Tory Lanez, who is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence, released a heartfelt track titled “Dear Kai,” dedicated to his son, Kai’lon Peterson. The song interpolates Eminem’s 2004 hit single “Mockingbird,” mirroring its theme of a father’s devotion to his child.
“Dear Kai” is part of Lanez’s “Prison Tapes” series, which features music recorded during his incarceration. The track offers an emotional message to his son, addressing the challenges of their separation and expressing his enduring love and support.
Eminem’s “Mockingbird,” known for its poignant lyrics about fatherhood, has influenced various artists since its release. In 2024, DJs Tiësto, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, and Gabry Ponte released a cover of the song, and in 2022, British rapper E1 (3×3) released a remix. The song also gained renewed popularity in 2023 after trending on TikTok, leading to over a billion streams on Spotify.
Through “Dear Kai,” Tory Lanez channels the spirit of “Mockingbird,” delivering a personal message that resonates with listeners familiar with the complexities of parental love and separation. You can listen to the song below:
