Artist: VariousTitle: 2006 AllHipHop.com Holiday DownloadsRating: 5 StarsReviewed by: Kathy IandoliHoliday music can either enhance your spirit of the season, or make your life a living hell. Anyone who has braved shopping during the holidays can attest to the fact that few Holiday songs can be played ad nauseam without developing the desire to hurt someone. Fortunately, there are plenty of songs by our favorite artists that make Holiday music endurable, and dare we say, playable all year round.
This year delivered some extra special albums and singles, but we really could’ve used a “chicken noodle soup with eggnog on the side” carol. Oh well, there’s always next year.
Dipset Christmas – Jim Jones
It wouldn’t possibly be Christmas this year without Jim Jones sprinkling his charisma and humorous wordplay onto some Holiday tracks. Still a clever businessman, the album includes the “We Fly High” remix, along with “Ballin’ On Xmas” which does plenty of justice to the “Christmas in Hollis” beat. Santa Jones also gets the “Oh No He Didn’t Award” for his customized holiday card. We’ve heard of sonning MC’s, but elfing them is the next level.
“Home For Christmas” single – Danity Kane
The ladies of Danity Kane outdid themselves with a brand new song for those missing their loved ones on the holidays. The danceable groove mixed with their now signature harmonies makes for an adorable party track for Christmas’s to come.
A Charlie Brown Christmas – Vince Guaraldi Trio
Due to the re-mastering of the album, it’s counting as a 2006 release. Besides, who could resist the score to a cartoon that shapes childhood holidays? Listening to this album brings back memories of the pathetic malnourished Christmas tree in the Peanuts cartoon and the tearful lessons Charlie Brown learns throughout the movie. If you haven’t seen it, you probably weren’t born yet.
“Perfect Christmas” single – Sisqo
In preparation for The Last Dragon comes the return of Sisqo with this soulful Christmas track. It’s almost foreign to hear such a powerful voice to the tune of a backbeat these days. While the song sounds like Dru Hill is harmonizing in the background, it’s all Sisqo all day. We don’t mind.
Home For Christmas – Hall & Oates
Hall & Oates were the purveyors of cool and arguably one of the most memorable duos in music history. Their return for the holidays is no different, slightly down-tempo, but classic. Songs like “Everyday Will be Like a Holiday” and the traditional “Jingle Bell Rock” offer more than holiday spirit, but a hopeful look for a new LP by next Christmas.
Mary Mary Christmas – Mary Mary
Always making spirituality hip, the duo gives thanks with their heartfelt Christmas album. Featuring old favorites and new favorites like “California Christmas” and “Carol of the Bells,” Mary Mary has a unique approach of making songs of worship sound like radio soul ballads.
Don’t forget these classic songs to stuff into your MP3 player:
“Santa’s Rap” – Treacherous Three
Santa even frequented Beat Street for Christmas, pioneering the first ever rap for the holidays.
“All I Want For Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey
Mariah will always fall into the likeable category because of this upbeat song on a classic holiday album.
“Player’s Ball” – “Outkast
Oh, you didn’t know this started as a Christmas carol? Well shame on you! This track first appeared in 1993 on the LaFace Christmas album. One year later, we met the dynamic duo for real on Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik.
“Silent Night” – Boyz II Men
A traditional song that reached The Fresh Prince out in Bel-Air. Christmas Interpretations is a must-have album for your collection too. Now that’s fresh!
“Christmas in Hollis” – Run DMC
“It’s Christmas time in Hollis, Queens / Mom’s cookin’ chicken and collard greens!”
“Sleigh Ride” – TLC
One of the cutest holiday songs in history – even with hookers and a pimp in the video!
“Silver Bells” – Michel’le
From Christmas on Death Row…need we say more?
“Little Drummer Boy” – Lauryn Hill
Totally different from the original; completely wasted on a Rosie O’Donnell compilation.
“Santa Baby” – Rev. Run, Keith Murray, Mase, Onyx, Diddy, Salt-n-Pepa and Snoop Dogg
“But if I wasn’t a boy I wouldn’t have nuttin’ to play with.” Yeah Sticky!