By Scott Michael

Chance The Rapper has had quite the 2016, from Coloring Book, to his collaborative mixtape with Lil B, the Free Based Freestyles Mixtape, and now a collaborative Christmas mixtape with fellow Chicagoan Jeremih, titled Merry Christmas Lil’ Mama.

While I may not have been the biggest fan of Coloring Book, there is no denying Chance’s talent and charm. He wins people with his smile, and he charms us all with his actions. He has been invited to The White House for the lighting of the Christmas Tree, he led people to go vote in Chicago, he performed on Saturday Night Live (again), and he was on every late night show you can think of, even Ellen.

Starting this album I was not expecting anything but a fun Christmas album, and I got exactly what I wanted. The album kicks off with the track “All the Way.” It starts off with a sample from the movie A Christmas Story, which was filmed in my hometown of Cleveland, so that got me to enjoy the track from the beginning. Jeremih has such a soulful voice that fits perfectly into a soulful, fun Christmas album. Every hook and verse he has on this track and others is smooth and nothing feels forced.

“Snowed In” is basically an R&B/rap version of “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” It is a track that makes you want to just cuddle and make love with your special someone.

The track “Stranger At The Table” samples from The Jackson 5 track “I Want You Back,” and it is an absolutely infectious track about wanting your girl back and not wanting to be lonely on Christmas. Jeremih almost sounds like he could’ve been in The Jackson 5 – his voice really fits with this beat.

The track “Joy” just reminds us what we should all remember this Christmas, and that is to just have joy.  We should just appreciate those around us and be grateful. “I’m Your Santa” is not my favorite track, but what Chance tries to do with teaching a line dance is the bright spot of this track. “I Shoulda Left You” is an ode to the things and people we should leave behind in 2016. Jeremih and Chance both want to leave this crappy year behind, and who could blame them? However I do find it funny that two of the most successful artists of 2016, hate this year. This was an absolutely great track, and this track will probably be the one that catches on as this year closes out, especially for the catchy hook.  The only downside to this track is the super generic, lame verse of Lud Foe. Also R.I.P. Craig Sager.

On “The Tragedy” Chance is talking about a homeless man who is sitting on the corner. This homeless man seems to be the old flame of Noname, who comes through with another conscious verse. Noname was also a massive winner this year. Chicago has mass produced great hip hop talent. “Chi Town Christmas” has Jeremih making a humming and snapping beat, all the while, while Chance raps over a similar beat to “Carol of the Bells.” Merry Christmas Lil’ Mama goes over a fun, fast beat. Jeremih starts off by rapping about wating his girl with him on Christmas, and also how his mom’s house is full of love and family. The second verse by King Louie is complete garbage, he raps a very misogynistic verse about women. Then Chance comes in honoring his fallen friend Rashad, and wishig Jesus a happy birthday.  Closing out the tape King Louie, Jeremih, and Chance all wish lil’ mama a happy birthday. With the closing lines of the tape being “(Happy Holidays!), Christmas dinner, you did that, Merry Christmas, lil’ mama.”

Chance The Rapper is the most likeable rapper out right now, and it is not hard to tell why. He has stuck with his gut and not signed with a label. He gives his fans the music for free. He keeps that smile and grace that has gotten him this far. Chance will be a star for years to come, he may even win Grammy awards all the while being an independent rapper. Chance is changing the game, and he has even elevated guys like Jeremih who are equally as likeable. He even got Noname into the spotlight.

So with that have a very happy holidays, and have a very very happy new year, Let’s all be like Chance and Jeremih and leave the bad shit in 2016.

Fav tracks – “Snowed In,” “Stranger At The Table,” “Joy,” “I Shoulda Left You,” “The Tragedy”

Least Fav track – “Chi Town Christmas”

Score: 4.5/5

Happy Holidays,

Scott Michael