Coco Jones has quickly become a force in the modern R&B/Soul space. She’s a 2025 GRAMMY nominee (and previous winner) and has earned the respect of the legends that have paved the way for her like USHER. Outside of the awards she’s up for, the former Disney actress has a big year ahead. The South Carolina native is preparing to drop her debut album, which will feature “Here We Go (Uh Oh),” “Sweep It Up,” and her Future collab, “Most Beautiful Design.” But before the New Year arrives, Coco Jones has a jam-packed but exciting holiday season. According to a recent press release, the platinum recording artist will be performing at the longstanding Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Then, on December 4 she will be heading to the Rockefeller Center for their NBC Christmas special. There, Coco Jones will be performing her Coco By The Fireplace EP. This four-pack features all original compositions by Jones. On it, she preaches self-love, self-worth, while also touching on wanting to have an old partner back in the picture. As she said in a recent IG post, “I’m tryna bring yall all the emotions this holiday” Speaking of emotions, this time of year means a lot to Coco. In another social media post, she mentioned just how important family is and all of the fond memories she holds near and dear from Christmas. “Christmas has always been such a special time for me After I’d be on the road all year long I could always come home to my family and my safe place & my mommas cooking ” She’s very happy to share that love with you all, so why not get into the holiday spirit with the links below.
The holiday season is the most magical time of the year for a lot of people. They love celebrating and getting in the spirit as soon as Halloween is in its waning moments. Decorations inside and out start to get put up, wish lists are made, and family time is spent as much as possible. Musicians do help in getting people in the right mindset, as carols and other iconic compositions are always on the radio or ringing throughout stores of all kinds. Overall, the really help spread that holiday cheer and set the vibes right for the next two months. California rapper Saweetie is looking to assist with that, as she is here with her Dear Big Santa EP.
Unless there’s someone we’ve missed, she looks to be the first in the genre to be releasing holiday tunes. These are her first Christmas songs of her career too, and they are naughty and nice. “I Want You This Christmas” is the cutesier and cuddlier record, as she sings and raps about treating her man right. However, “Big Santa” is the complete opposite. The are numerous sexual innuendos peppered throughout the song, such as “Put me on your wishlist, I know you wanna have me / I got a big bow on my body, unwrap me / Might be a little naughty, but you know I keep it classy (Mwah).” No matter where you fall on Santa’s list, Saweetie’s got you covered with an ideal anthem this Christmas.
“I Want You This Christmas” & “Big Santa” – Saweetie
Quotable Lyrics From “Big Santa”:
Better than any gift is you wrapped up beside me With you here like this Mm-mhm, underneath the tree No holidays is lonely With you next to me Oh-oh, I’m falling like the sno-ow
Earlier today, we mentioned how quite a fair amount of rappers were putting their unique spin on Christmas music. This is not a new trend amongst the hip-hop community, as countless artists have done something to celebrate the most joyous holiday of the year. For 2023 though, there have been some questionable attempts. One of those was RXKNephew’s “HAPPY HOLIDAYS.” That was a spin on Mariah Carey’s classic jam which is beloved and hated by many. Coincidentally, O.T. Genasis must have seen him do this.
The Georgia rapper and the New York native must be competing for who can make a worse rendition of the pop star’s magnum opus. RXKN’s was more cold-blooded and serious. It was hard to tell whether or not he was taking it seriously. O.T. Genasis’s efforts are clear as he hilariously sings along with the same melody.
Listen To “All I Wear For Cripmas” By O.T. Genasis
According to HipHopDX, this is a parody, which makes O.T.’s version more acceptable. It is called “All I Wear For Cripmas,” as the song represents his commitment to the blue apparel-wearing gang. Some of the gut-busting lyrics include gems like this. “I don’t want a lot for Cripmas / I just want to bang the C / I don’t care about no presents / I’m just going to smoke my trees / I’m just thuggin’ on my own / Come to the set and get put on / By me and my crew / All I wear for Cripmas is blue.”
What are your initial thoughts on this brand-new song, “All I Wear For Cripmas,” by O.T. Genasis? While this is a parody, is this one of the worst songs you have ever heard? Do you like when artists drop funny tracks like this, why or why not? Is this a sign that rappers need to stop making holiday songs? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around O.T. Genasis. Finally, stay with us for all of the best song posts throughout the week.
The holiday season is still in peak form even after Christmas has come and gone once again. 2024 is just five days away and people are getting ready to start fresh. But before that happens, some artists are wanting to release some more Christmas cheer to keep the vibes up. We have seen quite a few artists take their respective stabs at creating some version of holiday-centric music. Some landed better than others. Unfortunately, RXKNephew is going to receive a lump of coal from HNHH.
He has just come through with “HAPPY HOLIDAYS,” a YouTube exclusive release. RXKNephew hails from Rochester, New York, and we have not covered much of any of his material. He did land on Valee and Harry Fraud’s collaborative tape Virtuoso earlier this year. In addition, Nephew has dropped several projects and singles under his name. We have yet to check all of that out.
But, hearing this as his first song on the site is not a great start. Nephew does his best to rap on top of Mariah Carey’s classic, “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” However, he is so off beat and it just sounds awkward. Pair that with the ultra-aggressive lyrics and you have a recipe for disaster. We do not know if he was trying to make some sort of parody, or if he was trying. Because of that, we are left in disbelief after hearing this.
What are your initial thoughts on this brand-new song, “HAPPY HOLIDAYS,” by RXKNephew? Do you agree with the fans that this is some heat, or is just really bad? Were Nephew’s intentions for this track to be funny, or was he trying to be serious? If you think this is a bad song, is it the worst “holiday” song of all time? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around RXKNephew. Finally, stick with us for the best song posts throughout the week.
Sample flipping transcends genres by breathing new life into countless classics. Weaving the old and new, the mesh of sounds ties together both nostalgia and modernity. One such classic that has been interpolated, reused, and revamped is “12 Days Of Christmas.” Undoubtedly, the song, popularized by Frederic Austin, is among the most sampled Christmas tunes of all time across genres.
The original song is anything but Hip Hop or R&B. However, over the years, many artists have flipped the tune, creating excellent Hip Hop and R&B renditions. While there are many great examples, we have curated a short list of some of the best ones to check out. Here are seven of the best sample flips of “The 12 Days Of Christmas.”
On November 30, 2020, Fivio Foreign flipped “12 Days Of Christmas” for his holiday record, “Baddie On My Wish List.” The song is a Christmas-themed Apple Music exclusive, and one of the more interesting sample flips of “12 Days of Christmas.” Besides the obvious difference in genres, the lyrical content in Fivio’s rendition is also quite different from the original. In detail, on the first day of Christmas, Fivio Foreign did not receive a partridge in a pear tree. Instead, he says he put a baddie on his wish list. The rapper has many different things on his mind than turtle doves and gold rings. Its modern twist on “The 12 Days Of Christmas,” is something we are here for.
Gucci Mane released “12 Days Of Christmas” as a part of his commercial mixtape East Atlanta Santa 3on December 20, 2019. This track contains a sample flip of the OG version of the song. However, the beat also contains a sample flip of “Carol Of The Bells,” another Christmas staple. Gucci Mane’s trap offering of the classic song is a bop, to say the least. He may veer off the path of the original song a lot, but that’s part of what makes his version so good.
A charming and festive tune, “Angels Are Singing” is a Pop and R&B record by the talented Jordin Sparks. The song was released for digital download on November 27, 2011 on iTunes and Amazon. Moreover, it is the theme song for the ABC television movie 12 Dates Of Christmas subsequently released on December 11, 2011. On “Angels Are Singing,” Sparks takes the lyrics and melodies of “12 Days Of Christmas” and infuses it with R&B flair. The end product is a record that evokes nostalgia while appealing to their modern musical palate.
Veteran actor and musician Jamie Foxx has also taken a spin with the popular holiday tune. His R&B rendition was featured in the movie Hip Hop Family Christmas Wedding (2022). While he mostly follows the melody and progression of the OG version, the lyrics of Foxx’s version are very different. For example, his true love gave him “four Birkin bags,” “11 Lamborghinis,” and “10 tennis braces,” among other things. Besides the expensive gifts at the core of his rendition, this version of the song is sure to get listeners moving.
3. “12 Days Of Christmas” – Pentatonix
Pentatonix is known for their intricate musical arrangements and harmonies. Over the years, the group has covered several holiday classics, interpreting them in interesting ways each time. Likewise, on their rendition of “12 Days Of Christmas,” they deliver another interesting vocal performance. Pentatonix is one of the most popular acapella groups in the world, and considering their catalog, they have earned their fame. “12 Days Of Christmas” is completely driven by the voices of the group’s five members. Regardless, the absence of an instrumental is barely felt, which is honestly quite iconic.
“12 Days” is the fifth track on Ginuwine’s eighth studio album, A Ginuwine Christmas. Released on October 11, 2011, the 10-track album contains covers of Christmas classics, including “Joy to the World,” and “Silent Night.” While “12 Days” was not released as a single like the aforementioned tracks, it remains one of the album’s standouts. Ginuwine’s R&B interpretation of “12 Days Of Christmas” is smooth, yet striking. Certainly, it deserves its spot on this list, and is one of the most iconic sample flips of the iconic holiday song.
1. “8 Days Of Christmas” – Destiny’s Child
Containing arguably the most iconic sample flip of “12 Days of Christmas,” this song is one of Destiny’s Child’s most recognizable holiday offerings. “8 Days Of Christmas” is the title track and lead single of the group’s fourth studio album. The production blends Hip Hop and R&B elements, creating a modern and upbeat holiday track. In addition, the arrangement includes catchy melodies and intricate harmonies that elevate the track.
Christmas is nearly upon us, and the air is already charged with its magic. It’s the season of festive cheer, twinkling lights, and timeless tunes that typically propagate the holiday spirit. However, nestled among the jolly classics is a subgenre that elicits reactions ranging from amusement to secondhand embarrassment. This, folks, is the realm of cringey holiday Hip Hop songs.
Hip-hop artists traverse a fine line between catchy celebration and unbearable awkwardness when they try to weave their lyrical magic into the fabric of Christmas traditions. While some find the sweet spot and create magic, others, unfortunately, end up with offerings Santa would frown at. Thankfully, the list of great holiday Hip Hop tracks is longer than that of the cringy ones. For example, Ye’s “Christmas in Harlem,” and Jeezy’s “Hustlaz Holiday” are getting a spin this season. However, there are still quite several uncomfortable songs in existence, and the following seven take the cake.
“Christmas Song” was released as a part of Jim Jones & Skull Gang’s compilation album A Tribute To Bad Santa Starring Mike Epps in 2008. The Christmas-themed Hip Hop album contains 19 songs. However, “Christmas Song” particularly stands out. While it features a catchy beat, the lyrics of the song are unbelievably corny. Can one really listen to “Wrap your lips and tongue around me / I’ll slide my gift under your tree” with a straight face? Getting through the song is quite a task because listeners will wince for most of it. It is admittedly quite groovy, but even that is not enough to save it from being terribly cringy.
6. “Christmas In The Ghetto” – Master P & C-Murder
The concept of this song is certainly an interesting one. However, it’s hard to say its execution was handled properly. Listeners can already tell a few seconds into the song that it may not offer much. Unfortunately, it disappoints even more than expected. From the horrendous chorus to the verses about robbery, drugs, and ghetto tales, there’s a disconnect. Despite the artists’ efforts, it is one of many meager holiday Hip Hop songs, and a chore to sit through. “Christmas In The Ghetto” appears on the 11-track mixtape, Westcoast Bad Boyz: High Fo Xmas released in 1994.
5. “How Sean Price Stole Christmas” – Sean Price
Beginning with a sample of the classic “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch,” this song tells a story that’s a little too detailed. To his credit, Sean Price completely embodies the character of Mr. Grinch, expressing his abject hatred for Christmas. However, his narration and descriptions go maybe a bit too far, making the song a not-so-pleasant listening experience. Nevertheless, some may find it intriguing, or even enjoyable, but they are likely in the minority. Despite its Hip Hop bounce and impressive delivery, this is not a holiday song you’d want to play in most gatherings.
With “Jingle Bellz,” Juelz Santana and Starr had an opportunity to create an unforgettable holiday song. The song was meant to be a smooth blend of Hip Hop and R&B elements. However, it ended up being just another badly written cover of a classic Christmas tune. While Starr delivers impressive vocals, its impact is countered and overshadowed by lackluster lyrics. Additionally, Juelz Santana delivered a forgettable verse, and his presence is barely felt on the track. The pair squandered the chance to make a great song, and turned it into a cringy materialistic tune instead.
3. “The Christmas Song” – David Banner Ft. Marcus & Sky
David Banner’s holiday Hip Hop offering contains an interpolation of the Christmas staple “Tidings Of Comfort And Joy.” Besides its catchy beat, that’s arguably the only comforting or joyful thing about this song. “It’s winter time and we steal, cannot find a job / We fill out applications, but you treat us like we’re slobs / So we rob and we steal, we’re just trying to get a meal…” so goes the song’s chorus. Without a doubt, it’s a catchy song. However, justifying theft, even in a song, is not a good look. “The Christmas Song” would be one of the best holiday Hip Hop songs around if only it had been written differently.
2. “Deck My Balls” – Afroman
Afroman’s cover of “Deck The Halls” is an acapella track, and contains arguably the most outrageous opening line on this list. If “lick my b*lls with lots of saliva” doesn’t make you cringe, I don’t know what will. Although Afroman goes on to say some less outrageous things, it’s impossible to recover from his opening line. The song barely exceeds a minute and a half, but it certainly deserves its spot on this list. The absence of a beat makes it impossible to ignore Afroman’s words, so there is no saving grace.
We’ll come out and say it. If listeners only take the beat and Killer Mike’s delivery into consideration, this song is a hit. However, things begin to get dark pretty quickly when attention is paid to the lyrics. Not only does Killer Mike say he will rob people, but he also outlines how exactly he’ll go about doing it. Certainly, that’s not the kind of Christmas grind anyone should be focused on. Besides the interpolation of the melody for “Carol Of The Bells,” nothing about this song spells Christmas or cheer. “Christmas Grind” is one of the most inappropriate holiday Hip Hop songs out there.
Every year, Mariah Carey decides when it’s time for holiday music season to begin. It’s kinda true, but hey, no matter what the Billboard Hot 100 chart tells us, it’s not all about Mariah Carey at Christmastime (right?) There is in fact other new holiday music from artists who have never had children with Nick Cannon (shocking!) and many of them you’ll actually want to listen to. So check out our picks for the best new holiday music from the 2022 season below (And we promise, there’s only one Wham! cover in the mix)
The Linda Lindas – “Groovy Xmas”
Is there anything these kids can’t do? Teenage punks The Linda Lindas were inspired by holiday songs from some of their classic punk faves like Alice Bag, Redd Kross, and Shonen Knife, and “Groovy Xmas” definitely doesn’t take itself seriously. They hop around generational yuletide pop culture references from The Grinch Who Stole Christmas and It’s Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown, to PSL’s and yes, even Mariah Carey for a song that does its best to assure that the holidays are fun. (They even played it on Kimmel!)
Phoebe Bridgers – “So Much Wine”
Another year and another wonderful holiday cover to benefit a nonprofit by Phoebe Bridgers. This time, Bridgers takes on “So Much Wine” by alt-country duo The Handsome Family and is donating proceeds to the Los Angeles LGBT Center. It’s a sad song about having a loved one with a drinking problem, and trying your best to talk some sense into them around holiday time. A gentle acoustic guitar nestles up to a violin, and if that whistling sounds familiar, it’s because Andrew Bird joins Bridgers on this one.
David Byrne – “Fat Man’s Comin’”
After more than 50 years in the business, this is somehow the former Talking Heads leader’s first-ever holiday song. The horns sound like the opening to a sinister holiday villain flick. And Byrne said he had a different type of…err…villain, in mind for this one. “I wouldn’t call it a Christmas song, as the visitation of Santa (formerly known as St. Nicholas, who mainly did punishing) seems to have evolved to be a more secular consumer moment than a religious or spiritual affair.” Funny enough, Byrne actually wrote this song around the time when he was working with St. Vincent on Love This Giant, but thought it wasn’t right for that project (even though horns feel very much of that era.) The song is also a benefit for Byrne’s mental health-focused non-profit publication, Reasons To Be Cheerful.
Kurt Vile – “Must Be Santa”
It’s a Vile family Christmas! Kurt Vile was joined by his two young daughters for this cover of Bob Dylan’s cover (you following along?) of “Must Be Santa.” Gone is Dylan’s punk party accordion and in its place is a balmy, upbeat synth with the wee Viles joining pops on the hook.
Tkay Maidza – “Nights In December”
On “Nights In December,” the Zimbabwe-born, Aussie electro rapper shoots to recreate the feeling of wintertime in New York City (see: beautiful, but cold as heck!) The best part about this one is how it doesn’t really sound much like your typical holiday song, as much as an uptempo love song about capturing a year-end moment. She does it well.
Los Bitchos – “Los Chrismos”
The London instrumental foursome’s new internationally-inspired holiday tune is a blend of South American cumbia with Turkish psych and wavy Dick Dale-style guitars. And while it’s a largely lyricless tune (besides a “Christmas time! Sexy times!” chant), it feels decidedly of the holiday period; like what Santa might be playing in his sleigh as he races to deliver presents around the world.
Kadhja Bonet – “California Holiday”
Part of the new California Holiday EP of mostly covers that Bonet calls “a modern take on the typical magical Christmas story,” the title track represents the elegant singer’s first original holiday tune. This represents a milestone for her, as Bonet’s never been much of a fan of the holidays until recently. But with its warm strings, retro soul drums, and choral backing vocals, “California Holiday” shows that she’s very much on the other side of the Ebenezer Scrooge transformation.
Future Islands – “Last Christmas”
We promised you a Wham! cover and now you’ve got it. And look, there are once again a lot of covers of “Last Christmas” this year, but it’s Future Islands’ spin that does it best this time around. Maybe it’s because they don’t try to mess with George Michael timeless formula too much? Because it truly sounds like the soundtrack to an ’80s teen holiday movie. But perhaps it’s because Samuel T. Herring is one of the most engaging singers on the planet. And it’s not just an homage to the classic, it’s one that’s very much in the shape of the original.
Sam Smith – “Night Before Christmas”
Sam Smith can do no wrong. The LGBTQ+ icon just melted hearts with their subtle-but-powerful lyric tweak to “Stay With Me” at a Respect For Marriage Act celebratory performance on the wintery White House lawn. Now on this original holiday tune, Smith sings over a lush guitar and peaceful organ about a romantic evening in a fireplace-warmed living room. “Night Before Christmas” is also a part of Smith’s ongoing The Holly And The Ivy holiday compilation series, so we can expect more gems like this for years to come.
Remi Wolf – “Winter Wonderland”
Remi Wolf actually put out two holiday singles this year. But since we’ve already filled our quota of covers of Wham!’s “Last Christmas,” it’s her take on “Winter Wonderland” that we’ll highlight here. Wolf is clearly having a grand ol’ time on this classic, letting her vocal punctuations fly in elated space as she turns your speakers into a very cool holiday cabaret.
Emily King – “This Year”
If there were a theme to King’s new year-end tune, it’d be “treat yo-self!” The indie pop singer says that she, “…Wrote ‘This Year’ last New Year’s Eve after realizing I’d spent most of my time vying for the attention of someone who couldn’t love me back.” It celebrates getting comfortable with yourself and unapologetically thinking about your psyche first and foremost. It has a killer bridge as King sings, “This year gonna hit my stride, I’m livin in my best life, this year.”
The first song of Grohl & Kurstin’s yearly “The Hanukkah Sessions” for 2022 sees them being led by Apatow in a cover of Blood, Sweat & Tears’ 1968 flower child jam, “Spinning Wheel.” This was a live performance that took place at a full-on The Hanukkah Sessions event in Los Angeles earlier this month that’ll yield collabs with Beck, Pink, Karen O, and others for each of Hanukkah’s eight nights. Apatow was a gregarious vocalist, coming across like the beloved Krusty the Klown kicking off a holiday special. It’s a swell way to once again begin the delightful annual series.
Greeensleeves – “This Could Be Christmas (Slow)”
Back for its second year, Slow Xmas is a holiday comp produced by Blank Check with Griffin and David podcast producer Ben Hosley, where the prompt for the compilation had one demand: “Gotta be slow.” The artists take a range of interpretations on those directions: From Electric Santa’s krampus-slowcore “We Three Slow Kings,” or a very slowed-down Christmas tale by 99% Invisible podcast host Roman Mars, “A Slow Visit From St. Nicholas.” But it’s Greeensleeves’ “This Could Be Christmas” that drives slowly without feeling altered. A buzzing synth and heartbeat-like thump make the song feel like snuggling on a couch with a mulled wine in hand after a big meal.
Some of the artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Every year we hear a lot of the same classic holiday songs. There’s no denying the holiday power of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas,” or DMX’s “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer.” But bless the artists who keep pushing the holiday music envelope and are giving us new tunes to break up the monotony of the season. So with that, these were the songs, albums, and more that stole the show this holiday season.
There I Ruined It’s Mariah Carey x Twisted Sister Christmas Mash-Up
You didn’t think you were gonna get through this list without a Mariah Carey song, did you? So we’ll get it out of the way right now, but it’s not what you think. The folks at the There I Ruined It YouTube channel present some of the most unpredictable mash-ups of songs. Think Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” expertly collided with a K-Pop band. For the holiday season, however, they have taken the liberty of mashing up Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas” with Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take it” in dedication to “the warriors of Christmas retail during another Mariah Carey Season.” It’s the stuff that holiday heavy metal dreams are made of. I wonder if Mariah’s gotten wind of this one yet? While she’d probably be repulsed, she’d certainly applaud the fact that the song is part of the “Un-Ruin Christmas” fundraiser for Toys For Tots. Donate here.
HAIM’s Reboot of Adam Sandler’s “The Hanukkah Song”
The Sandman created a timeless joint back in his SNL days with “The Hanukkah Song,” but who better to give it a re-fresh than Los Angeles’ most famous trio of Jewish sisters, Haim? But you know what the funniest thing is about this song? It’s the little differences. Maya Rudolph, Japanese Breakfast, and Bryce and Aaron Dessner of The National kick off the tune’s laundry list of famous Jews, then instead of naming who “eats together at the Carnegie Deli” (a la Sandler’s original), Este, Alana, and Danielle swap in LA institution “Canter’s Deli.” The Haim version has a distinct knack for including prevalent pop culture personalities and lines like “Doja Cat’s half-Jewish, Chalamet’s half too. Put ‘em both together, what a fine-looking Jew!” would make the Sandman proud. The big payoff comes at the end of the clip, when we find out that the video released during Hanukkah, is actually a clever ruse to tease their 2022 tour.
The LCD Soundsystem Holiday Special Featuring the All My Friends Sitcom
If you hadn’t heard yet, the Omicron coronavirus variant forced LCD Soundsystem to cancel the final three shows of their 20-night residency at New York City venue Brooklyn Steel. It’s definitely the prudent move given the circumstances in NYC right now, but rest assured, you can celebrate with LCD Soundsystem on Christmas week by watching their brand new holiday special. The LCD Soundsystem Holiday Special is part concert and part LCD sitcom, and the sitcom is directed by comedic genius Eric Wareheim. It stars Wareheim as James Murphy, alongside Macaulay Culkin, Aparna Nancherla, Luenelle, and more. It airs on December 22nd via Amazon Music here and the trailer below is can’t miss stuff.
Jhené Aiko – “Wrap Me Up”
A holiday love song from Aiko, “Wrap Me Up” opens with jingle bells and a harp as she hopes to spend the holiday season with a lover by the fire. Where a lot of holiday pop comes across as an over-produced year-end formality, Aiko’s gorgeous voice is undeniable here. She evokes the imagery of the sights, sounds, and feel of the holiday season as she sings:
“Every December you’d make sure you’re here
So I pray as soon as I wake
That we spend today up under each other
‘Cause there’s nothing more I need
Than you here with me, no gift would be better”
A Very She & Him Christmas Deluxe Edition
There is no album I’ve played more this holiday season than the now classic and officially ten years old holiday album from the She & Him duo of Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward. Deschanel’s voice has this built-in nostalgia that makes us think about her singing Christmas carols in the movie Elf, an iconic modern Christmas tale if there ever was one. But I digress, because the deluxe version of A Very She & Him Christmas comes with new bonus material like a cover of Madonna’s “Holiday,” and a splendid take on “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas” that’s a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll. Also, all proceeds from album sales benefit 826 National, which funds creative writing programs for kids. Get it at Bandcamp.
Nathaniel Rateliff and Jon Batiste’s Video Magic On “Run Rudolph Run”
Chuck Berry’s raucous “Run Rudolph Run” always seems to call to mind the Home Alone scene when the McAllister family is running for dear life through Chicago’s O’Hare Airport as they attempt to barely make their flight to Paris. Now the soul and folk rock and roll of Nathaniel Rateliff meets the dizzying multi-instrumentalism of 11-time 2022 Grammy Award nominee Jon Batiste on this new version. Debuted at the end of a Late Night With Stephen Colbert episode (where Batiste serves as the bandleader), they totally do Berry’s bluesy song justice. But the way they filmed their video is eye-popping to say the least, as our eyes are drawn to multiple Jons and Nathaniels playing the song. Watch it below.
Gucci Mane and 1017’s So Icy Christmas mixtape
Gucci Mane has put his East Atlanta Santa series to bed and now has the So Icy Christmas mixtape on deck featuring artists from his 1017 records label. 1017 Signees like Big Scarr, BigWalkDog, Enchanting, and Hotboy Wes grace tracks on the album that don’t necessarily fit into the holiday theme, but it’s the Christmas bangers that Gucci Mane himself is on that stand out best. Album opener “Street Ni66a Christmas” is produced by long-time collaborator Zaytoven. “All I Want For Christmas” is a street rap Christmas carol for the ages, where Gucci Mane spits: “All I want for Christmas is my Glock with the extension / A handgun with some monkey nuts, that’s all I want for Christmas.” He then takes a moment to say a prayer for Young Dolph on the Metro Boomin and Zaytoven-produced tribute track, “Long Live Dolph.” As far as holiday music traditions in rap go, Gucci Mane might as well be on his way to sainthood.
Kurstin x Grohl: The Hanukkah Sessions 2021
Picking up on the tradition they started last year, Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl and super-producer Greg Kurstin (Adele, Sia, Foos) posted a YouTube video of them performing a cover of a song by a Jewish artist on each of the eight nights of Hanukkah. It was something to look forward during Hanukkah with Grohl (not Jewish) and Kurstin (Jewish) performing songs like Van Halen’s “Jump” (shout out David Lee Roth,) “Copacabana” with Grohl doing his best Barry Manilow impression, and Amy Winehouse’s “Take The Box,” with Grohl’s daughter Violet on lead vocals.
Jucee Froot As A Raunchy Grinch In The “Christmas List” Video”
Christmas just got a little more ratchet with Jucee Froot’s latest…errrr…holiday video. The rapper tips her Santa cap to the magic of Dr. Seuss with her provocative Grinch costume that spares no detail (all the way down to the green body paint. Uproxx Hip-Hop Editor Aaron Williams said this one best: “Her daughter’s also in the video, which lends another layer of heightened absurdism to the proceedings as Jucee reels off a Christmas list that will probably not only land her on the naughty list, but also send Santa to the doghouse for a week should Mrs. Claus peek over his shoulder while reading it.” Smash that play button below.
Beach Bunny – “Christmas Caller”
Holidays or not, this is just a damn great song and a welcome addition to the indie rock holiday music canon. Singer Lili Trifilio has a knack for oh so sweet hooks and she rides a poppy guitar hook on this one while delivering sugar cookie and cinnamon spice dusted “doo doo doos.”
Some of the artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
” Speaking of emotions, this time of year means a lot to Coco. In another social media post, she mentioned just how important family is and all of the fond memories she holds near and dear from Christmas. “Christmas has always been such a special time for me 
After I’d be on the road all year long I could always come home to my family and my safe place & my mommas cooking 
” She’s very happy to share that love with you all, so why not get into the holiday spirit with the links below. 
