“Christmas in Hollis” by Run-D.M.C., released in 1987, is widely regarded as one of the most iconic holiday songs of all time, particularly within the realm of hip-hop music. Known for its blend of rap, funk, and Christmas cheer, “Christmas in Hollis” broke boundaries by blending two seemingly disparate genres: the festive spirit of Christmas and the raw, energetic style of hip-hop. As part of the album A Very Special Christmas, a charity compilation benefiting the Special Olympics, the track has since become a beloved holiday classic, regularly featured on holiday playlists and often credited with helping to bring hip-hop music into mainstream holiday celebrations.
In this article, we will explore the creation of “Christmas in Hollis,” its cultural significance, the legacy it has left on the hip-hop community and the music world at large, and how it became one of the most enduring and influential Christmas songs ever released. We’ll also look at how Run-D.M.C. helped to redefine the intersection of Christmas music and hip-hop culture, turning a seasonal favorite into a lasting anthem for fans of all ages.
The Genesis of Run-D.M.C.
To understand the impact of “Christmas in Hollis,” it’s important to place it within the larger context of Run-D.M.C.’s groundbreaking career. Run-D.M.C. was one of the most influential rap groups of the 1980s, known for their innovative fusion of rap and rock elements. Formed in 1981 in Queens, New York, the group consisted of Joseph “Run” Simmons, Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels, and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell. The trio was instrumental in popularizing hip-hop music and culture, blending rap lyrics with hard-hitting beats and incorporating elements of rock and funk, which helped them break into the mainstream.
By the mid-1980s, Run-D.M.C. had already achieved significant success with groundbreaking albums like Run-D.M.C. (1984), which featured the genre-defining track “Rock Box,” and King of Rock (1985), which solidified their place in the rap scene. Their innovative sound, characterized by powerful beats, iconic scratching, and streetwise lyrics, resonated with audiences across racial and cultural lines. Run-D.M.C.’s ability to combine hip-hop with rock music, particularly through their collaboration with Aerosmith on the iconic “Walk This Way” in 1986, was a major factor in bringing hip-hop into the mainstream.
With this momentum, the group’s participation in the A Very Special Christmas compilation was a natural next step. The compilation, which featured various artists covering holiday songs to benefit the Special Olympics, was organized by music producer and activist Jimmy Iovine. Run-D.M.C.’s contribution to the album would be “Christmas in Hollis,” a track that would go on to become one of their most enduring songs.
“Christmas in Hollis”: A Unique Holiday Anthem
“Christmas in Hollis” was written by the members of Run-D.M.C., and its creation marked a distinct moment in the history of hip-hop music. The song was produced by Run-D.M.C. alongside Russell Simmons, a co-founder of Def Jam Records and an important figure in the group’s career. The song’s production, like much of Run-D.M.C.’s work, featured a distinctive blend of hard-hitting beats, layered with jazzy elements, funk influences, and scratching courtesy of Jam Master Jay.
The lyrics of “Christmas in Hollis” stand in stark contrast to the typical Christmas music that was widely heard during the holiday season. While traditional holiday music often focuses on themes of joy, family, and spirituality, Run-D.M.C. brought a distinctly hip-hop flavor to the song. The track is a storytelling piece that highlights the holiday season in the neighborhood of Hollis, Queens, where the group members grew up. The song’s lyrics combine playful holiday references with the gritty street language that was characteristic of Run-D.M.C.’s style, creating a unique narrative that spoke to both the holiday spirit and the group’s own experiences.
The opening verse immediately sets the tone for the song: “It was December 24th on Hollis Ave after dark / When I seen a man chillin’ with his dog in the park.” These lines immediately evoke a sense of place—Hollis, a neighborhood in Queens, New York, is a central character in the song. The references to the street, the park, and the characters who populate it ground the song in the everyday reality of urban life, giving it an authenticity that sets it apart from more traditional Christmas music. The lyrics are humorous and filled with references to the group’s personal experience, all while tapping into the universal themes of Christmas.
The chorus, with its catchy refrain “It’s Christmas time in Hollis, Queens / Mom’s cooking chicken and collard greens,” reflects the warmth and celebration of the holiday season, while also capturing the cultural specificity of the neighborhood and the group’s own experiences. The song mixes familiar Christmas themes—family meals, holiday cheer, and festive spirit—with a distinctly urban, hip-hop sensibility, making it both relatable and refreshing to listeners of all backgrounds.
The Sound and Production of “Christmas in Hollis”
Musically, “Christmas in Hollis” stands as a brilliant fusion of Christmas music and hip-hop, with the track’s production drawing from both genres to create a sound that is both celebratory and innovative. The song opens with a smooth, jazzy sample from “Christmas Is Christmas Again” by the band The Clash. This sample sets the tone for the rest of the song, bringing together elements of funk, jazz, and Christmas music in a way that had never been done before.
The beat, built on a sturdy, head-bopping rhythm, is a quintessential example of the classic Run-D.M.C. sound, with its crisp drum machine hits and scratchy turntable flourishes courtesy of Jam Master Jay. The song maintains a steady flow, with a tight, pulsating rhythm that mirrors the upbeat energy of the holiday season, while the verses are delivered in a rapid-fire style, characteristic of the group’s quick-witted lyricism.
The overall sound of “Christmas in Hollis” is polished yet raw, combining the festive spirit of holiday music with the sharp-edged attitude of hip-hop. The blending of these two elements helped make “Christmas in Hollis” stand out not only as a holiday song but also as an important step in the evolution of hip-hop music. The track’s incorporation of samples and scratching also positioned it as an influential moment in the development of turntablism and hip-hop production techniques.
The Reception and Cultural Impact
When “Christmas in Hollis” was first released in 1987, it was received warmly by both hip-hop fans and mainstream audiences. The track was an instant hit, not only because of its catchy and innovative sound but also due to its playful take on the Christmas genre. Run-D.M.C.’s ability to blend their streetwise persona with the lighthearted, festive atmosphere of Christmas helped bring hip-hop to a broader audience, giving the genre mainstream credibility while also solidifying the group’s place as pioneers of both rap and popular music.
The song’s release was also a significant moment for the hip-hop genre. While Christmas music had traditionally been dominated by pop, rock, and country artists, “Christmas in Hollis” was one of the first hip-hop tracks to be embraced as a holiday classic. This marked a significant shift in the acceptance of hip-hop culture within the broader musical landscape, with the song helping to show that rap could be just as relevant and versatile as other genres, even in the context of a holiday tradition.
The song’s placement on A Very Special Christmas also helped it reach a wider audience. The compilation featured other major artists like Bruce Springsteen, U2, and Madonna, and by being included in this lineup, Run-D.M.C. was able to further solidify their status as major players in the music world. The success of “Christmas in Hollis” also paved the way for other rap artists to create holiday-themed music, helping to diversify the often one-dimensional representation of Christmas in popular culture.
Lasting Legacy
Over the years, “Christmas in Hollis” has become a staple of the holiday season, not just for hip-hop fans but for music lovers of all kinds. The song has been featured in countless holiday playlists, movies, and television specials, helping to introduce new generations to the infectious charm and unique sound of Run-D.M.C.’s take on Christmas. It is played on radio stations around the world during the holiday season, and its infectious beats and clever lyrics continue to delight listeners.
“Christmas in Hollis” also continues to resonate because of its enduring themes of family, community, and celebration. While the song’s setting in Hollis, Queens, is deeply personal and specific to Run-D.M.C.’s experience, its themes of joy, togetherness, and festive cheer are universal. The song reminds us that Christmas is not just about grand traditions or commercialized holiday spectacles but about the simple pleasures of being with those we love in the place we call home.
The song’s cultural significance also lies in its role as a landmark moment for hip-hop’s acceptance into mainstream holiday traditions. By reimagining a classic genre like Christmas music through the lens of hip-hop, Run-D.M.C. helped to expand the possibilities for artists in the genre, showing that hip-hop could speak to and influence audiences across various cultural and generational lines.
Conclusion
“Christmas in Hollis” by Run-D.M.C. is far more than just a holiday track—it is a pioneering moment in the history of hip-hop and Christmas music. With its infectious beat, clever lyrics, and unique fusion of genres, the song helped to redefine what Christmas music could be and brought hip-hop into mainstream holiday celebrations. Its lasting impact on both the holiday music genre and the broader musical landscape cannot be overstated.
Run-D.M.C.’s “Christmas in Hollis” will forever be remembered as a groundbreaking moment that fused the spirit of Christmas with the energy of hip-hop, creating a timeless anthem that continues to bring joy to listeners around the world. Its influence endures, and it remains a cornerstone of the hip-hop holiday canon—proof that the genre’s cultural relevance and power extend far beyond the streets of Queens.
