Posted by: | Articles No Comments on From Hip-Hop to Holidays: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Christmas Playlists
From Hip-Hop to Holidays: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Christmas Playlists
The Power of the Holiday Sound
Christmas music has a unique way of signaling the change in seasons, often appearing in retail stores as early as the second week of November. While some may cry ‘Bah Humbug’ at the early start, for many, these melodies are deeply intertwined with family traditions and childhood memories. Whether it is the soulful harmonies of Motown or the heavy bass of 90s hip-hop, the right playlist can transform the holiday spirit.
The R&B and Soul Classics
When it comes to traditional sounds with a soulful twist, few can compete with the Motown era. The Temptations’ version of “Silent Night” is widely considered the definitive R&B rendition, so iconic that many argue no other artist should even attempt it. Similarly, the Jackson 5’s energetic take on “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” remains a staple for every generation, capturing the youthful excitement of the season.
Hip-Hop and the ‘Hood’ Holiday
For those who prefer a little more grit in their eggnog, hip-hop has a long history of reimagining Christmas. Run DMC’s “Christmas in Hollis” is perhaps the most famous example, bringing a New York street sensibility to the holiday canon. Other deeper cuts include Snoop Dogg’s “Santa Claus Goes Straight to the Ghetto”—which is actually a nod to a James Brown original—and the Treacherous 3’s “Jingle Jangle.” These tracks offer an alternative to the standard carols, proving that the holiday spirit exists in every neighborhood.
Pop Powerhouses and Surprising Fun Facts
Modern holiday playlists are dominated by pop icons, but the history behind these hits is often surprising. Consider these facts:
- Mariah Carey’s Longevity: “All I Want for Christmas Is You” was released in the mid-90s but took a staggering 25 years to finally hit number one on the charts in 2019. It now generates millions in royalties every single December.
- The Thanksgiving Origin: The classic “Jingle Bells” wasn’t actually written for Christmas; it was originally intended as a song for Thanksgiving.
- The Dark Side of Humor: Songs like “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” have become family favorites despite their surprisingly dark lyrical content.
A Playlist for Every Mood
From Paul McCartney’s upbeat “Wonderful Christmas Time” to the more explicit and humorous “12 J’s of Christmas” by Afroman, there is no single way to celebrate. Some prefer the clean, pop-centric sounds of Justin Bieber’s “Mistletoe,” while others want the nostalgic surf-rock vibes of The Beach Boys’ “Little Saint Nick.” The beauty of the holiday season is that it allows for a mix of the traditional, the sentimental, and the purely entertaining.
Disclaimer: The info in this article may or may not be true. This was taken from a conversation from The Grind It Up Podcast and should not be used as your reliable news source but rather entertainment.
This info can be found in this episode of The Grind It Up Podcast
Listen on your favorite platform:
No Comments