FOR THE SOUL
Holiday Gems for the Culture
The holiday season is in effect.. and so are the carols we’ve become accustomed to.
From the X-Mas classics such as Jingle Bells to the many sounds of Mariah Carey, we’ve been treated to some iconic songs over the years. And while many popular radio channels have played them, many holiday songs in black culture are tuned that are just as impactful on sights and sounds alone.
See Chris Brown’s This Christmas for example, as well as Run DMC’s Queens anthem, Christmas in Hollis.
Here, we pay tribute.
I can hardly wait for Christmas – The O’ Jays
Sounding like the start of a long list of tales of love and merriment for the December holiday, I can hardly wait for Christmas to be a gem of many proportions. Despite being the oldest song on the list, its message ages like all the rest.
The Birth of Christ – Boyz II Men
On A&M Records’ multi-artist album, A Very Special Christmas 2, Boyz II Men released The Birth of Christ. Combining the signature harmonies with the sounds of the Motown Records legends, the song is quite the listen.
Christmas in the City – Mary J Blige, Angie Martinez
It was only right that one of the best voices of modern day soul music made a song for the most cheery holiday for all.
But for Mary J, it’s not simply about the traditional holiday festivities: it’s about where you’ll be spending the holiday itself.
On A&M Records’ multi-artist album, A Very Special Christmas 3, The Yonkers native sang about the life of a New Yorker on Xmas. From Rockefeller Center tree lightings to the city vibes, the song brought you on a trip to “The Mecca.” A feat like no other.
Sleigh Ride – TLC
Remember what was said about 90s R&B? Now think about adding a bop to it, and you have TLC
Not a stranger to do song renditions and holiday covers, they added the flavor to Xmas cheer with 90s R&B.
Ain’t nothing like it.
Christmas in Harlem – Kanye West, Cyhi the Prince, Teyana Taylor
A song with soul. A song with pageantry. A masterpiece all in one, in arguably Kanye West’s best album to date.
With production that screams a Kanye beat, the ensemble of the-then rising stars of G.O.O.D Music was on hand for a song with one of the most soulful hip hop carols to date.
