Christmas in Hollis is one of the most famous Christmas rap songs, though it nearly didn’t happen.  When Bill Adler first approached Run-DMC and asked them to contribute to the holiday compilation album, A Very Special Christmas, the band turned him down.  It wasn’t until Adler suggested the title Christmas in Hollis that the band changed their mind.

All of the proceeds of A Very Special Christmas went to support the Special Olympics.  (Other contributors included Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Eurythmics, U2, and Pertenders.)  Christmas In Hollis was the only original composition to appear on the album and it has gone on to become a holiday mainstay.

Hollis, of course, refers to the neighborhood of Hollis, Queens, where the members of Run-DMC grew up.

This video was named the “Best Video of 1987” by Rolling Stone Magazine.

Enjoy and Merry Christmas Eve!