Aside from Mardi Gras, the most wonderful time of year is almost here. That’s right, it’s Christmastime. ‘Tis the season to drink egg nog and hot cocoa, and listen to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and all things Michael Bublé on repeat.
If you’re tired of hearing the same old thing every Christmas season, The Daily Reveille has got you covered with this Christmas playlist.
1) Kanye West — “Christmas in Harlem” (feat. Teyana Taylor and Prince Cy Hy)
Released in 2010, “Christmas in Harlem” is a song anyone can jam to. The song touches on what it’s like to be stuck in the hood of Harlem and away from family during Christmas, but still trying to make the best out of the situation.
With the sweet vocals of Taylor and the dope rhymes of West, where could this song go wrong?
2) The Braxtons — “Mary Did You Know”
Though the song itself may be a little cliche, the rendition is nothing of the sort. In 2015, these five musically gifted sisters came together to bless the world with the soulful Christmas album, “Braxton Family Christmas.”
Within it, they sing various holiday specials, but none more beautiful than “Mary Did You Know.”
With the sultry voice of Toni Braxton beginning the track, Tamar Braxton’s versatile tone ending it, and unmatched harmonies in between, this song is the epitome of soul music.
3) Destiny’s Child — “8 Days of Christmas”
Everyone loves a little DC-3. 1999 was the year the R&B group released their version of the classic, “12 Days of Christmas.”
The trio sang about their significant others getting them the things every girl in the ‘90s wanted for Christmas, such as Chloé sunglasses, a cropped jacket and “quality T. I. M. E”.
This song will give you all types of that classic ‘90s R&B/hip-hop sound that lacks in music today. You may even get an idea of what you want your man to get you for Christmas.
4) Chris Brown — “This Christmas”
This one may be a bit cliche, but it’s too good not to mention. Chris Brown took this Donny Hathaway classic and truly made it his own.
First introduced in the 2007 comedy-drama film “This Christmas,” Brown’s version of the song is on its way to becoming a classic in its own right.
With its new-school R&B feel and Chris’ vocals, “This Christmas” rightfully earned its spot on the list.
5) Run DMC — “Christmas in Hollis”
Ending the list with some classic hip-hop is Run DMC. Released in 1988, Run DMC’s clean rhymes depict a Christmas in the hood of Hollis in Queens, New York.
The song’s funky beat and simple rhymes will make you want to break out your Adidas tracksuit and boombox all holiday season.