Top 5 Christmas Rap / Hip-Hop Albums

Inspired by the overwhelming success of Run DMC's "Christmas in Hollis," this true school compilation might be the closest thing to a consistent christmas rap album you'll ever find. It features the aforementioned Run-DMC hit, Derek B's "Chillin' with Santa," Sweet Tee's "Let the Jingle Bells Rock," and the playful "Dana Dane is Coming to Town" by Dana Dane. A great seasonal gift for fans of 80's hip-hop.

1996 was the year of doom for Death Row Records, no thanks to 2pac's death and the outcry against gangsta rap. In order to prove that Death Row was not exclusively synonymous with gangsterisms, Suge dropped this christmas compilation with help from Tha Dogg Pound, Danny Boy, Nate Dogg, and others. Contrary to what you might expect from an album titled Christmas on Death Row, this is far from a gangsta interpretation of the holidays. So, nope, Santa doesn't get jacked for his gold chain.

"I wanted to make a Christmas album for kids in the hood and s*** like that," says Jim Jones about A Dipset Xmas. It features reworked Christmas favorites as well as new unreleased material. What better time to go "baalllinn'" than on Christmas?

Do you like your Christmas rap garnished with a bit of gospel? Then Cross Movement's Gift Rap is just right for you. Better still, this 11-song CD can be enjoyed throughout the year, not just on Christmas.

Okay, I lied. A Very Special Christmas is not exactly a Christmas rap album. However, it features Run-DMC's "Christmas in Hollis," as well as timeless tunes from U2, Madonna, Eurythmics, and others. The best part is that A Very Special Christmas was recorded as a benefit album to assist the Special Olympics. Now, that's hip-hop.