During the holiday season, people tend to host parties, bring about holiday cheer, and get into the spirit. Below are 15 must-have hip-hop and R&B Christmas songs to help set the mood.
1.”Christmas in Hollis” by Run DMC
You might not be from Queens, New York but Run-DMC’s “Christmas in Hollis” will give you a taste of what the holidays are like in the NYC borough, which is also the home of Nas, Roxanne Shante, LL Cool J, and Nicki Minaj (post- Trinidad).
2.”Sleigh Ride” by TLC
TLC’s “Sleigh Ride” is a classic where the trio wanted to wish their loved ones and others a “Very Merry Christmas.”
3.”Santa Claus Goes Straight To the Ghetto” by Nate Dogg & Snoop Dogg
The late Nate Dogg and Snoop Dogg’s “Santa Claus Goes Straight To the Ghetto” is a hip-hop Christmas classic that highlights Nate’s deep baritone voice.
4.”Let It Snow” by Boyz II Men
“Let It Snow” by Boyz II Men is another Christmas classic that’s perfect especially for those who’ve never been gifted snow over the holidays.
5.”Christmas in Harlem” by Kanye West, Prynce Cy Hi & Teyana Taylor
Kanye West’s “Christmas In Harlem” is more about the features than West. Teyana Taylor shines on the song, which is all about Christmas in her hometown of Harlem.
6.”Joy to the World” by Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston’s cover of “Joy to the World” featuring the Georgia Mass Choir comes from the soundtrack of Houston’s 1996 film The Preacher’s Wife which she starred in alongside Denzel Washington.
7.”Santa Baby” by Faith Evans
Of course, Eartha Kitt’s version is a classic. However, Faith Evans puts her soulful spin on the playful hit.
8.Jackson 5 “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”
The Jackson 5’s “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” is a great Christmas song that’s family-friendly.
9.”8 Days of Christmas” by Destiny’s Child
“8 Days of Christmas” by Destiny’s Child is a fun holiday song where the Grammy Award-winning trio lists what they’ve received for Christmas.
10.”Merry MF X-Mas” by Eazy-E
Eazy-E’s Christmas song is great if you’re not here for holiday cheer. Just don’t play it around children.
11.”Last Christmas” The Braxtons
Toni, Tamar, Traci, Trina, and Towanda Braxton come together and harmonize on their cover of “Last Christmas.” It’s fun to try to guess who’s vocals are which while listening.
12.”Love You More At Christmas Time” Kelly Rowland
Destiny’s Child alum, Kelly Rowland ‘s new single “Love You More At Christmas Time” comes from her Lifetime holiday film Merry Liddle Christmas that’s inspired by her real-life holiday experience.
13.”Silver Bells” by Michel’le
Former Death Row artist Michel’ le lends her soulful vocals on her cover of the classic Christmas song “Silver Bells.”
14.”What Christmas Means to Me” by Fantasia
Fantasia’s “What Christmas Means To Me” was included on the soundtrack of 2013’s The Best Man Holiday, which is the sequel to 1999’s The Best Man starring Taye Diggs, Morris Chestnut, Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long, Terrance Howard, Monica Calhoun, and Regina Hall.
15.”No Gift” by Tamar Braxton
Tamar Braxton’s “No Gift” derives from her 2013 Winter Loversland album. On the track, she uses her whispery vocals to express that she doesn’t need the “million gifts” underneath the tree, she needs her lover.
