Beyond Mariah Carey: 16 Hip-hop Tracks to Remix your Holiday Playlist
Forget the traditional carols – if your looking to inject some serious energy into your holiday season, hip-hop has you covered. From playful takes on Christmas classics to surprisingly poignant narratives, these tracks prove that rap can be just as festive (and thought-provoking) as any yuletide standard. Here’s a curated list to elevate your celebrations, blending nostalgia wiht modern beats.
A History of Hip-Hop & the Holidays
Interestingly, hip-hop’s foray into Christmas music isn’t new. Artists have been blending beats with bells and whistles for decades,often with unexpected origins. Many tracks started as creative experiments or even attempts to capitalize on the holiday market, evolving into beloved seasonal staples. Let’s dive into some essential tracks that demonstrate this evolution.
The Essential Hip-Hop Holiday Playlist
- “Christmas in Hollis” – Run-DMC (1987). Arguably the definitive hip-hop Christmas song, “Christmas in Hollis” perfectly captures the joy and simplicity of the season. It’s a timeless classic that continues to resonate with generations.
- “Santa Claus Goes straight to the Ghetto” – Snoop Dogg (1996). Snoop Dogg delivers a West Coast twist on the Santa Claus mythos.This track is a playful, yet insightful look at bringing holiday cheer to underserved communities.
- “deck the Halls” – The Sugarhill Gang (1985). The Sugarhill Gang brought their signature energy to this traditional carol. It’s a fun, upbeat rendition that’s guaranteed to get you moving.
- “Please Accept My Christmas Card” - Salt-N-Pepa (1996). Salt-N-Pepa offer a sassy and relatable take on holiday greetings. It’s a perfect track for anyone who’s ever felt a little awkward about sending Christmas cards.
- “Zu Zu Daddy” – Salt-N-Pepa (1996). Another gem from Salt-N-Pepa,”zu Zu Daddy” is a playful and energetic track. It’s a fun addition to any holiday party playlist.
- “Christmas Rappin'” – kurtis Blow (1979). Kurtis Blow‘s pioneering track reimagines “‘Twas the Night before Christmas” as a rap. Initially conceived as a commercial venture, it became a holiday staple.
- “I Want a Lot for Christmas” – Snoop Dogg (2018). Snoop Dogg revisits the holiday theme with a modern twist. This track is a celebration of luxury and the desire for a lavish christmas.
- “Christmas Is Here” – Chance the Rapper (2018). chance the Rapper delivers a heartwarming and soulful Christmas track. It’s a beautiful song that captures the spirit of giving and togetherness.
- “Everyday Christmas” – Chance the Rapper (2018). From his Merry Christmas Lil’ Mama project, this song is a vibrant and optimistic celebration of the season. It’s a reminder to cherish the simple joys of Christmas.
- “Jingle Jangle” – Jermaine Dupri ft.bow Wow (2003). This upbeat track brings a youthful energy to the holidays. It’s a fun and catchy song that’s perfect for dancing.
- “What Christmas Means to Me” – Stevie Wonder & Snoop Dogg (2019). A collaboration between two legends, this track is a soulful and heartwarming rendition of a classic. It’s a beautiful song that celebrates the true meaning of Christmas.
- “Gold Teeth” – lil Jon & The East Side Boyz (2002). This track is a bit of a curveball, but its energetic beat and boastful lyrics make it a surprisingly fun addition to a holiday playlist.It’s perfect for blasting in your new ride.
- “Christmas Rappin'” – Kurtis Blow (1979). Although released in the late 70s, this
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