Although hip hop undoubtedly has a political side and often has to reflect people’s dire reality and anger. Since its inception in the late 1970s, hip hop has become a multi-faceted entity, and (as a result of this evolution) now the genre is used to talk about a range of things.
Whether it’s used in adverts to promote products or utilised for comedy, hip hop is good for spreading messages, and one thing it is most definitely suitable for is spreading Christmas cheer. From adverts to simply celebrating the festive season, raps akin to carols and hymns a great for uplifting those who may need it.
Even though some may consider hip hop Christmas songs “corny” or “not true to the culture”, for many, it is refreshing to hear these often traditional songs re-imagined and delivered in a way that is perhaps more relatable for them.
Reflecting on the multitude of hip hop Christmas songs that have hit the airwaves over the years, in this article, we attempt to pick out the five best hip-hop Chrimbo tracks ever made.
Take a look at our picks below.
The five best hip-hop Christmas songs ever:
5. ‘Icy Colours Change’ – Azealia Banks, Icy Colours Change EP, (2018)
A potentially controversial pick. Having just cancelled her concert in Brisbane, outraging fans, it is unsurprising that people (not just Australians) are sick of Azealia Banks and her antics. The female rapper thrives on the burning of bridges and is very much an artist who sits on the periphery of hip-hop nowadays.
However, it is impossible to deny that every now and then, she comes along with an absolute bop and ‘Icy Colours Change’ is just that. A festive hip-house track over ‘Airglow Fires’ by Manchester producer Lone, ‘Icy Colours Change’ sees a festive fusion of soulful singing, potent rapping and, of course, a bit of house. Irrespective of her antics, it is a hidden Christmas gem.
4. ‘Santa Claus Goes Straight To The Ghetto’ – Snoop Dogg ft Nate Dogg, Daz Dillinger, Tray Deee & Bad Azz, Christmas On Death Row, (1996)
This song is legendary. Released not too long after the death of Tupac Shakur, ‘Santa Claus Goes Straight To The Ghetto’ was the only single from the most legendary 1996 Christmas hip-hop album, Christmas On Death Row. Produced by Dr Dre, the track is a funky and festive G-funk jam that samples the 1968 James Brown single, ‘Santa Clause Go Straight to the Ghetto’.
With Shakur having been killed in September of 1996 and the project released only months in December, it undoubtedly would have been tough for Snoop Dogg and all of his counterparts on Death Row to put a smile on for the festive album. However, it is a classic and should be respected as such.
It is the West Coast’s answer to Christmas and is most definitely a jam.
3. ‘Christmas In Harlem’ – Kanye West ft Teyana Taylor & Prince Cy Hi, (2010)
Released as part of Kanye’s ‘G.O.O.D Fridays’ ( a series of weekly free downloads leading up to the release of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy), ‘Christmas In Harlem’ was Kanye’s answer to ‘Christmas In Hollis’. Featuring Harlem’s very own Teyana Taylor, the track’s most definitely one of West’s hidden gems.
Produced by Hit-Boy, the 2010 single samples two Marvin Gaye songs, ‘Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing’ and ‘Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)’ so akin to ‘Icy Colours Change’ by Azealia Banks, it has both the rap and soul you need to create that warm Christmas feeling. The track, which as a result of its popularity, had an official release on iTunes, peaked at number eight on the Billboard Christmas Charts. One of Kanye’s more fun tracks.
2. ‘Christmas In Hollis’ – Run-DMC, A Very Special Christmas, (1987)
Run-DMC were an iconic hip hop trio who could make hits in their sleep. So it is no wonder when they were approached by Jimmy Iovine of Interscope Records to appear on the star-studded Christmas compilation album, A Very Special Christmas, that they delivered a festive anthem like no other.
Produced by Rick Rubin alongside the trio’s DJ Jam Master Jay, ‘Christmas In Hollis’ ingeniously samples another legendary Christmas song, Clarence Carter’s ‘Back Door Santa’ and was a smash among the African-American community with regard to Christmas tracks.
A hidden gem that not many know, the music video, directed by Michael Holman, even features a guest cameo from group member DMC’s mother. Bringing the track to the present and showcasing it again, the track has featured in several modern-day Christmas films, including The Grinch (2018) and Holiday Rush (2019). A classic track.
1. ‘Christmas Rappin’ – Kurtis Blow, (1979)
Yes, a very predictable number one. However, even Run-DMC knew that ‘Christmas Rappin’ was the ultimate hip-hop Christmas song. Not only was Kurtis Blow’s ‘Christmas Rappin’ the first-ever hip hop song recorded, but it was the first single in the entire genre to ever be taken on by a major label.
Released in 1979, the same year Sugar Hill Gang released ‘Rapper’s Delight’, the recognition, promotion and distribution of ‘Christmas Rappin’ by Mercury Records UK was an undeniably pivotal moment for hip-hop culture.
With the track’s producers (J.B. Moore and Robert Ford), Blow presented the seasonal single to 22 labels and was rejected by all of them until he was taken up by John Stains of UK label Mercury Records UK. The track interpolates Queen’s ‘Another One Bites The Dust’ and is most definitely the
With the track’s producers (J.B. Moore and Robert Ford), Blow presented the seasonal single to 22 labels and was rejected by all of them until he was taken up by John Stains of UK label Mercury Records UK. The track interpolates Queen’s ‘Another One Bites The Dust’ and is most definitely the best and most legendary Christmas hip hop track.
