Not many artists can reach the success of Syleena Johnson. The four-time Grammy-nominated artist has reached all corners of the industry—from performing to producer to songwriting to reality television to being one of the hosts of FOX Soul’s Cocktails with Queens. In Hip Hop, Johnson is widely known as the voice who helped carry Kanye West’s classic “All Falls Down.” As the story goes, she came in the 25th hour to help West and he famously says on the track: “Now, Syleena, you just like a safe belt, you saved my life.” The pair even reunited for Donda.

During this holiday season, Johnson continues to keep herself busy. Bungalow Films and Music produced three holiday films now streaming on Hulu, and they called on Johnson and her collaborators to create accompanying albums. The soundtracks for All I Want For Christmas, Santa Games, and My Christmas Financé host a mix of recognizable artists and a few new faces. It was purposefully curated this way, says Johnson, to hear voices that we’ve grown to treasure while also making room for the new generation.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – MAY 05: In this image released on June 5, 2021, Syleena Johnson performs during Black Music Honors 2021 at City Winery Nashville on May 5, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. The 2021 Black Music Honors airs in national syndication from June 5 through July 4 and on Bounce TV on Saturday, June 19. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

This interview has been slightly edited for clarity.

HNHH: Thank you so much for taking the time today! So, you’re not only helping to produce these records, but you, of course, are featured on them as well. Tell us all about the albums and collaborating with such a combination of talent. And I saw you reconnected with Keke Wyatt.

Well, they are Santa Games, All I Want for Christmas, and My Christmas Fiancé. And they’re all in alignment with movies. They’re movie soundtracks, those movies are on Hulu and Tubi. So, we were called to produce this album, myself, Toxic Productions, and Dr. Salicia Productions. Dr. Salicia is my manager and Toxic Productions is my producer. So, that’s easy.

But we were called as a team to produce these records for all three soundtracks and our original intention was to just, find as many new artists and artists that are budding and out here working, to fill the project with new artists. But, we kinda knew that if we just do that, then it may fall by the wayside. People may not recognize it.

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I’ll take some of that, too! Alright, this is my last question. It’s something I ask everyone. What is something about yourself that doesn’t always translate because of the veil of celebrity? Your fans think they have a perception of you, your team, even people you know personally—but those are perceptions based on whatever understanding they have of you. What is something at the heart of Syleena Johnson that people don’t see because of their own expectations of who they think you are?

That’s a great question. I don’t think I’ve ever been asked that question in my entire life. I really don’t. Um, I would say that I’m an introvert. People don’t know that about me. I’m an extroverted introvert. But more so an introvert. I will prefer to be in seclusion. I will prefer to be in my home with my family 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Seriously!

I get to the point anymore where I struggle with anxiety and being around people. And this has been something that has gone on in my career that started mid to now in my career. Because in the beginning—no, let me take that back, I’ve always been that way. No, I just thought about it. I’ve always hated people [laughs]. Yes, I struggle with large crowds, big environments. I am an extroverted introvert.

When I tell you I completely understand…girl! [Laughs]

Yes! And when I say extroverted, meaning, in this space with you, I can be extroverted. When it’s time to be on stage, I can be an extrovert. When it’s time to perform or speak or be in an environment with people that I’m paid for, or maybe not paid for. I can be around people. But it’s not my preference. And it can’t last for a long period of time or I will get anxiety.

Well, I truly appreciate your time and again, thank you for speaking with us. Have a wonderful holiday season with your loved ones!

Thank you! You as well.

Stream the soundtracks to All I Want For Christmas, Santa Games, and My Christmas Financé above and check out the tracklists below.

SANTA GAMES

“Go Tell It On The Mountain” – Rafael “Rae” Evans, Kevian “KB” Bateman, Syleena Johnson
“Love Fall Down” – Carl Thomas
“Joy To The World” – Syleena Johnson, Keke Wyatt
“O Holy Night” – Leela James
“Oh Christmas Tree” – Danny Boy
“Snow White Christmas” – Syleena Johnson
“What Child Is THis” – Tweet
“Deck The Halls” – Nola Ade
“My List”- D.Lylez
“Merry Gentlemen” – Syleena Johnson

MY CHRISTMAS FINANCÉ

“My First Noel”- Kjay
“Sweet December” – Reuben McCray
“Christmas All Year” – Aricka J
“Perfect Gift” – SOS
“Hardly Wait”- D.Lylez, Shantina Lowe
“Angels Heard On High” – Taylor
“Heard The Bells” – Marian
“Without You” – Tommie B

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS

“Gift For You”- Church Boy Scotty
“Honor” – Rhymefest Ft. Toxic
“Nothing Like Christmas” – Joshua Gunn Ft. D.Lylez
“Silent Night” – Syleena Johnson, Kenny Lattimore, Keke Wyatt
“Greatest Gift” – Donal Alford
“What’s In The Bag” – Aricka J

Read More: Syleena Johnson & Keke Wyatt Release “Joy To The World”

This interview has been slightly edited for clarity.

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