow in the background while he tells his rap. The entire rap is not fast but rather extremely calm.
He means to say that if a person fights the struggles, it will pay off. The night symbolizes struggles and the day represents no struggles. For example, he says, "If you can make it through the night there's a brighter day." This phrase is not only simple but also contains symbolism. Rather, he uses simple words and tells the story, but those simple words have an extremely deep meaning. He does not use fancy language to express his love and appreciation. Although the rap is like telling a story, Tupac uses end rhymes for a few sentences, which shows his poetic side with writing his raps. He presents the past and moves in to his present life, which is when he thanks God for how much love his mother gave him. The structure of the rap is generally chronological because he starts off by explaining how he was a teenager, but he mentions "Your are appreciated" in the beginning and after every verse. He uses both a first person and third person point of view because he explains certain situation regarding his mother but also raps about his own actions and emotions by using "I". This tone is what makes many people cry when they first listen to this rap. The tone of the song is appreciating, understanding since he realizes his mother's care, loving, sad since he explains terrible struggles, and immensely emotional. He even explains that he was in jail with his mother and that she still tried to do the best she could to raise a man like him. The rap makes it clear that he has become who he is because of his mother and he is truly thankful of it. The rap is primarily focused on the appreciation he has for how his mother raised him even when his father passed away and through all the financial struggles they went through. He tells the story of him growing up with his mother and how much he appreciates what she has done for him. In 2010, the song was added to the National Recording Registry in the Library of Congress, who deemed it a work that is “culturally, historically, or aesthetically important, and informing or reflecting life in the United States.” And calling the song “a moving and eloquent homage to both the murdered rapper’s own mother and all mothers struggling to maintain a family in the face of addiction, poverty and societal indifference."Dear Mama" is a personal rap by Tupac Shakur about his mother. And for being a love letter not only to his mom but mothers and black women everywhere, “Dear Mama” is a certified #CultureClassic. It topped the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart for five weeks and also peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 going Platinum in the process. The song is considered one of 2Pac’s greatest which is saying something with is legendary catalog. And after completion she reconciled with her son, becoming his biggest advocate. But in 1990, realizing her habit was out-of-control, she enrolled in a rehab program. Tupac was kicked out by Afeni at 17 and they had little contact for many years. Afeni was often absent during his childhood out being an activist and later becoming addicted to drugs. And, as she recalls in the opening of the music video for the song, she gave birth to Tupac a month after she was acquitted of more than 150 charges of “Conspiracy against the United States government and New York landmarks.” Their relationship was rocky however.
A sentiment any child turned adult can relate to in terms of learning to appreciate the struggles and sacrifices our parents made for us.Īfeni Shakur was an active member of the Black Panther Party in New York in the 1960s and 1970s. But Pac argues that his love and deep respect for his mother supersedes the bad memories. In the song, Pac details his childhood struggles including the family’s poverty and his mother’s addictions. The song is of course is a tribute to his mother, Afeni Shakur. “Dear Mama” was released in 1995 as the lead single from Pac’s third album, Me Against the World. It’s Mother’s Day! So it’s only right that this week’s #CultreClassic shows love to all the moms out there with hip-hop’s most classic ode to mom, “ Dear Mama” by 2Pac.