Jeremih & Chance – Merry Christmas Lil Mama (Album Review)

Chance The Rapper and Jeremih love themselves some Christmas, cause for two straight years they released an EP that has them twisting some of our favorite Christmas tunes into Hip Hop magic! This review looks at both of them.

TOP 5

5. STRANGER AT THE TABLE

This song is more of Chances song featuring Jeremih, as he actually raps on it for quite a bit. Jeremih does provide a great rendition of ‘Baby Give me one more chance’ by adding in some broke baby daddy lyrics to it.

Despite the ghetto content of the song, you will love the energy attached to it.

4. DOWN WITH THAT

In a weird way, this song reminds me of some 1970’s music that those black kids with them high water pants would boogie to. (Not dance, boogie!)

Jeremih sounds amazing on this track, as he drops these very sentimental lyrics that will absolutely warm your heart. When you add the ‘Do do doo’s’ that he sings, you will want to sit on the floor with a blanket over you.

Chance’s part is minuscule on this song, as he plays the background singer that gets an opportunity to shine every once in a while. He does drop a pretty dope rap at the end, one that is super childish.

3. I’M YOUR SANTA

I’m your Santa is funky as hell! It’s that get down with the get down type music we all sought for at a holiday party.

Jeremih’s voice was meant for a song like this! (That whole event/wedding singer voice) He electrifies on this song, as he implores all the people at the table to put down their plate of peanuts and shake their ass (At least that’s the feeling I get from the song).

Chance’s part is short, but very purposeful! It’s literally the Christmas equivalent to ‘Wobeddy, wobbedy, drop drop it like its hot’.

2. HELD IT DOWN

If you want that vintage Chance that is random, goofy, and witty all at the same time, you got it for free 99 here! Over this silky smooth beat, Chance goes belligerent, giving us the many reasons why he deserves to celebrate with his homies this holiday season. Is it a random topic to talk about? Very, but that’s why we love Chance, right?

Jeremih compliments Chance on this song, sorta playing that little angel on his shoulder. (I love when he’s used like that)

You trippin’ if you don’t like this s–t!

1. I SHOULDA LEFT

‘I Shoulda Left’ allows for Chance to be as free as he can be on it, and he takes full advantage. Chances contributions on the song are very jumpy, as it feels like he sung the song while jumping on his mothers bed.

I’m not sure who that is on the second verse, but he puts up a very good “f–k I mean ‘hood’ verse! He needs to watch mixing and matching the LORD with all that reckless ass s–t though.

All Jeremih had to do on this particular song was come to the studio and lay down a verse – This is absolutely Chances song, and he just kicked it out to Jeremih for the corner three pointer.

I love the topic of this song! Let’s leave these useless people in 2016! My nomination is
to leave Soulja Boy in 2016! S–t, he shoulda been left in 2009 with Rich Boy.

SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

DISC 1

1. ALL THE WAY (4.9/5)

2. SNOWED IN (4.5/5)

3. STRANGER AT THE TABLE (4.7/5)

4. JOY (4/5)

5. I’M YOUR SANTA (4.5/5)

6. SHOULDA LEFT (5/5)

7. THE TRAGEDY (4/5)

8. CHI TOWN CHRISTMAS (3.9/5)

9. MERRY CHRISTMAS LIL MAMA (4/5)

DISC 2

1. DOWN WITH IT (5/5)
2. LIL BIT (N/A)
3. HELD IT DOWN (5/5)
4. BIG KID AGAIN (4.5/5)
5. LET IT SNOW (3.9/5)
6. FAMILY FOR (4/5)
7. MS. PARKER (4.1/5)
8. ONE MORE CRY (3.9/5)
9. ARE U LIVE (3.4/5)
10. STRANGER AT THE TABLE (PIANO REMIX) (4/5)

OVERALL RATING

8.2/10

I was pretty skeptical of how good this Mixtape would be quality-wise, and it is actually very complete sounding to me! Chance and Jeremih are joined by some very astute production throughout this album, showing that this was more of a planned out Mixtape release than a spontaneous/sloppy one (cough, cough 1017 vs. The World)’.

I tend to like the more original sounding songs than the ones that try to follow the whole Christmas music path… (Folks, no one is going to sing your favorite Christmas songs better than the original (Let alone rappers), so just go and download the original versions of these old ass Christmas songs why don’t ya!)

While I think this Mixtape is split pretty evenly, Chance (as usual) stands out the most to me. Christmas time is at its best when it has this whole youthful feel to it, and that’s literally the brand that Chance tries to promote. His joyous approach that mimics those overly excited rich kids that can’t wait to open their Playstation 7’s (yes, rich kids can afford the newest playstations even if it isn’t out yet) on Christmas day is satisfying to listen to.

Jeremih is not bad on this Mixtape though, he just gives off more of a ‘James Fauntleroy’ impact on this album than a ‘leading role’ impact. Nonetheless, when he does get a chance to shine, he definitely gives us some inspiring s–t!

Overall, it’s Christmas, enjoy the Mixtape damnit!