This year I raved a lot about Englewood and his jazzy escapades into hip hop. Well, just in time for Christmas, he’s put out a new single, “Flex On Christmas,” featuring Yung Gravy. It’s definitely a spoof of some sort, but it’s still pretty funny and would grab the attention of any holiday playlist listener.

Pom Pom Squad covers “Popular,” the song that put Nada Surf on the map, and the man, Matthew Caws, who sings about congratulating “Johnny football,” guests on the track. This is a really good version that does the original justice, I hope it doesn’t go unnoticed.

Apparently, Big Thief recorded like 50 songs for their latest project? They are not all are hits, of course, but “No Reason” feels driven and purposeful.

Webby spits fire and brings “X” back from the grave to tell phony MCs that he was crushing rhymes while they were choking the chicken. “We Up” sees Webby at a new level as an artist, and, damn if it’s not great to hear X’s voice again!

“And these children that you spit on/As they try to change their worlds
Are immune to your consultations/They’re quite aware of what they’re goin’ through” – David Bowie

Fontaines D.C. continues to grow on me with this live version of “A Lucid Dreamer.” When I first heard these guys I was not a fan. But, over the course of the last few years, I’ve grown fond of them and their fiery desire for repeating the same lyric over and over.

This remix of The Knocks’ “River” is playlist-worthy. They set a good mood and give you enough time to fall into the groove before it’s gone.

“Like Louie Armstrong, played the trumpet/I’ll hit that bong and break you off something.” B-Real of Cypress Hill

That line will forever be ingrained in my mind, bringing me to your Jazz Cut Of The Week, which features none other than Louis Armstong.