He’s making a list, he’s checking it twice. Santa wants to know who in Hip Hop has been naughty or nice. 2016 has definitely been a year of excitement, adversity and shock, to say the least. Whether it’s through their music career or personal life, a variety of artists have shared either musical gifts or a hot mess of mishaps that contributed to the Hip Hop culture. Let’s take a year end review to see where some of Hip Hop’s most relevant artists stand on Santa’s naughty or nice list.
Gucci Mane – Nice
After several years of being locked up, Gucci Mane is finally free and wasting no time. Only a day after being released from prison, he put out his first single “First Day Out The Feds” from his 2016 album Everybody’s Watching under his new deal with Atlantic Records. Now slimmer, living a sober lifestyle and recently engaged to his now fiancé, Guwop is better than ever. Plus he remixed “Jingle Bells!” For rapid positive growth and giving Santa a song he can cruise to in his sleigh, Gucci is on the nice list.
J. Cole – Nice
Christmas arrives early, as Cole is no stranger to gifting his fans with new music in December. He recently released his album 4 Your Eyez Only that touched on his private life, social injustices and the current state of Hip Hop. For dropping another number one album and always speaking truth, stimulating lyricism in rap and immaculate story telling skills, Cole is on the nice list.
Chance the Rapper – Nice
This has been a major year for Chance, as he dropped his latest project, Coloring Book, a mixtape full of inspiration, parables and Gospel Rap. During the election he led a parade of people to the polls for early voting, encouraging people to “stay woke.” He also celebrated Christmas on SNL with a RUN D.M.C. and fellow Chi town native, President Obama tribute. For creating his own lane as a MC and being a motivation in the Hip Hop community, Chance is on the nice list.
https://youtu.be/gQSN2M-pmOY
Drake – Nice
His album Views was the number one debut Rap album of the year with 1.04 million units. He may not necessarily be everyone’s favorite, but he’s definitely on top of the game right now. For having all of summer ’16 and the rest for the year lit, Drake is on the nice list.
Childish Gambino – Nice
Actor, writer, artist, producer Childish Gambino is making major moves! His hit series about the ATL rap scene Atlanta is up for Golden Globe awards. His third album, Awaken, My Love!, is full of enchanted guitar climaxes with funkadelic sounds. As if that wasn’t enough, he announced he is playing the role of Lando Calrissian in the the 2018 Star Wars Film. For brimming with an immense amount of creativity, Donald Glover, Earn, Childish or whatever you’d like to refer to him as, is on the nice list.
Kendrick Lamar – Nice
His latest project Untitled Unmastered, a jazzy Hip Hop compilation of 8 tracks, was released earlier this year. This was after the release of his album To Pimp a Butterfly, which he won five Grammys from this year. He also did an amazing performance at the Grammys, paying homage to Black music and the Hip Hop culture. For always leading the way as a solid thought provoking MC, K-Dat is on Santa’s nice list.
Jay Z – Naughty
Although the air seems to have cleared and the lemonade has been sipped, let’s not forget that earlier this year it publically came out that Jay Z had an affair behind Beyonce’s back. Since then, he at least acknowledges he is a lucky man and can brag different knowing he’s got a queen on his arm. Although he’s been forgiven, for the publication of infidelity Jay Z is on the naughty list.
Lil Wayne – Naughty
Welp… in Wayne’s world it appears as though the only thing he’s concerned about is whether his chicks still love him and the flag that he reps. When recently interviewed about racial issues and the Black Lives Matter movement, he simply replied as if it was nonexistent, which serves no purpose in the Hip Hop community. Weezy F. Baby (and the “F” is for foolish) is on Santa’s naughty list.
Kodak Black – Naughty
Between being charged for possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, robbery, possession of “broccoli” and the list goes on, Kodak Black was arrested not only once, but twice this year. He also represents the “new wave” or generation of Rap that has emerged this year that has raised some concerns for many Hip Hoppers. For all thee above, Kodak Black is on the naughty list.
Kanye West – Naughty
Is it hysteria or is he simply a genius? Fans do not seem too pleased with Kanye cancelling the rest of his Saint Pablo tour dates after abruptly leaving and interrupting his own concerts with unnecessary rants. After being admitted into the hospital, he later returned only to cause more calamities with disturbing political public antics. Due to the chaotic life of Pablo, Kanye is on the naughty list. I think even Santa misses the old Kanye.
– Submitted by Civonne Ray, Music Design