This time of year is special to us here at A2HH. Spending quality time with loved ones, opening presents, and chowing down on all the chicken and collard greens, rice and stuffing, and macaroni and cheese your heart desires. And contrary to popular belief, Christmas is just as important to hip-hop – the conflicting ideologies of gritty, hardcore street life mashing up with rosy cheeks, joy and cheer wouldn’t seem like a good combo. In reality it reinforces the idea that while this season looks different for some of us, the message of togetherness and joy resonates with us all.
And truth be told, some of the most classic songs in hip hop are about this time of the year. If anything, that just makes them more iconic.
So, with the holiday season in full effect, we here at A2HH choose to celebrate with some of our favorite rap songs that bring it in right.
Here are 12 Christmas hip hop songs that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
Run-DMC, ‘Christmas In Hollis’ (1987)
Any Sucka MC worth their shelltoes can automatically start filling out DMC’s mom’s menu once they hear “It’s Christmas time in Hollis, Queens…” No doubt the song most synonymous with Christmas, Run-DMC’s hit 1987 single has stood the test of time and set the backdrop for generations of holiday festivities.
Eazy-E (feat. Menajahtwa, Buckwheat from the Lil Waskals, Will 1X, & Atban Klann), ‘Merry Muthaf****n’ Xmas’ (1992)
It feels surreal to imagine a song where Santa mistakenly instructs a woman to sit on his face instead of his lap, but it’s quite esoteric for “The Godfather of Gangsta Rap.” Traditional holiday tropes get twisted into explicit and raunchy rhyme schemes as Eazy-E delivers classic West coast flows in a Christmas carol worth bumping through the streets in a candy red top ’64.
Outkast, ‘Player’s Ball’ (1993)
The track is more than just a holiday anthem—it’s a cultural statement that introduced OutKast’s Southern sensibilities to the hip-hop world. Big Boi and André 3000 weave vivid, poetic verses with a laid-back yet introspective vibe that set the tone for their innovative career. “Player’s Ball” resonated far beyond its Christmas origins, becoming a timeless hip-hop classic that showcased OutKast’s ability to spin their humble beginnings into a celebration of life.
Ying Yang Twins, ‘Deck da Club’ (2008)
Nothing says Christmas like a party, and if I had to choose two people to deck the halls of my house party, I’m going with the Atlanta duo that makes it rain with “piles of money.”
True to the Twins’ signature crunk style, the song blends festive melodies with booming bass and hyped-up chants, making it perfect for turning a quiet holiday gathering into a wild party.
Snoop Dogg (feat. Daz, Nate Dogg, Tray Deee, & Bad Azz), ‘Santa Claus Goes Straight To The Ghetto’ (1996)
It seems even West coast gangsters like Snoop Dogg get sentimental during this season, as he enlists the help of the Dogg Pound to produce a heartfelt and socially conscious holiday anthem. Festive themes are blended with a raw depiction of life in underprivileged communities as Snoop and the late Nate Dogg bring Long Beach their first white Christmas. The track serves as reminder that the spirit of giving should extend to everyone, especially those often overlooked, making it both a celebration and a call to action.
Not to mention, the duo riding a Caddy through the sky spreading cheer certainly makes the message more delightful.
DMX, ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ (2012)
It felt like a fever dream when DMX regaled fans with his rendition of the Christmas classic ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ during a trip to the Power 105.1 radio station. Yet every year, like clockwork, hip hop enthusiasts blast this song as if it was the North Pole’s National Anthem.
The signature hoarse vocals are what puts the track in a league of its own. Hearing them belt the classic carol reminds us that everyone gets that feeling of joy when the spirit of the season rolls around.
Gucci Mane, ‘St. Brick Intro‘ (2016)
In the traditional hierarchy of stocking stuffers, it’s hard to say whether coal or bricks is the worst thing to receive. But let Gucci Mane tell it over trap-inspired jingle bells and it’s the only way to get into the Christmas spirit.
“St. Brick Intro” embodies Gucci Mane’s larger-than-life persona, blending holiday tropes with the themes of hustle and success that dominate his music. The Zaytoven-produced track serves as a tongue-in-cheek celebration of his status as a “East Atlanta Santa,” delivering for his community in his own unique way.
Kanye West (feat. Teyana Taylor, Cyhi the Prynce, Pusha T, Big Sean, Cam’ron, and More) ‘Christmas In Harlem’ (2010)
As if MBDTF wasn’t enough, Ye spoiled fans with 15 weeks’ worth of free music to promote one of the most revered rap eras of all time. And he decided to cap it off with the soulful and jazzy Hit-Boy produced Christmas in Harlem.
As if Teyana Taylor’s hook wasn’t to set the shimmering lights over the New York skyline, the original track got a boost from some heavy hitting wordsmiths including Cam’ron and Jim Jones. Not to mention a standout verse from Pusha-T who still manages a Santa-selling-cocaine metaphor that works better than it should.
TLC, ‘Sleigh Ride’ (1992)
In the true spirit of hip-hop TLC decided to rework the classic Christmas song, building around an entirely new vocal hook with a beat produced by Organized Noize, in order to produce the funky, R&B spin that fans got more than three decades ago – and the community should be all the more grateful for it.
Left Eye’s witty and charismatic rap adds a unique flair, as she celebrates joy, love, and togetherness backed by melodic vocals from T-Boz and Chilli. “Sleigh Ride” stands out as a refreshing addition to holiday music, merging nostalgia with 90s R&B and hip-hop, ensuring its place as a favorite for fans of both the genre and the season.
Jim Jones (feat. Stack Bundles & JR Writer), ‘Ballin’ On X-Mas’ (2006)
Jim Jones’ signature disruptive attitude might be the catalyst for a gutsy decision like sampling the timeless “Christmas in Hollis” beat for your holiday rap song, but it’s that gumption that fans have come to admire about him and Dipset.
The collective didn’t shy away from that larger-than-life persona either with ‘Ballin on X-mas.’ Over a beat that fuses sleigh bell-inspired melodies with booming basslines, Jim Jones masterfully balances humor, introspection, and bravado, creating a track that’s as reflective as it is celebratory. The song’s infectious energy and clever wordplay make it a refreshing addition to holiday playlists, appealing to those who prefer their Christmas music with a bit of edge.
Chance the Rapper and Jeremiah, ‘Snowed In’
In a way, Tyler, the Creator’s sound seems like the one that would least be compatible with the holidays. Cheery hi-hats and jingle bells are a far cry from warm synths and groovy basslines, but he makes up for it with the whimsical and unorthodox personality that fans have come to know and love.
Combine that with the mischievous and outrageous stylings of The Grinch and you essentially have the perfect combination for a Christmas-themed jam session.
The Treacherous Three, “Santa Rap” (1984)
Originally featured in the 1984 cult classic film Beat Street, the trio deliver a witty and socially conscious critique of the commercialization of Christmas that’s just as relevant now as it was then.
The Treacherous Three’s quick-tempo delivery adds an intense energy to the track that feels appropriate for its serious subtext. A pioneering holiday track, “Santa’s Rap” sets itself apart with its combination of entertainment and substance – proving that rap and the holiday could mingle in a way that wasn’t just corny and commercial.