Exclusives 19 June 2022
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GRM Exclusive: 7 Times Rappers Embraced Fatherhood

19 June 2022
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In rap music, the theme of fatherhood has always been a regular occurrence. Whether it’s the hottest rappers spitting bars about their fathers or their own experiences with having children, these tracks bring out a vulnerable and meaningful side enabling the artist to share more about their lives with the listener. 

For this Father’s Day, we’re bringing you seven of our favourite tracks that represent fatherhood, check them out below!

1. N-Dubz – “Papa Can You Hear Me?”

Throwing it back to 2008, British rap group N-Dubz released an entire album entitled Uncle B dedicated to their late manager who was also Dappy’s father. “Papa Can You Hear Me” is a touching single that honours Uncle B as the driving force that helped N-Dubz to shine as a trio. Uncle B is described as a motivator and mentor, however, the track references all of the negative words that were exchanged with Uncle B during his lifetime, and how the group only realized how much they loved Uncle B after he passed away. The moral of the story is that you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.

2. Big Narstie – “Blood”

Taken off his BDL album, Big Narstie dropped “Blood” back in 2018. The track is devoted to his daughter as he delivers some sentimental lyrics from a loving father’s perspective. The visuals, released to celebrate her 5th birthday, are a compilation of valuable moments between Narstie and his daughter.

When announcing the video, Narstie wrote: “Mai mai 5th birthday […] Blood I made this song 5 years ago aniyah bingi zena warrior princess I give god thanks keeping you safe happy and healthy.”

3. Ghetts – “Black Rose”

On his track “Black Rose” featuring Kojey Radical, legendary east London grime MC Ghetts touches upon a broad range of experiences growing up young, black, and as a child of immigrants.

Even though the track was released in 2018, the song is equally as powerful today. Via heart-warming, homely visuals, Ghetts story tells about raising a young black girl, and the need to affirm her life positively because of the persistent hate that dark-skinned black women experience from both ‘society’ and their own ‘brothers.’

The music video opens with his daughter questioning: “Daddy, how come there’s no dolls that look like me in the shop?”.

4. Skepta – “Bullet From A Gun”

Skepta released “Bullet From A Gun” lifted from his 2019 album Ignorance Is Bliss which showcases his authentic and honest side. Filmed on the London Underground at Camden Town station, Skepta sits alongside a baby stroller as the people of the city go about their days. A few policemen attack a pair of supposedly innocent bystanders, a not so discreet reference to the ever-increasing amount of unprovoked brutality by the police that circulates the globe.

5. Fekky – “Lil Brudda”

In 2019, South London Grime MC Fekky released his track “Lil Brudda”, taken off his eagerly anticipated 4Life mixtape. The video features his two sons as Fekky is stripped back and keeps it authentic as he raps over the melodic track that highlights how the streets aren’t safe.

Fekky explains: “It’s a message to the youth as there’s a lot of pressure for kids these days ….the lyrics are the best way for me to express myself and talk to them, explaining what I’ve been through and highlight the trials and tribulations that you might face”.

6. Ard Adz – “Real One”

We’re used to hearing an energetic sound from Ard Adz, but we see more of a personal side to the rapper on his track “Real One” that was released back in March last year. Over the slow guitar melody, Ard Adz gracefully sums up how being a father and fatherhood has changed him over the years. The visuals are just as emotional as they show Ard Adz looking back at old photos from his childhood.

7. Wretch 32 – “6 Words”

In 2014, British rapper Wretch 32 switched his usual rhymes to showcase his expressive singing voice. The track highlights the blessings in Wretch’s life as he delivers smooth lyrics about the love he’s got for his two children and how he’s discovered that the only things he cares about in life are the things that you can’t buy. This fatherhood anthem is heart-warming!

Happy Father’s Day!