B2K: Santa Hooked Me Up : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

Wondering what your little sister wants for Christmas? If she likes hip-hop and bare-chested boy bands in Santa suits, then look no further. Keeping it real "Christmas style" this year are J-Boog, Lil Fizz, Omarion and Raz-B of B2K. The four teens from L.A. know Christmas isn't just about bling bling -- it's also about "homies around the table" and the joys of family togetherness ("Rain and Snow", "Everyone's Home for Christmas"). Still, they're not above a little flossing -- Santa comes through with "more ice than the North Pole" in the bouncy, danceable "Santa Hooked Me Up." Interestingly, B2K shine on their original material, but their cloying arrangements and weak rapping completely ruin "Jingle Bells" and "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town". "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" is so poorly sung, it sounds like the boys are rebelling against their management. So be warned, and skip directly to "Sexy Boy Christmas."

EVAN SCHLANSKY
(December 05, 2002)