"Dear Mama" (But it's a 60s Soul Classic)

Описание: We traveled back to 1964 to reimagine 2Pac’s most vulnerable masterpiece, "Dear Mama," as a stirring Gospel-Soul ballad. Stripping away the 90s G-Funk production, this version replaces the synthesizer samples with a weeping Hammond B3 organ, a church choir backing, and the raw emotion of a Sam Cooke-style confession. It transforms the track from a West Coast hip-hop hit into a timeless standard that could have been recorded at Stax Records.

“Dear Mama” - A Brief History:

Released in 1995 as the lead single from Me Against the World, "Dear Mama" arrived while Tupac was facing incarceration. Anchored by a smooth sample of The Spinners' "Sadie," the track created a stark contrast to the aggressive gangsta rap of the era. It allowed Pac to detail the poverty and addiction of his childhood without judgment, offering forgiveness instead. Critically, it is often cited as the song that "humanized" the genre. It topped the Billboard Rap chart for five weeks and solidified Tupac’s legacy as a poet of profound emotional depth.

Little Known Trivia:

Library of Congress: In 2010, "Dear Mama" became the third hip-hop song ever inducted into the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry for its cultural significance.

The Black Panther Connection: The lyrics honor Afeni Shakur, a prominent member of the Black Panther Party. She was actually pregnant with Tupac while in jail defending herself against conspiracy charges.

The Sample: The song samples "Sadie" by The Spinners (1974), which was also a tribute to a mother.

Eminem's Favorite: Eminem has stated that this is one of his favorite songs of all time.

Afeni's Reaction: When his mother first heard the song, she reportedly wept, recognizing the airing of their "family business" as an ultimate act of love.

This Jukebox is Broken is a digital art project dedicated to unearthing the "lost" vintage versions of your favorite modern songs. We act as a time machine, restructuring modern hits as if they were pressed on vinyl decades ago.

[Song Credits]

Concept & Curation: This Jukebox is Broken Original Artist: 2Pac (1995) Songwriters: Tupac Shakur, Tony Pizarro, Joe Sample, and Tony Burton Genre Flip: 1960s Gospel / Soul

Lyrics:

You are appreciated
When I was young, me and my mama had beef
17 years old, kicked out on the streets
Though back at the time I never thought I'd see her face
Ain't a woman alive that could take my mama's place
Suspended from school
And scared to go home, I was a fool
With the big boys breaking all the rules
I shed tears with my baby sister, over the years
We was poorer than the other little kids
And even though we had different daddies, the same drama
When things went wrong we'd blame mama
I reminisce on the stress I caused, it was hell
Huggin' on my mama from a jail cell
And who'd think in elementary, hey
I'd see the penitentiary one day?
And running from the police, that's right
Mama catch me, put a whoopin' to my backside
And even as a crack fiend, mama
You always was a black queen, mama
I finally understand
For a woman it ain't easy trying to raise a man
You always was committed
A poor single mother on welfare, tell me how you did it
There's no way I can pay you back, but the plan
Is to show you that I understand; you are appreciated

Lady, don't you know we love ya? (Dear Mama)
Sweet lady, place no one above ya (You are appreciated)
Sweet lady, don't you know we love ya?

Now, ain't nobody tell us it was fair
No love from my daddy, 'cause the coward wasn't there
He passed away and I didn't cry, 'cause my anger
wouldn't let me feel for a stranger
They say I'm wrong and I'm heartless, but all along
I was looking for a father he was gone
I hung around with the thugs
And even though they sold drugs
They showed a young brother love
I moved out and started really hangin'
I needed money of my own, so I started slangin'
I ain't guilty, 'cause even though I sell rocks
It feels good putting money in your mailbox
I love paying rent when the rent is due
I hope you got the diamond necklace that I sent to you
'Cause when I was low you was there for me
And never left me alone, because you cared for me
And I could see you coming home after work late
You're in the kitchen, trying to fix us a hot plate
You just working with the scraps you was given
And Mama made miracles every Thanksgivin'
But now the road got rough, you're alone
You're trying to raise two bad kids on your own
And there's no way I can pay you back, but my plan
Is to show you that I understand; you are appreciated

Lady, don't you know we love ya? (Dear Mama)
Sweet lady, place no one above ya (You are appreciated)
Sweet lady, don't you know we love ya?

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