9 Canadian hip-hop songs that celebrate mothers

"I only love my bed and my momma, I'm sorry," rappedDrake on his Grammy-winning hit, "God's Plan." Although Drizzy is a certified lover boy, hiscatalogue includes enough references to his mother, Sandra (Sandi)Graham to be considered a certified momma's boy, too and he's not the only rapper who's honoured his mom in song.

"She's brought me to this point single-handedly She's the most important person in my life," Drake once told the Huffington Post about his mom. It's a sentiment that's shared in several Canadian rap tracks recognizing mothers, and we've selected eight of our favourites, including songs from Dax,Tobi, Shad and more for Mother's Day.

What other tracks celebrating mothers do you love?Let us know on Instagram@cbc_music.

'You and the 6,'Drake

Aside from"God's Plan," Drake has never hesitated to honour his mother. He rapped about Sandi being a saint on "Child's Play,"talked about her flower shop on "Sandra's Rose,"proclaimed his dedication to her on "The Calm" and also adorned his face with a tattoo of her initials in 2022. But one of the most heartfelt tracks written about her arrived on his 2015 mixtape,If You're Reading ThisIt's too Late.On "You and the 6," Drake gets candid about sometimes butting heads with his mom, but shouts out all the ways she's made him the man he is today. He gushes abouther hard work as a parent, and the result is a touching tribute."You and the six raised me right, that shit saved my life," he raps.

'Dear Mom,' Dax

"Dear mom, everything you did was worth it/ all the sacrifices taken when the picture wasn't perfect," Dax raps on his mushy track "Dear Mom." The songwas almost five years in the making, and the lyrics detailhis mother's perseveranceas a parent and the tight-knit bond they share. "There [were] multiple times where I was stuck on what to say because it was such a personal topic and I wanted to make sure that I got it right," Daxtold HipHopDX about the song. "I hope you know this is your song/ I hope memorize and always sing along," he continues in the lyrics, letting his mom know the song isa gift from him to her.

'Why You Crying Mama,' Nav

On his sentimental trap song, "Why You Crying Mama," Navdoesn't hold back when it comes to treating his mother to a life of luxury: "Even though she ain't perfect, I know that she got my back/ no matter what I spend, I don't think I could pay her back." Nav also explains that despite his success, the way his mother raised him has kept him true to himself: "I just got a little fame, mama/ But my heart won't ever change, mama."

'Long Game,' Manila Grey

Manila Grey has shouted out the sacrifices made by immigrant mothers on a number of songs, but "Long Game" is an especially touching one that digs deep."Promised momma we gon be fine" and "Momma, we survived the coldest winters" helptell thisdeeply personal story about growing up. The song's interlude also features a sweet snippet of a conversation between Manila Grey's MC,Neeko,and his mother about missing each other, making it a love letter to all the moms who have made sacrifices for their children.

'The Old Prince Still Lives at Home,' Shad

Shad featured his mother, Bernadette, on his song "God," where she delivered a spoken word performance over a series of thundering beats, and he alsoreferencedher journey to Canadaon "Fam Jam (Fe Sum Immigrins)." But one of themore lighthearted songs on which Shadshouts out his mom is"The Old Prince Still Lives at Home." Hehilariously describes his mother's cooking and the perks of crashing with his parents: "I live at home still, not paying phone bills/ hydro or rent, and my mom makes most meals." Shad acknowledges that although it's not luxurious, at least he'll be saving money, whilealso enjoying his mom's food. It's a relatable track for any parent who has grown children living at home.

'Toast,' Dom Vallie

On Dom Vallie's newest song "Toast," he celebrates scoring hisvery first Juno nomination earlier this year, and he talks about bringing his mother with him to the ceremony and walking the red carpet.Valliesweetly describes making her proud as he breaks down an affecting moment between them:"Your lil' kid got nominated/ Look how far we made it/ Are you proud yet?" (Are you proud?)/ She said, 'More than life'with tears in her eyes." Vallie's tracksuggests that making his mom happy might just be worth more than any award.

'Son of a Matriarch,' Snotty Nose Rez Kids feat. the Sorority

Snotty Nose Rez Kids honour mothers and matriarchal figures on "Son of a Matriarch," the duo's impassioned track that featuresthe Sorority's Haviah Mighty, Keysha Freshh and Lex Leosis. The lyrics upliftmothers in every verse: "We got queen's blood, our genes is legendary," the Sorority declares.Young Dadds some kind words for his mother, too: "Mama bear, she a straight shooter/ Mama'o bear, she was our tutor." Young Trybezalso has a fierce line about mothers:"Mama's a warrior, respect her authority." It's an empowering, energetic track that gives all types of momstheir flowers.

'Still Searching,' Tobi

Tobi's track "Still Searching" is a short, tender songthat breaks down how his mother workedgraveyard shifts to get him a pair of sneakers. "Four in the morning, before dawn, I heard you coming home/ Mom, I made you buy me Jordans when you could not afford 'em, please forgive me," Tobi raps. "Still Searching" is anacknowledgement of the labour put in by mothers that often goes unnoticed by children. The song is a heartwarming homage to his mother's diligence that servesas both a sincereapology and a reflection.

'Mama Said,' DijahSB

DijahSB imparts the wisdom they've gleaned fromtheir mother on "Mama Said," anupbeat, house-infused hip-hop song. "Mama ain't have it, still she provide, if it wasn't for my Mama I wouldn't be alive" they reveal, acknowledging how much their mom has cared for them. In every verse, they make it known that their mother's support has been essential in their career: "All else failed, I thought about my Mama." When the song was released, DijahSB shared an uplifting video of their motherdancing happily to the track.