Chance the Rapper and Jeremih Release Surprise Holiday EP "Secret Santa"

Chance the Rapper and Jeremih have released a surprise five-track EP titled *Secret Santa* on Christmas Eve, continuing their festive musical tradition. This latest project follows their previous collaborations, including the *Merry Christmas Lil' Mama* mixtape series, which began in 2016. The duo announced the EP just hours before its release on Instagram, asking fans if they should upload it that night while sharing a snippet of the track "Safe With Me."

Rolling StoneListen: Chance The Rapper & Jeremih Unwrap ‘Secret Santa’ Surprise Holiday Mixtape

*Secret Santa* features tracks such as "Safe With Me," "I Want What I Want," "Black Santa," "Gloria," and "Bless Them All." The EP blends Chance's optimistic lyricism with Jeremih's smooth vocal delivery, showcasing a mix of soulful melodies and playful holiday themes. The opening track, "Safe With Me," sets a wintery tone, with lyrics reflecting themes of warmth and companionship during the cold season.

Rolling Stone

The partnership between Chance the Rapper and Jeremih has become a staple of the holiday season in Chicago. Jeremih recounted how their first collaboration came together spontaneously during a studio session, leading to a series of holiday projects that resonate with fans. The duo's previous releases include *Merry Christmas Lil' Mama* (2016), *Re-Wrapped* (2017), and *The Gift That Keeps on Giving* (2020).

Rolling StoneListen: Chance The Rapper & Jeremih Unwrap ‘Secret Santa’ Surprise Holiday Mixtape

In conjunction with the EP release, Chance the Rapper is set to host a "Day After Christmas AfterParty" in Chicago, with proceeds benefiting his nonprofit organization, SocialWorks. This event underscores Chance's commitment to community impact, linking his musical endeavors with charitable efforts.

While the release has been met with enthusiasm from fans, some critics argue that the surprise nature of the EP may not allow for adequate promotion or engagement compared to traditional album rollouts. However, the duo's established fan base and previous successes suggest that their holiday music will continue to resonate.

• “We did that project in a week and a half,” — Jeremih, on their collaborative process.

Rolling Stone

With *Secret Santa*, Chance the Rapper and Jeremih reaffirm their status as key figures in holiday music, delivering a project that combines festive spirit with their signature sound.