Young Money artist, Lil Wayne, has been making the headlines lately! After energetic performance on the MTV Video Music Awards and the recent release of Tha Carter IV, he has, yet again, made a statement with his new video for the hit single, “How to Love.”
In the video, Lil Wayne takes the background role while rapping over the life of a young mother and her daughter. The young mother decides to raise her child on her own after backing out of an abortion. The very first scene was a major life decision in itself. It is important for one to take their time and talk with close loved ones about pregnancy and the available options for disadvantaged mothers. Remember that timing is key, and there are many ways to prevent pregnancy like abstinence, birth control, and using condoms.
In “How to Love,” Weezy illustrates two very different paths for this mother and daughter duo. In the first path, the mother brings raises her baby in a broken home where she is surrounded by physically, emotionally, and sexually abusive boyfriends. The second path, on the other hand, differs greatly from the first. The mother leaves her unhealthy relationship and moves in with her own mother, keeping her daughter’s future in mind. Moving forth, we see how both paths affects the daughter as she grows into a life reflective of each environment she was brought up in.
Lil Wayne’s video is very insightful and deeply reflects on how a child’s environment does have a significant role in what (s)he does in life. In the end, the daughter, brought up in a positive environment, ends up getting her education, starting a career as a beautician, and being in a healthy relationship where she is elated to find out she is pregnant. On the opposite end of the spectrum, though, Wayne still raises awareness about sexual abuse, unhealthy relationships, low self-esteem, STIs, and unplanned pregnancies. In the final line of the video, the daughter thanks her mother for “teaching her how to love.” This line speaks volumes about the importance of bringing up our children with love, respect, and positive influences around them.
Take a look at the “How to Love” video and please visit these sites to see organizations that promote the very same messages Lil Wayne conveys here:
National Sexual Assault Online Hotline
Brittany C. Hardy 