Tory Lanez is making waves from behind bars with “Dear Kai (Prison Tapes),” a heartfelt remix of Eminem’s 2004 classic “Mockingbird.” Locked up on a 10-year sentence, Lanez flips the track into a personal letter to his son Kai, blending nostalgia with his own story. Here’s how it all breaks down.
A Familiar Beat, A New Tale
“Dear Kai, you know Daddy loves you, right?” kicks off the song, instantly hooking listeners with that iconic “Mockingbird” melody. Lanez keeps the beat and structure close to Eminem’s original, echoing its emotional vibe. But while Em’s version digs into his regrets as a dad, Tory pivots—rapping about his legal woes, pointing fingers at “powerful people” for locking him up and freezing his cash. It’s a raw twist, straight from prison.
Video Vibes: A Nod to Em
The music video doubles down on the homage. Like Eminem’s “Mockingbird” supercut of home clips, Lanez’s version spotlights his son Kai with tender footage. It’s a visual love letter, mirroring Em’s style while tugging at the same heartstrings.
Tory’s Legal Mess
Lanez is serving time for shooting Megan Thee Stallion, convicted on three felonies: assault with a semiautomatic handgun, possession of a loaded, unregistered firearm, and gross negligence. The 2022 verdict landed him a decade behind bars, but he’s still dropping music—and emotions—via his Prison Tapes series.
“Mockingbird”: The Dad Anthem Lives On
Love him or hate him, Lanez proves “Mockingbird” is timeless. Eminem made it a fatherhood staple; now Tory’s keeping it alive, even from a cell. It’s a testament to the song’s power—connecting dads and kids, no matter the circumstances.
