Christmas is just around the corner for those who celebrate, and music is a big part of the holiday. With inescapable Christmas songs on repeat, there is an underappreciated genre of holiday jingles to get the party started: hip hop. While it might not be your abuelita or tias go-to mix, anyone can be a DJ. Here are 10 legendary Christmas hip-hop and R&B songs to get you through the holiday.
1. Kurtis Blow - Christmas Rappin
In 1979, Kurtis Blow's "Christmas Rappin’" became rap’s first Christmas record,. The iconic track paved the way for the genre's mainstream success.
2. TLC - Sleigh Ride
TLC’s 1992 "Sleigh Ride" blended their signature R&B and hip-hop vibe. The playful, upbeat holiday track still holds its own, showing off the power of Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas, and the late Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes.
3. K-Nock, Quad City DJ's & The 69 Boyz - What You Want For Christmas
This 1996 track on Quad City DJ's All-Star Christmas album is a 90s Christmas classic. This upbeat track will have you ready to twerk on the Christmas tree.
4. Justin Bieber - Drummer Boy ft. Busta Rhymes (Official Audio)
In 2011, Justin Bieber released his one and only Christmas album Mistletoe. It includes the banger "Drummer Boy" with the Canadian singer rapping on the track with the one and only Busta Rhymes. The track is unironically one of the best Christmas hip-hop tracks ever made.
5. DMX - Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
Before DMX passed away on April 9, 2021, he gave fans an everlasting Christmas gift. In 2012, DMX went viral when was asked to “spit” "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" at New York’s Power 105 radio station. The response was so positive that he officially recorded the song in 2017.
6. Boyz II Men - Let It Snow ft. Brian McKnight
R&B legends Boyz II Men will warm up your holidays with "Let It Snow" featuring Brian McKnight. The soulful song is perfect to throw on with your boo.
7. RUN DMC - Christmas In Hollis
Run DMC's "Christmas in Hollis" was included in two 1987 Christmas compilation albums featuring various artists. The title refers to Hollis, Queens, in New York City where they grew up, and samples Clarence Carter's 1968 holiday songs "Back Door Santa," "Frosty the Snowman," "Jingle Bells," and "Joy to the World."
8. Snoop Dogg ft. Daz Dillinger, Nate Dogg, Tray Deee, and Bad Azz - Santa Claus Goes Straight to the Ghetto
Snoop Dogg and his friends Daz Dillinger, Nate Dogg, Tray Deee, and Bad Azz offer laid-back West Coast vibes with the 1996 track "Santa Claus Goes Straight to the Ghetto."
9. Tyler, The Creator - You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch
Tyler, The Creator jumped on The Grinch's original soundtrack for the "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" which became a favorite amongst kids and their parents.
10. Lil Jon featuring Kool-Aid Man - All I Really Want For Christmas
For some reason in 2018, Lil Jon and the Kool-Aid Man came together to spread holiday cheer. The track will have you ready to dance with an undercurrent of confusion.