Kanye West has always been a mama's boy. From the start of his career he was consistently open about his very close relationship with his mother, Donda West. And, when she passed away after surgery complications in 2007, it was evident how difficult that loss was for him. Some believe that her untimely death completely changed him, and rightfully so.
One of the best songs on his second album, 2005's Late Registration, was "Hey Mama," a sweet ode to his mother and how much she shaped him. His latest, tear-jerking ballad "Only One" may be for his daughter North West, but it's written from the perspective of his late mother. "My mom was speaking to me, and through me to my daughter," Kanye said in a statement. He also pointed out that "Kanye" means "Only One."
Not only did Kanye write music about and for his mother, but they used to discuss and even perform songs together. Below is an old video of one of those special moments. Prior to singing "Hey Mama," they gleefully rap together as she praises one of his rhymes that he didn't use as often. It's clear Donda was wildly influential and supportive of her son, and that they truly had a special bond.
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