A Classic Holiday Video: Christmas in Hollis by RUN DMC

One of the all-time best rap/Christmas collaborations is easily the RUN-DMC tune, Christmas in Hollis. The Christmas rap track has stood the test of time and continues to be a traditional song played at parties and in many households each season. Parents may not have fully embraced it, but the track definitely has it's place in the history of rap and the Holidays. The video is also something special, complete with a mischievous elf who's determined that there's quite a few naughty ones out there. We also see the Adidas-wearing Run DMC (including the late Jam Master Jay) take a trip to a snow-filled park and see a bag of money dropped by Santa. They learn the true meaning of Christmas is to give the money back, and when you do Santa rewards your efforts. The elf learns the lesson of "never try to steal a rapper's gold rope chain necklace when his mom's watching". They just don't make rap videos like this any more. Check it out below, and consider making this one of your Xmas ringtones on your Sprint, T-Mobile or whichever phone you're rockin for the holidays... The Christmas in Hollis song can be found on A Very Special Christmas album or Run-D.M.C. - Greatest Hits. For more holiday fun, see the Christmas Is video by RUN DMC.

6 Classic Rap Flicks

Here's my list of some of the best Hip-Hop themed or based DVD's. Two things to note here are: 1) I've never watched "Boys N The Hood" or "Juice" all the way through, so they aren't part of this list (not saying they're bad movies). 2) There's a documentary/concert flick included because it's a great one to check out if you're a fan of Jay-Z and want to see a great behind the scenes film. 6 classic hip-hop DVD's to watch and own: Beat Street - Take it back to the old school here with an early hip hop flick providing an up-close look at the culture including DJing, beatboxing, graffiti and breakdancing as the foundation of early hip hop. It provides the story of up-and-coming DJ Kenny (Guy Davis) and his relationship with jazz musician Tracy (Rae Dawn Chong) as well as a look at graffiti artist Ramon. Also features the likes of hip-hop's most influential early names--Melle Mel, Doug E Fresh, Kool Moe Dee, the Rocksteady Crew, Jazzy Jeff, and Arthur Baker. Belly, Special Edition, Version 2 - Directed by music video superstar director, Hype Williams and featuring rappers Nas, DMX and Method Man as well as T-Boz of R&B group TLC. The movie features the tale of Tommy Brown and Sincere, two men who have made a life out of drug deals and armed robberies. Despite the wealth and good lifestyles, the two decide it's a dead end for them to continue this way and have spiritual awakenings. Features stunning and stylish visuals along with scenes of gritty violence. Hustle & Flow (Widescreen Edition) - A newcomer to the list which recently earned an Oscar Award, but not for its standout acting performances. Instead, this movie received the "Best Song in a Movie" award which went to 3-6 Mafia for "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp". And that's the premise of the movie, a pimp, Djay played by Terrance Howard, struggles to use his musical creativity so that he can gain success as a rap star and create a better life for himself and those he needs to support. Also features rapper Ludacris, comedic actor Anthony Anderson and DJ Qualls (Road Trip & The New Kid). Jay Z - Fade to Black - A highly entertaining concert/documentary about Jay-Z's album of the same title. It has a real "Carlito's Way" style to it with Jay-Z's narration about making his latest CD come together. While the album was originally considered to be Jigga's last, he has since returned. This movie spotlights the big finale concert he gave at Madison Square Garden, featuring many other rappers, producers and celebs. The added bonus is seeing an inside look at how Jay-Z crafted the whole album working with producers such as Kanye West, Rick Reuben, Timbaland and Just Blaze. Menace II Society - A classic film brought to us by the Hughes Brothers directing duo, which many say emulates Boyz N the Hood. It features the tale of a young man, Caine, trying to rebuild his life despite being caught up in a dangerous and detrimental environment involving street gangs, drugs, revenge and shootings in his neighborhood in Watts. Features two up and coming acting stars of the time, Larenz Tate as O-Dog, and Jada Pinkett as Ronnie. New Jack City (Two-Disc Special Edition) - Classic movie which looks into the gritty and dangerous underground world of cocaine dealing and how it impacts communities, families and individuals. Features an arrogant, powerful and ruthless drug lord, Nino Brown, played by Wesley Snipes. Also features an early appearance by comedian Chris Rock. In this one, ironically, the rapper who created the controversial song "Cop Killer", Ice-T takes the role of a detective himself. Classic movie worth seeing and owning in your collection as it has been criticized and praised by many since the early 90's.

Top 20 Rap Albums All Time

Here's my top 20 rap albums of all time...Ranked in terms of their impact upon me and my love for the music.. 1) "Licensed to Ill" - Beastie Boys - The rock/rap crossover appeal lured me in, and I was hooked for good 2) "Raising Hell" - RUN DMC - Wow I can remember playing this tape over and over in my walkman on trips with my parents..I bet they wish I never got a walkman ;) 3) "The Low End Theory" - A Tribe Called Quest - This tape and group is what really got me into rap, their style was so unique and varied and the beats were full of soulful bass and horns, strings and just good stuff. 4) "Death Certificate" - Ice Cube - Another one I listened to quite a bit. Yes it was gangsta, and violent and full of racist ideas and suggestions, but its an eye opener for sure. 5) "De La Soul is Dead" - De La Soul - Another group like Tribe who really fueled my love for rap. Their creativity is unparalleled and this concept tape was amazing. 6) "The Chronic" -Dr Dre - Another one that along with Ice Cube really got me into that gangsta westcoast scene. 7) "Paid in Full" - Eric B & Rakim - Most people know this has to be in a top 10 for greatest rap albums. I bought it later than sooner (like 1997) but even so I recognize its major importance to the genre. 8) "Straight Outta Compton" - N.W.A. More gangsta, got this album late too, but I knew it had to be part of my collection. 9) "Illmatic" - Nas - My alltime favorite rapper with his 1st debut album, and a definite classic 10) "Reasonable Doubt"/"Black Album" (tie) - Jay Z - Very hard to call this one, one album marked the start of a great career, the other was the "supposed"end. But both are extremely introspective & deep. 11) "Ready to DIE" - BIG - RIP to one of the all time greatest, baby baby. 12) "Enter the 36 Chambers" - Wu Tang Clan- I remember first getting my hands on this from my roommate at UCONN and loving the rawness of the combined talents of this group..amazing style. 13) "The Infamous" - Mobb Deep - I remember the hype that built up before this release dropped, and it definitely lived up to it..It sure bumped the bass out of our 81' Corolla ;) 14) "Fear of a Black Planet" - Public Enemy the rap revolutionaries..Another group with alot to say. 15) "The College Dropout" - Kanye West - This really should be higher because it has so much meaning to me, just the concept of Kanye's career and what he's come through to get where he is. 16) "93 Til Infinity" - Souls of Mischief - These guys were interesting, because they came from the West Coast but had a nitty gritty underground style,like the Native Tongues..fresh. 17)"The Fix" - Scarface - I used to listen to this album over and over while driving for a job I had, it was rare at the time because there wasnt many good rap albums out..but this one is solid start to finish. 18)"Me Against the World" - 2PAC - An all time rap top 20 list needs to include BIG & Pac, two of rap's finest. This album's title track is legendary. 19) "The Score" - The Fugees - Classic hip hop, soulful singing, reggae and rap all in one. 20) "Can I Borrow a Dollar?" - Common Sense - This one will surprise people, but I remember getting his tape off a recommend buy in "Source" magazine. And it mesmerized me in my walkman, because the style was just so off base and out there..and now, hes one of my top 3 faves, all time. (Honorable mentions: EPMD - Business as Usual or Business Never Personal, Eminem - Marshall Mathers LP, Redman - Whut? Thee Album, Public Enemy - It Takes a Nation of Millions, LL Cool J - Mama Said Knock You Out)