Holiday Cheer: 5 Hip-Hop Christmas Songs That Set the Festive Vibe
Hip-hop Christmas songs create a form of holiday cheer like no other. From innovative lyrics to stellar production, these songs help us celebrate the season in the most unique ways. With numerous varieties ranging from classic to original, it’s hard to choose just one. As a result, here are 5 hip-hop Christmas songs that eternally evoke festive vibes.
“Christmas Rappin” – Kurtis Blow (1979)
“Christmas Rappin” by Kurtis Blow, Courtesy of Mercury Records
At one point in time, hip-hop was not taken seriously as an art form. As a result, it was presumed to be only a passing fad. With so many odds against him, Kurtis Blow was compelled to prove the naysayers wrong. The pioneering rapper and producer eventually went on to create a multitude of hits for himself and many others. Today, Kurtis Blow remains a cultural trailblazer whose early success helped launch hip-hop into the mainstream.
Released in December of 1979, “Christmas Rappin” is a humorous yet melodic retelling of “The Night Before Christmas”. With his smooth, charismatic delivery, Blow narrated Santa Claus attending a lively Harlem house party. With its funky, disco-infused, hip-hop vibe, the song became commercially successful, selling 400,000 copies. The song was also the first hip-hop song signed to a major label. At the time, this label was Mercury Records. Co-written by Blow, Robert Ford Jr., and J.B. Moore, the song was a commercial success, becoming an eternal Christmas staple.
“Christmas in Hollis”- Run DMC (1987)
It’s safe to say that no one dominated the 1980s hip-hop scene like Run DMC. Consisting of Joseph “Run” Simmons, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell, this pioneering Queens, New York trio was one of the best hip hop groups to ever do it. With classic albums such as Run-D.M.C. (1984), King of Rock (1985), and Raising Hell (1986), the group solidified their status as permanent global icons.
Released in 1987, “Christmas in Hollis” was originally released as part of the A Very Special Christmas compilation album. The album benefited the Special Olympics, and was released in the same year as the single. With its brilliant sample of Clarence Carter’s “Back Door Santa”, the upbeat, danceable track’s humorous lyrics also add to its luster. The first verse, delivered by Run (now known as Rev Run), tells a story of finding and returning Santa’s wallet.
The second verse, delivered by D.M.C., mentions more festive traditions, like his mother’s chicken, collard greens, and macaroni and cheese. The Michael Holman-directed music video is still regarded as one of the best holiday music videos ever. Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2009, it’s no surprise that Run DMC remain supreme hitmakers.
“Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”- DMX (1987)
Originally performed a cappella during a 2012 appearance on Power 105.1 radio, this gem quickly went viral. The internet’s overwhelming response sparked the song’s official studio release in 2017. Produced by Divine Bars, the song was a pleasure for every ear. This proved that no one could give a traditional Christmas classic a hip-hop twist quite like DMX. As part of the ‘Spotify Singles: Holiday playlist, this playful version of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” remains a fan favorite.
Enhanced by the late rapper’s intense energy and gruff delivery, a classic tale of unnecessary bullying never sounded so good. With humorous ad-libs like “C’MON!” and “WHAT!”, DMX effortlessly presented a brand of Christmas cheer that we didn’t know that we needed.
“Sleigh Ride” – TLC (1993)
TLC’s playful rendition of “Sleigh Ride” remains a stellar spin on the holiday classic. T-Boz’s deep, seductive tone, Left-Eye’s energetic hip-hop flows, and Chilli’s compelling delivery of the hook shine effortlessly. With it’s vibrant hip-hop/R&B fusion, the song charmingly mixes the song’s traditional lyrics with new ones. Produced by the iconic team Organized Noize and co-produced by Pebbles, this version of “Sleigh Ride” is unlike many others. Released in 1993, the song was featured on the A LaFace Family Christmas compilation album. Gaining mainstream popularity, the song appeared on the Home Alone 2: Lost in New York soundtrack.
“Player’s Ball” – Outkast (Christmas version) (1993)
Produced by Organized Noize and Sleepy Brown, the original version of “Player’s Ball” was told from a non-Christmas-like perspective. Through the eyes of two dope boys who are disinterested in the holiday, the song is a melodic view of “Christmas in the ghetto.” Because of the song’s originally explicit lyrics, it was recreated to sound more festive. For example, references to “ho ho ho” and “decking the halls” were removed, while other parts were censored as well. Included on LaFace Family Christmas (1993), the song’s mid-tempo vibe is enhanced by the inclusion of sleigh bells.
This is a total contrast from the original version featured on the group’s debut album, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik (1994). Despite its explicit nature, “Player’s Ball” is still celebrated by many as an authentic holiday hip-hop track.
Final Thoughts
As we know, hip-hop Christmas songs offer a lively and refreshing twist on traditional holiday music. With their energy and originality, these songs bring happiness to any holiday playlist. Celebrating joy, community, and creativity, they effortlessly prove that the holiday spirit resonates across every rhythm and style. Whether they are old or new, these hip-hop holiday gems will stay with us forever.
