Celebrate the holidays with the best Hip-Hop and R&B songs that bring festive joy and soulful grooves to your seasonal playlists.
The holidays are finally here, though there’s a good chance you’ve been hearing Christmas music since September. While you’re hosting gatherings, wrapping gifts, and waiting for deliveries, here’s a fun mix of new and old r&b Christmas songs for you to add to your holiday playlist — and, while we love it, doesn’t feature ‘All I Want for Christmas is You.’
Little Drummer Boy – Lauryn Hill
Lauryn’s cool, smooth voice and relaxed vibe pair perfectly for this cover of Little Drummer Boy, which was featured on Rosie O’Donnell’s 1999 Christmas album. LDB isn’t the most popular Christmas classic, but with Lauryn behind the mic, it’s transformed into something truly beautiful — I’d listen to Lauryn Hill sing the phone book.
Boyz II Men – Let It Snow
Boyz II Men dominated the r&b charts in the 80s and 90s, and their performance of ‘Let It Snow,’ featuring Brian McKnight, is a testament to why. Their vocals serve us the 90s at their finest —exaggerated vibrato and the hand gestures to go along with them — but their harmonization has always been, and will always be, iconic.
Mary J. Blige – My Favorite Things
No R&B playlist would be complete without Aunt Mary. Her rendition of ‘My Favorite Things’ reminds us that not only can Mary sing, but she can sing. Her vocals on this track are on point, and show off her range beautifully.
Sleigh Ride – TLC
This one has nostalgia written all over it. It’s a feel-good, upbeat track!
8 Days of Christmas – Destiny’s Child
A modern twist on the classic holiday tune, but with the flare that only Beyonce, Kelly, and Michelle can provide.
Christmas in Harlem – Kanye West, Cyhi The Prynce, And Teyana Taylor
I admit that I didn’t want to love this one, but I do. It’s an original, fun Christmas tune with lyrics that make you feel good. Teyana’s voice is beautiful, Kanye and Cyhi always deliver. And as a bonus, it’s pretty clean, so you can let this one play without worrying about running to skip the track if the kids are around (like we find ourselves doing with some of Kanye’s other songs).
O Holy Night – Mariah Carey
The list wouldn’t be complete without this song, or without Mariah. While one of her ‘other’ Christmas songs is the most-streamed of all time, there’s just no denying that her vocals in her version of ‘O Holy Night’ blows everyone else’s out of the water.
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