Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Tyler, The Creator's Take On The 'Grinch' Theme Is Cuddly As A Cactus

Tyler, The Creator contributes not only a new version of <em>The Grinch</em>'s theme song, but also an original track, "I Am the Grinch."
Kevin Winter
/
Getty Images
Tyler, The Creator contributes not only a new version of The Grinch's theme song, but also an original track, "I Am the Grinch."

When you think a minute, playfully devilish Tyler, The Creator is a natural pick to take on The Grinch. Like the theme song's namesake, the rapper is cuddly as a cactus and as charming as an eel, but has a big dang heart when he's not causing mayhem.

"You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" sees Tyler collaborating with Danny Elfman — yes, Tim Burton's go-to film composer — for the animated film's soundtrack. Their version keeps the melody and adds a slurpy beat, a children's choir and swirling horns, not to mention Tyler's own verse: "Who is this mean fellow? / With his skin all green and his teeth all yellow?"


Dr. Seuss' The Grinch comes to theaters on Nov. 9.

Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

Listen to the Viking's Choice playlist, subscribe to the newsletter.