It's that time of year that you have to put together 100 playlists for all your Christmas parties and we want to make that a little easier. These are the songs that you HAVE to include--otherwise you might as well kick Santa in the pants.
That would pretty much guarantee Santa won't be bringing you any gifts. Unless Santa is into that kind of thing... which we're just not going to think about.
These are the Top 10 Hip Hop and R&B Christmas Songs:
It's Christmas- Gorilla Zoe
There was some debate on including this song because they lyrics technically say "like Christmas" instead of "it's Christmas" or whatever... but who cares--it's a party and this is a great song.
Kurtis Blow - Christmas Rapping
You can't not include this classic. I'm not looking at the copyright dates or anything, but this could be the first popular Christmas rap song. Old school.
Be Thankful - Nate Dogg & Butch Cassidy
This song really makes you wish these guys were still making music. (Technically Butch Cas is, but when was the last time you heard a single?). Our prayers go out to Nate Dogg's recovery.
Ballin' On Xmas - Jim Jones
Jim Jones wrote a song called "Ballin' On Xmas". You don't need anymore info.
Sleigh Ride - TLC
There was a time that TLC ruled the world and pumped out classic after classic. There's nothing like the 90s for R&B Christmas songs...
Ludacris - Ludacrismas
Everything Luda does is a sample-filled, over-the-top, banger--and his Christmas song is no exception. (Although it is pretty weird he replaced Christ with Ludacris)
Run DMC - Christmas In Hollis
For a lot of years (and to this day for a lot of people) this is THE Christmas rap song. Rest in peace, J.
Toy Jackpot - Blackalicious
This is definitely the newest song on the list (it's hard to talk about "new classics") but it's a good one. Target put together a free CD of original Christmas music and a cool ad campaign to go with each song. The above video (song by Blackalicious) just reminds you of that excitement on Christmas so well that it bumped the song up quite a bit.
Ashanti - Christmas Time Again
Do you even need to explain why a Christmas song by Ashanti should be on your playlist?
Santa Claus Goes Straight To The Ghetto - Nate Dogg and Snoop Dogg
We definitely can't argue with K-Dub that this is the best song of the holiday season. Nate Dogg and Snoop should do a whole Christmas album. We're trademarking "Chronic Christmas".
Everybody's been in a nasty break up at some point, and if you're anything like the people who work at Hot, when you get your heart broken, you'll partake in some adult beverages, cry a lot, and be arrested for petty vandalism. Then, after the hangover and prison tattoos start to fade, you'll listen to some break up songs. These are some of our favorites.
The rules: no repeat artists, the song must have been released as a single, only hip hop & R&B songs allowed.
8.) Eamon - I Don't Want You Back
Does anybody else remember this song? This crooning, curse filled ballad came out when I was in college going through a particularly depressing breakup (the girl was hot and I was desperate). Don't judge me--we've all been there. Eamon went on to work at a car wash or something after his only hit.
7.) Outkast - Roses
All the guys would say she's mighty fine,
But mighty fine only got you somewhere half the time,
And the other half either got you cursed out, or comin' up short...
This one is for the ladies but any dude who's been with a compulsive liar can definitely relate. Baby, you know you're only sorry 'cuz you're caught.
You look so dumb right now, standin' outside my house
Trying to apologize--you're so ugly when you cry--please, just cut it out.
5.) Kanye West - Heartless
Honestly, when you read Yeezy's Heartless lyrics, you can't see why it's a great song... but when you listen, there's something about it that just clicks. The production and beat are just amazing--and the song really sets a mood. I'm not going to lie--I've crashed into this song after some fights with the girlfriend.
4.) Mario - Breakup
Mario absolutely murdered the chorus and Gucci's verses are dead on for a breakup song. This isn't the kind of song you're going to quote like Shakespeare--but it's just so honest and catchy that you have to crank it when that special someone dumps on your heart.
Baby girl went AWOL,
She used to be my soldier.
3.) Cee-Lo - Forget You
Yeah, the F**k You version might be better for a break up, there's no denying that Cee-Lo's Forget You is a PERFECT breakup song. It's got a throwback sound you don't hear anymore and an amazing video that's as perfect as the song.
I see you drivin' round town with that girl I love, and I'm like F**K YOU!
2.) Beyonce - Irreplaceable
Full disclosure: I kind of have a thing for Beyonce. I'd like to think that someday she'll realize Jay-Z isn't treating her right, move to Dayton, and we'd meet at Chipotle. Anyway, this old-school sounding song is a fun little story about kicking out your cheating ass of a significant other, and if you haven't done that--I recommend it.
1.) Eminem - Kim
This is easily the most controversial song on this list. It's been pointed to as proof that Eminem hates women and often comes up in conversations about glorifying domestic violence. At it's heart however, Kim is a song about raw emotions. It's a (fictional) tale about an unhinged guy who looses it because of a dysfunctional relationship. If you're having a fight with your girlfriend or boyfriend--this is NOT the song to listen to, but once their gone--go ahead and be mad. It definitely doesn't get madder than this.
Just don't be the kind of a-hole who hears something in a song and takes it literally, okay Stan?
BONUS:
Bekay - T.I.N.A.
This song just popped up on a mixtape I was listening to. No video yet, and you'll probably never hear it played anywhere, but it's a great break up song. Enjoy!
Even as I wrote this list, I know I missed a bunch of songs... let me know in the comments!
It's that time of year that you have to put together 100 playlists for all your Christmas parties and we want to make that a little easier. These are the songs that you HAVE to include--otherwise you might as well kick Santa in the pants.
Everybody's been in a nasty break up at some point, and if you're anything like the people who work at Hot, when you get your heart broken, you'll partake in some adult beverages, cry a lot, and be arrested for petty vandalism. Then, after the hangover and prison tattoos start to fade, you'll listen to some break up songs. These are some of our favorites. 
