Music Being Reviewed:
Hey Mama

Reviewer:
Amanda Brown

Genre:
Musical

Movies/TV Shows:
Movie

Suggested Age Range:
Teen

Age Range Explained:
Song about childhood memories

Subject Headings:
Elementary school, Family dynamics, High school, Middle school, Poverty-urban, Relationships

Review:
Hip-hop artist Kanye West wrote the song "Hey Mama” about his relationship with his mother (West, 2005). The song expressed West’s appreciation for the sacrifices his mother made while raising him. West sang about childhood memories and reflected on his mother’s determination to ensure that he was taken care of amidst conditions of poverty. Additionally, he thanked her for making him her first priority and showing him love. West shared that he never followed the advice that his mother gave him, yet she supported and loved him unconditionally. Finally, West expressed the desire to make his mother proud and take care of her in return. It is clear that West has a great deal of affection and gratitude for his mother and how she raised him. I used "Hey Mama” while I was an art teacher in an urban setting. Interestingly, every eighth grader lived in single mother households. As their final project they listened to "Hey Mama” and drew what they felt. The students created profound and compelling images, such as crying women, rain storms, and angels. As a class we discussed the emotions that surfaced in their artwork.

Counselors can use hip-hop to begin dialogue about a particular issue, in this case, family relations. Adolescents may have a strong connection to hip-hop culture, making it a unique tool to help them better access their emotions. The therapeutic nature of music allows adolescents to have an expressive outlet, enabling them to begin the process of exploring their feelings.