"Cold December" is a song by American rapper and singer Rod Wave. It was released through

Alamo Records Alamo Records (previously Cold Heat Records) is an American record label that was founded in 2016 by American music industry executive, Todd Moscowitz. It is currently owned by Sony Music Entertainment. The label, which is based in New York Ci ...

and

Sony Music Sony Music Entertainment (SME), commonly known as Sony Music, is an American multinational music company owned by Japanese conglomerate Sony Group Corporation. It is the recording division of Sony Music Group, with the other half being the ...

on January 17, 2022, and is the second single from Wave's fourth studio album '' Beautiful Mind'' (2022). The song was produced by TnTXD, Lukecmon, JB, and ThatBossEvan, who all wrote the song with Rod, while the only other known credit is Travis Harrington for being the recording engineer. A

country A country is a distinct part of the world, such as a state, nation, or other political entity. When referring to a specific polity, the term "country" may refer to a sovereign state, state with limited recognition, constituent country, ...

-influenced R&B and trap

ballad A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music. Ballads were particularly characteristic of the popular poetry and song of Great Britain and Ireland from the Late Middle Ages until the 19th century. They were widely used across Eur ...

, the song sees Rod emotionally looking back to previous romantic relationships while it samples American singer-songwriter

Hank Williams Jr. Randall Hank Williams (born May 26, 1949), known professionally as Hank Williams Jr. or Bocephus, is an American singer-songwriter and musician. His musical style has been described as a blend of rock, blues, and country. He is the son of count ...

's song, "O.D.'d in Denver", from his thirtieth studio album, '' Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound'' (1979).

Background

In an October 2021

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livestream, Rod stated that he most likely would never release "Cold December". In a livestream on the same day as the song's release, he explained that he only released it because of his $15 million deal contract with

and

, in which both labels wanted him to release the song as they made it part of the agreement, while also hinting at his retirement soon as he said that he does not enjoy fame.

Music video

The official music video for "Cold December" premiered alongside the release of the single on January 17, 2022. The video opens up with a quote about not letting ego get in the way of life. Rod Wave sports 2012-2017 reality television series '' Duck Dynasty'' cargo pants as he chops wood. He sings the song while the wood gradually burns. Rod reflects on his past relationships while sitting in a cabin in the winter.

Charts

Certifications

References

{{Rod Wave 2022 singles 2022 songs Rod Wave songs Sony Music singles Contemporary R&B ballads Songs written by Rod Wave