Released: 2021
Alright ya’ll, we’re diving deep into “Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer”, courtesy of the Dog himself, DMX. A holiday spin from one of the roughest rappers in the game. Let’s dissect this festive diversion from DMX’s usual grimy, throaty narratives of the street life.
Set against the backdrop of an all-too-familiar holiday jingle, DMX flips the script by introducing the usual cast of characters in his very own style. When he starts off with, “You know Dasher and Dancer, And Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid, And Donner and Blitzen,” he’s acknowledging the commercialized side of Christmas. Still, there’s a twist of humor because it’s delivered in DMX’s iconic gruff tone – a contrast that creates a unique flavor.
The crux of the song starts with “Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, Had a very shiny nose…,” representing the outcast who’s later recognized for his unique ability. DMX, having played the underdog himself in his career, understands the power of turning adversity into triumph. Referring to Rudolph’s shiny nose, DMX uses it as a metaphor for standing out and being different. Rudolph gets bullied, “All of the other reindeer, Used to laugh and call him names,” but he overcomes the adversity.
When the narrative shifts to “Then one foggy Christmas Eve, Santa came to say, Rudolph, with your nose so bright, Won’t you guide my sleigh tonight”, we see the transformation. Rudolph’s uniqueness is acknowledged by Santa himself, needing his shiny nose to guide the way. DMX is subtly hinting at that turning point in a person’s life when they embrace their difference and utilize it to illuminate the path for others.
DMX ties it up with the lines “Then how the reindeer loved him, As they shouted out with glee, Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, You’ll go down in history.”. The once ostracized Rudolph becomes the hero of the day, accepted, and loved, changing the attitudes of those around him. It can be an allegory for DMX’s own journey, where he’s risen from the ashes, becoming a respected figure in the rap game.
This ain’t your typical DMX joint, but the core message is as real as it gets. By showing love to “Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer”, DMX is throwing his weight behind the underdogs, the outcasts, and the real ones fighting their battles, just waiting for their moment to guide that sleigh.
Whether it’s a shiny-nosed reindeer or a rough-rider like DMX, the narrative of overcoming adversity and shining bright is a universal theme that resonates with us all, making this track more than just a yuletide novelty.
