"Dear Dad": These Underrated Rap Songs Explore the Complex Father-Son Dynamic

From Tupac’s “Dear Mama” to Kanye West’s “Hey Mama,” there’s no shortage of rappers who have paid homage to their moms in their music. What we don’t hear too often are heartfelt lyrics about dads. That said, there are quite a few rap songs that touch on the dynamic between fathers and sons — though they are much lesser known.

That said, there are quite a few rap songs that touch on the dynamic between fathers and sons — though they are much lesser known.

Here’s a list of rap songs where the artist reflects on fatherhood.

“Letter to My Son (Call Your Father)” was released in 2021, just one month after DMX’s death. In the song — which is reportedly dedicated to his eldest son, Xavier Simmons—the rapper offers a plea, hoping to find common ground.

He and Xavier previously appeared on an episode of Iyanla Fix My Life, where they tried (but failed) to reconcile their relationship.

His lyrics beam with pride: “Dear son, I look in your eyes, I see my own.” However, X also expressed his frustrations.

“'Cause what if it's when I'm gone (Damn) / That you gotta realize you're wrong? (Damn) / And we could've been best of friends all along / But it would kinda defeat the purpose of the song”

He apologizes for being an absent father in the past and asks for a shot at redemption.

“Yeah, ay, I let you down / Should've been there, but I let you down / Not too late, not too late / I can't give you yesterday / But I can learn from my mistakes / Not too late, it ain't too late / Call your father / Call your father.”

The track is a sad reminder to say “I love you,” because one day it might be too late.

“New Day” is a letter from Jay-Z and Kanye West to their unborn sons. Kanye preaches that he wants to experience the luxuries he never had. “See, I just want him to have an easy life, not like Yeezy life,” the Chicago musician raps.

Jay-Z chimes in on the second verse with an apology. “Sorry, junior, I already ruined ya / 'Cause you ain't even alive, paparazzi pursuin' ya,” he raps, adding: “Sins of a father make your life ten times harder.”

Jay-Z also touches on his relationship with his estranged father, promising his son to “never leave him even if his mama tweakin'.”

“'Cause my dad left me, and I promise never repeat him,” the verse ends.

Before his highly-publicized marriage to Jada Pinkett-Smith, Will Smith fathered a child with his first wife, Sheree Zampino. Will’s 1998 single, “Just the Two of Us,” was dedicated to their son, Willard Carroll "Trey" Smith III.

The rendition of the Bill Withers and Grover Washington Jr. track was featured on Will’s chart-topping album Big Willie Style.

Crazy joy, when I see the eyes of my baby boy / I pledge to you, I will always do / Everything I can, show you how to be a man / Dignity, integrity, honor and / I don't mind if you lose, long as you came with it / And you can cry, ain't no shame in it,” he raps.