Hey Mama (Kanye West song)
"Hey Mama" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his second studio album, Late Registration (2005). The song includes additional vocals from John Legend. West composed the song in 2000, specifically intending for it to be included on the album. The song was produced by West and Jon Brion. A ballad, it contains a sample of Donal Leace's "Today Won't Come Again". In the lyrics of the song, Kanye pays tribute to his mother, Donda West.
The song is a motherly tribute from Kanye to Donda West, who first booked him into a studio when he was aged 13.
West closed his set at the 2011 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival with a performance of the song.
West's fans organized the event "Hey Mama Day" when the 10th anniversary of his mother's death coincided with the release of Taylor Swift's Reputation in November 2017, streaming the song on Spotify in protest.
Late Registration is the second studio album by the American rapper and record producer Kanye West. It was released on August 30, 2005, through Roc-A-Fella Records and Def Jam Recordings. West recorded the album over the course of a year during sessions held at studios in Hollywood and New York City, in collaboration with Jon Brion. The album features guest appearances from Adam Levine, Jamie Foxx, Common, Brandy, Jay-Z, and Nas, among others.
Late Registration
Film score composer Jon Brion (shown in 2006) assisted with the album's production.
West played with an extensive orchestra on "Bring Me Down", "Gone", and "Celebration".
West spoke about the way he planned raps for Late Registration, specifying his aim for them to be understandable.
