West's second and third studio albums, Late Registration (2005) and Graduation (2007), both debuted at the top of the Billboard 200, with the latter becoming his most commercially successful to date. Three of his subsequent albums—808s & Heartbreak (2008), My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010), and The Life of Pablo (2016)—were certified triple platinum, while Yeezus (2013) was certified double platinum. Although not as well-received critically as his previous works, Ye (2018), Jesus Is King (2019), and Donda (2021) continued West's streak of consecutive number-one debuts on the Billboard 200. West has also released collaborative albums including Watch the Throne (2011) with Jay-Z, Kids See Ghosts (2018) with Kid Cudi, and Vultures 1 and Vultures 2 (2024) with Ty Dolla Sign. In fashion design, he has collaborated with Nike, Inc., Louis Vuitton, and Gap Inc. on clothing and footwear, and led the Yeezy collaboration with Adidas.
One of the world's best-selling music artists with 160 million records sold, West has won 24 Grammy Awards, the joint 11th-most of all time and the most awarded for any hip hop artist along with Jay-Z. His other accolades include a Billboard Artist Achievement Award, a joint-record three Brit Awards for Best International Male Solo Artist, and the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. West holds the joint record with Bob Dylan for most albums (four) topping the annual Pazz & Jop critic poll. Time named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2005 and 2015. West's first six solo albums were included on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list in 2020, with the same publication naming him one of the 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time.
West's outspoken views have received significant media coverage. He has been a frequent source of controversy due to his conduct on social media, at award shows, and in public settings, as well as his comments on the music and fashion industries, U.S. politics, race, and slavery. His Christian faith, high-profile marriage to Kim Kardashian, and mental health have also been topics of media attention. In 2020, West launched an unsuccessful independent presidential campaign that advocated for a consistent life ethic. In October 2022, he was widely condemned and lost many sponsors and partnerships, including his collaborations with Adidas, Gap, and Balenciaga, after making a series of antisemitic statements, including denying the Holocaust.
CHRISTMAS
Kanye West Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Right after autumn falls
Soakin' it all in
Then we go hit the mall
Even though we ain't ballin'
Feels like we bought it all
The mistletoe's right here
Come give a kiss to Santa Claus
Merry Christmas to all, and all a good night
Huh, now we all livin' the good life
Yeah, though it's forty below the wind chill
And we wipin' snow up off the windshield
It's still, wonderful night to be alive, baby
And I'm, so happy I'm with my baby
And we a little late with the Christmas gifts
Rushin' for the mall, don't trip, you know I drive crazy
The streets lit up, it feel like Christmas officially
Told her that "You the star at the top of my Christmas tree"
My only question is, "Where my presents?"
She said, "Shhh" she got a gift for me that ain't for the kids to see
Well, I like the way you think, mami
Now pour some more eggnog in you drink, mami
You've been a bad girl, give Santa three kisses
Gave her the hot chocolate, she said "It's Dee-ricious"
Christmas in Harlem
Right after autumn falls
Soakin' it all in
Then we go hit the mall
Even though we ain't ballin'
Feels like we bought it all
The mistletoe's right here
Come give a kiss to Santa Claus
And I remember when I couldn't play Santa Claus
No reindeer's, just horses and a Panamera Porcshe
We on two fifth shopping, what the damage cost
I got your fam' while you bidding in the can up north
Woops, I'm at Niemens I hope they still got em
You want the thigh high spikes with the red bottoms
Let's make a toast cause Christ is born
We gon' party all night til the lights come on
Christmas in Harlem
Right after autumn falls
Soakin' it all in
Then we go hit the mall
Even though we ain't ballin'
Feels like we bought it all
The mistletoe's right here
Come give a kiss to Santa Claus
Yeah, mom and dad I won't be home for the holidays
I'm over 800 miles away
In the city that's so pretty
Where the hustlers dash through the snow without a sleigh
Tell my family that I'm sorry that I gotta stay
I'm with Ye at the Macy Day parade
Letting the snow fall on my aviator shades
Even though I'm in New York I'm still reppin' for the A
Christmas in Harlem
Right after autumn falls
Soakin' it all in
Then we go hit the mall
Even though we ain't ballin'
Feels like we bought it all
The mistletoe's right here
Come give a kiss to Santa Claus
On the stoop of that Brownstone shoveling the brownstone
Santa's on a diet, gotta get the pounds gone
Down town got me feeling like it's Dow Jones
But uptown got me feeling like it's down home
Snow like sugar hill
Chains on wheels
We turn our two doors into snowmobiles
We got our own style, no Soho feel
Put on your play clothes, how that logo feel?
Oh, pause for them photo stills
You don't wanna miss a moment
Where's your NoDoz pills
I caught her looking at my Rollie as my mojo spills
Snowflakey on the bezel
Hope you know those real
Okay my white girl Veronica
Black girl Monica
Got me celebrating ChristmaHanuKwanzaakah
Rocking dashikis with a yarmulke
Where the Christmas tree at? Let's design it up!
Christmas in Harlem
Right after autumn falls
Soakin' it all in
Then we go hit the mall
Even though we ain't ballin'
Feels like we bought it all
The mistletoe's right here
Come give a kiss to Santa Claus
Lenox Ave to Saint Nick
Never seen St Nick
Just niggas selling the same nicks, the same bricks
Same hustlers running up the broadway
That's where the snow's at, taste it, foreplay
No turkey or greens, just Jimbo's
Christmas lights in project windows
Shouts to the coldest on my barometer
Berkman, Shapiro, Kalina, Hanukkah (My lawyers)
All the flashin' lights up on a tree
The house lit up ni-ice
Wit' your family's where you wanna be
Here on Christmas night
When you wake up and you see the gifts
Don't that make you feel go-ood?
So since we all snowed in in Harlem
Let's have Christmas in the hoo-hood
All of the flashin' lights
Yeah, when they shine so bright
Always for you and me
Baby, you're Christmas Eve
If you like what you see
Won't you come sit on my knee?
Tell me everything that you want
'Cause, baby, I'm your Santa Claus
Christmas in Harlem
Right after autumn falls
Soakin' it all in
Then we go hit the mall
Even though we ain't ballin'
Feels like we bought it all
The mistletoe's right here
Come give a kiss to Santa Claus
Kanye West's "Christmas in Harlem" is a festive song about experiencing the holiday season in New York City. The opening verse talks about the transition from autumn to winter and the excitement of shopping at the mall, even if the singer can't afford everything they want. The chorus is an invitation to kiss Santa Claus under the mistletoe, and the rest of the song describes various scenes and experiences of Christmas in Harlem.
The song is primarily about enjoying the holiday season, being with loved ones, and celebrating life's blessings. Even though it may be cold outside, the singer feels grateful and happy to be alive. They may be behind on their Christmas shopping or have other obligations, but they are still able to find joy in the season.
Some of the verses are more specific, like mentions of Christmas lights in project windows or shopping at Nieman Marcus. The last verse name checks specific lawyers and celebrates the diversity of holiday celebrations in Harlem, from Christmas to Hanukkah.
Overall, "Christmas in Harlem" is a feel-good song that celebrates the holiday season and finding joy in small moments. It's a reminder that even if you don't have everything you want, you can still appreciate what you have and the people you love.
Line by Line Meaning
Christmas in Harlem
Celebrating Christmas in the neighborhood of Harlem
Right after autumn falls
Immediately after the season of autumn
Soakin' it all in
Enjoying and appreciating the atmosphere and festivities
Then we go hit the mall
Visiting the shopping mall
Even though we ain't ballin'
Although we don't have a lot of money
Feels like we bought it all
Feels like we have purchased everything
The mistletoe's right here
The mistletoe is present and ready for kissing
Come give a kiss to Santa Claus
Come and participate in the holiday tradition of kissing Santa Claus under the mistletoe
Merry Christmas to all, and all a good night
Wishing everyone a joyful Christmas and a good night
Huh, now we all livin' the good life
Currently, we are all experiencing a happy and fulfilling life
Yeah, though it's forty below the wind chill
Even though the temperature feels freezing
And we wipin' snow up off the windshield
Removing snow from the car windshield
It's still, wonderful night to be alive, baby
Despite the cold weather, it is still a fantastic and precious night to be alive
And I'm, so happy I'm with my baby
I am extremely delighted to be with my significant other
And we a little late with the Christmas gifts
We are running a bit behind schedule with our gift-giving
Rushin' for the mall, don't trip, you know I drive crazy
Hastily heading to the mall, don't worry, I have a tendency to drive recklessly
The streets lit up, it feel like Christmas officially
The illuminated streets create an official Christmas atmosphere
Told her that 'You the star at the top of my Christmas tree'
Expressing to her that she is the most important and cherished part of his Christmas
My only question is, 'Where my presents?'
Playfully asking where his gifts are
She said, 'Shhh' she got a gift for me that ain't for the kids to see
She reveals that she has a special gift for him that should remain private
Well, I like the way you think, mami
Expressing admiration for her thoughts and ideas
Now pour some more eggnog in your drink, mami
Suggesting to add more eggnog to her drink
You've been a bad girl, give Santa three kisses
Playfully referring to her as a naughty girl and requesting three kisses from her
Gave her the hot chocolate, she said 'It's Dee-ricious'
Offered her hot chocolate and she expressed how delicious it is
And I remember when I couldn't play Santa Claus
Reflecting on a time when he couldn't fulfill the role of Santa Claus
No reindeer's, just horses and a Panamera Porsche
Instead of reindeer, there were only horses and a luxury car
We on two fifth shopping, what the damage cost
Engaging in shopping on Fifth Avenue and wondering about the expenses
I got your fam' while you bidding in the can up north
Taking care of your family while you are incarcerated in prison
Whoops, I'm at Niemens I hope they still got 'em
Accidentally ending up at Nieman Marcus and hoping they still have the desired items
You want the thigh high spikes with the red bottoms
Referring to a specific pair of fashionable boots with red soles
Let's make a toast 'cause Christ is born
Proposing a toast to celebrate the birth of Christ
We gon' party all night 'til the lights come on
Planning to party until the lights are turned off
Yeah, mom and dad I won't be home for the holidays
Informing mom and dad that he won't be able to come home for the holiday season
I'm over 800 miles away
Currently, he is more than 800 miles away from home
In the city that's so pretty
Being in a beautiful city
Where the hustlers dash through the snow without a sleigh
Describing the city as a place where hustlers move swiftly through the snow without a traditional sleigh
Tell my family that I'm sorry that I gotta stay
Sending apologies to his family for not being able to be with them
I'm with Ye at the Macy Day parade
Spending time with Kanye West at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Letting the snow fall on my aviator shades
Allowing the snow to gently land on his aviator sunglasses
Even though I'm in New York I'm still reppin' for the A
Despite being in New York, he is still representing and showing loyalty to Atlanta
On the stoop of that Brownstone shoveling the brownstone
Being on the steps of a Brownstone building, removing snow
Santa's on a diet, gotta get the pounds gone
Humorously suggesting that even Santa Claus needs to lose weight
Downtown got me feelin' like it's Dow Jones
Being downtown gives a feeling of being in the financial market
But uptown got me feelin' like it's down home
Feeling a sense of familiarity and comfort in uptown Harlem
Snow like sugar hill
The snow resembles the famous Sugar Hill area in Harlem
Chains on wheels
Draping chains on the car wheels as a decorative accessory
We turn our two doors into snowmobiles
Converting their cars into makeshift snowmobiles
We got our own style, no Soho feel
Having a unique sense of style, different from Soho's trendy atmosphere
Put on your play clothes, how that logo feel?
Getting dressed in casual clothes with recognizable logos and asking how it feels
Oh, pause for them photo stills
Taking a break to pose for photographs
You don't wanna miss a moment
Encouraging someone not to miss out on any special experiences
Where's your NoDoz pills
Asking about someone's energy pills to stay awake and active
I caught her looking at my Rollie as my mojo spills
Noticing her admiring his expensive Rolex watch as he exudes confidence
Snowflakey on the bezel
Describing the diamond-like appearance of the watch's bezel
Hope you know those real
Expecting her to acknowledge the authenticity of the watch
Okay my white girl Veronica
Referring to a white girl named Veronica
Black girl Monica
Referring to a black girl named Monica
Got me celebrating ChristmaHanuKwanzaakah
Celebrating a combination of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa
Rocking dashikis with a yarmulke
Wearing traditional African dashikis along with a Jewish yarmulke
Where the Christmas tree at? Let's design it up!
Asking where the Christmas tree is located and expressing the desire to decorate it
Lenox Ave to Saint Nick
Referring to the stretch of Lenox Avenue towards Saint Nicholas Avenue
Never seen St Nick
Never actually witnessed Santa Claus
Just niggas selling the same nicks, the same bricks
People in the neighborhood involved in illegal activities, selling drugs and bricks
Same hustlers running up the broadway
The same individuals engaging in their hustling and running up and down Broadway
That's where the snow's at, taste it, foreplay
Indicating that the true winter experience can be found on Broadway and playfully suggesting tasting the snow
No turkey or greens, just Jimbo's
Not having traditional holiday meals, but instead having food from a local establishment named Jimbo's
Christmas lights in project windows
Seeing festive Christmas lights in the windows of apartment buildings
Shouts to the coldest on my barometer
Giving recognition to the coolest and most influential individuals in his life
Berkman, Shapiro, Kalina, Hanukkah (My lawyers)
Naming his Jewish lawyers as a reference to Hanukkah
All the flashin' lights up on a tree
Referring to the sparkling lights on a Christmas tree
The house lit up ni-ice
The house is creatively and impressively illuminated
Wit' your family's where you wanna be
The ideal place to be during Christmas is with your family
Here on Christmas night
Being present and celebrating on Christmas evening
When you wake up and you see the gifts
Upon waking up and discovering the presents
Don't that make you feel goo-ood?
Doesn't that bring about a feeling of joy and contentment?
So since we all snowed in in Harlem
As everyone is trapped indoors due to heavy snowfall in Harlem
Let's have Christmas in the hoo-hood
Let's celebrate Christmas within the neighborhood
All of the flashin' lights
The multitude of sparkling lights
Yeah, when they shine so bright
When these lights are brilliantly shining
Always for you and me
These lights are always meant for you and me
Baby, you're Christmas Eve
Addressing a loved one as the embodiment of Christmas Eve
If you like what you see
If you appreciate what you are witnessing
Won't you come sit on my knee?
Inviting someone to sit on his lap
Tell me everything that you want
Encouraging someone to share their desires and wishes
'Cause, baby, I'm your Santa Claus
Portraying himself as the person who can fulfill all their wishes, like Santa Claus
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Marvin Gaye, Shuggie Otis, Chauncey Hollis, Cydel Charles Young, Kanye Omari West
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@anirintrosmore.6267
00:00 Intro
00:07 BIGGER BAG feat. Adele Givens & JAY-Z
02:14 SWITZERLAND feat. Otis Redding
04:15 YETI feat. Paul McCartney & Nicki MInaj
05:52 CHRISTMAS IN PARIS feat. Lil Nas X, JAY-Z & Gene Autry
09:27 YEEZY WORKSHOP
11:18 CHIPMUNK SOUL SKIT (bonus track) feat. Alvin & The Chipmunks
12:12 WHAT IS SANTA BRINGING? (bonus track)
13:32 COZY & WARM (bonus track) feat. Marvin Gaye & Kid Cudi
15:11 SLEIGH YOU WILL (bonus track) feat. Frank Sinatra
16:47 BLUE CHRISTMAS IN HARLEM feat. Elvis Presley, Teyana Taylor & Cyhi the Prynce
@toastydigital
Instrumentals for this project, bonus tracks, and downloads for all of my mixes are available at patreon.com/toastydigital.
Happy holidays everyone 🍞🎅🏽
@chillvgm
BRRROOO i fucking love this tape!! 😭 Throwback to working thru the pandemic, i convinced back of house to play this around the holidays. "maybe we can make it to Christmas" had a way different meaning, it gave me hope during a hope drought (plus it just BANGS)
@soundsofspacecity
I was a store manager at Pacsun and I would play this on the store’s speakers lol no fucks given
@Johndavid1451
@@soundsofspacecity Absolute legend of a store manager.
@ASOUE
DUUUUUDEEE I used to the SAME thing. Did you live my life? I love this mixtape soooo much
@Dedeptikonbmx2023
Another resident kitchen bitch. The original has been in my back of the house Christmas playlist since it dropped. I’m definitely bumping this tomorrow. Thank you again Toasty
@fan.of.nintendo
BRO I WAS JUST BUMPING THE OG.
YEEZY'S WORKSHOP IS PEAK
@axelle0144
the saddest part about loving your mixes is that none of my friends fuck with it as much as me.
@electrotron2559
WE MAKIN IT OUT OF SANTAS WORKSHOP WITH THIS ONE 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
@cyborgninjaforce
my short friend couldnt make it