DMX – “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer”

David Goldman/AP Photo

DMX – “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer”

David Goldman/AP Photo

Five years ago, the troubled rap great DMX was visiting a radio station when he sang a grizzled, intense, charming version of the holiday standard “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer.” That video went viral, as videos like that will do. And now, all these years later, Dark Man X has gone into the studio to make a studio version of that track, growling over a big beat and adding his trademark ad-libs: “Forreal!” It’s part of a Spotify holiday playlist that also includes new songs from Miley Cyrus, Wyclef Jean, and Demi Lovato. You can hear it and watch that original viral video below.

Fair warning: It’s Dark And Hell Is Hot turns 20 in a few months, and I am going to have some things to say.

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