The chestnuts are roasting on an open fire. The gifts are under the tree. The hot cocoa is getting poured (with maybe a little extra spike for the adults). The entire family is back at home (for better or worse), and it’s officially time to celebrate the holidays. However, you’re not the demographic running up Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas,” and you’re tired of all the traditional Christmas music that’s taken over the radio.
Luckily, hip-hop has its fair share of 808 jingles, and we put together the best holiday-themed songs from rap favorites like DMX, Jeezy, and OutKast.
“BigXmas” by BigXThaPlug
Making sure he had his Santa fit on, Dallas’ very own BigXThaPlug made sure to show that he is not only “The Largest,” but that the holiday is the perfect time to ball out.
“Player’s Ball (Christmas Version)” by OutKast
Before the ATL group dropped hits like “Hey Ya!” and” “Ms. Jackson,” they dropped their debut single in 1994 just in time for Christmas.
“Christmas in Hollis” by Run-D.M.C.
It’s not Christmas time without hearing the classic holiday song about how the duo spreads holiday cheer down in Queens.
“Deck Da Club” by Ying Yang Twins
After opening presents with the family, it is time to make it rain with “piles of money (fa la la la la, la la la la).”
“Xmas Time” by Glorilla ft. Kehlani
This year, one of this year’s biggest rap superstars and the always soulful R&B singer joined forces to create the perfect Christmas turn-up.
“Baddie On My Wish List” by Fivio Foreign
The rapper sprinkled in some Brooklyn drill to tell Santa what (or specifically who) he wants underneath the tree.
“I’m Your Santa” by Chance the Rapper ft. Jeremih
If slow jams are more of your thing, let Chance the Rapper and Jeremih help get you right.
“The Grinch Freestyle” by Luh Tyler and Latto
The two got into their villain bag on their 2023 Christmas track, copping their friends Chanel and silencing enemies for good.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” by DMX
The late DMX had plenty of meme-able moments, but his rendition of the essential holiday song was one of his best.
“Presents” by Bryson Tiller ft. Kiana Ledé
This one is for all the R&B lovers looking forward to celebrating the holidays with their special person.
“Holiday” by Lil Nas X
Montero traded his cowboy hat in for a Santa cap with an assist from producer Tay Keith.
“Merry Xmas” by Fetty Wap ft. Monty
Nothing like Fetty Wap’s signature autotune to get you in the holiday spirit.
“Drummer Boy” by Justin Bieber and Busta Rhymes
Real ones know about Justin Bieber’s rap/R&B era with Journals. On this track, he paired up with Busta Rhymes to remix the 1958 song.
“Christmas in Harlem” by Ye ft. Cam’Ron, Pusha T, Teyana Taylor, Big Sean & more
You may not know that Ye has Christmas songs but the Chicago native made sure to share the holiday cheer during his My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy rollout.
“A Christmas F***ing Miracle” by Run the Jewels
Rapper Killer Mike and producer El-P shared a Christmas tale you might not want to tell the kids around the fireplace.
“St. Brick Intro” by Gucci Mane
The grind doesn’t stop because it’s the holidays, and Gucci Mane has the perfect anthem for y’all.
“Santa Claus Goes Straight to the Ghetto” by Snoop Dogg
Snoop Doggy Dogg is letting everyone know that St. Nick is a real one.
“Ludacrismas” by Ludacris
I don’t know about you, but my Santa Claus has an incredible fro just like the Illinois native.
“You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” by Tyler, the Creator
Tyler came through for the new 2018 Grinch film, putting his signature style on the vintage track.
“3 Kings” by Yo Gotti, Fabolous and DJ Khaled
Rather than the three kings of Bethelem, we got three kings in hip-hop.
“Ghostface Xmas” by Ghostface Killah
It’s Christmas Eve, and Ghostface Killah is back outside delivering holiday joy (if you’re on his nice list).
“Hustlaz Holiday” by Jeezy
It doesn’t matter if it is Christmas, Thanksgiving, or their birthday — Jeezy is on a mission.
“Ballin’ on Christmas” by Jim Jones
This is the soundtrack for showing off what you got on December 25.
“All I Really Want for Christmas” by Lil Jon ft. Kool-Aid Man
Yes, that Kool-Aid Man. Yes, the music video feels like a fever dream.
“Nothing for Christmas” by Ear Drummers, Rae Sremmurd, and Slim Jxmmi
Decided to save up instead of ball out for your girl this Christmas? At least put together a little performance to this.