Jim Jones Talks 'Christmas In Harlem', New Year's Eve With Lil Wayne, And Dipset Reunion Album

The Holidays are all about spending time with family and bringing cheer into those loved ones’ lives. No stranger to giving, Harlem kingpin Jim Jones has a lot to be thankful for this year. 2010 marked the historic return of The Diplomats or as Jim likes to call his “band of brothers.” With a new solo album titled, Capo, and a group album from his crew coming in the new year, the rapper let us in on his holiday plans, the story behind “Christmas In Harlem,” the next Dipset album, spending New Year’s Eve with Weezy, and his upcoming TV shows. —Mikey Fresh

VIBE: What’s on your Christmas list this year?

Jim Jones: On my list? I don’t have a Christmas list this year. The only list I have is my son’s and my lady’s.

Did you finish all your shopping yet?

Nah, I haven’t. I’ll probably finish my shopping on Christmas Eve. I’m old school with it. [laughs]. It’s been like that forever. I’m just in love with the rush of it.

The rush from giving gifts?

Yea, it feels great to celebrate Christmas with all the success that I’ve been blessed with. I’m just enjoying being able to provide for my family and getting them whatever they want. Everyday could be like Christmas for me if I really wanted, so I’m thankful for that.

Are you headed anywhere special for Christmas this year?

I’m not going anywhere. I’m just going to stay home with my son. But New Year's Eve, we got a big show with Lil Wayne in Chicago. The whole Dipset will be there. It’s going to be a big, big shindig.

What was the worst Christmas present that you’ve ever received?

I got some of those wack ass army stick figures one year. Not the G.I. Joes but the little plastic ones with the platform at the bottom. I was so mad! They bought me a big bag of those army stick figures. I was sitting there pissed off as hell.

[Laughs] What about the best Christmas present?

I would have to say my first Lumberjack bomber jacket when they came out. That might have been like ’84. That was probably one of the best Christmases that I ever had as a kid. Presents filled the whole entire living room that year.

How did that happen?

My moms was a hustler when we were coming up. I guess those were some of her good years on the grind. She brought Christmas to the hood for us.

Speaking of Christmas in the hood, how did your collabo with Kanye, “Christmas In Harlem” materialize?