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{{Infobox single
{{Infobox song
| Name = Christmas in Harlem
| name = Christmas in Harlem
| Cover = Kanye West Christmas in Harlem.jpg
| cover = Kanye West Christmas in Harlem.jpg
| Artist = [[Kanye West]] featuring [[Teyana Taylor]] and [[Cyhi the Prynce]]
| alt =
| type = single
| artist = [[Kanye West]] featuring [[Teyana Taylor]] and [[Cyhi the Prynce]]
| Album =
| album =
| Released = December 17, 2010
| released = December 17, 2010
| Recorded =
| format =
| recorded =
| Genre = [[Hip hop music|Hip hop]]
| Length = 5:56
| studio =
| venue =
⚫
| Label = [[Roc-A-Fella Records|Roc-A-Fella]], [[Def Jam Recordings|Def Jam]]
| Writer = {{flat list|
| genre = [[Hip hop music|Hip hop]]
| length = 3:56
⚫
| label = {{hlist|[[Roc-A-Fella Records|Roc-A-Fella]]|[[Def Jam Recordings|Def Jam]]}}
| writer = {{flat list|
*[[Marvin Gaye|Marvin P. Gaye]]
*[[Marvin Gaye|Marvin P. Gaye]]
*[[Hit-Boy|Chauncey Hollis]]
*[[Hit-Boy|Chauncey Hollis]]
Line 16: Line 21:
*[[Cyhi the Prynce|Cydell Young]]
*[[Cyhi the Prynce|Cydell Young]]
}}
}}
| Producer = [[Hit-Boy]]
| producer = [[Hit-Boy]]
| Chronology = [[Kanye West]] singles
| chronology = [[Kanye West]]
| prev_title = [[All of the Lights]]
| Last single = "[[Start It Up (song)|Start It Up]]"<br />(2010)
| prev_year = 2010
⚫
| This single = "'''Christmas in Harlem'''"<br />(2010)
| next_title = [[H.A.M.]]
| Next single = "[[Hurricane (Thirty Seconds to Mars song)#Hurricane 2.0|Hurricane 2.0]]"<br />(2011)
| Misc = {{Extra chronology
| next_year = 2011
| misc = {{Extra chronology
| Artist = [[Cyhi the Prynce]] singles
| artist = [[Cyhi the Prynce]]
| Type = single
| type = single
| prev_title =
| Last single =
| prev_year =
| This single = "'''Christmas in Harlem'''"<br />(2010)
| Next single =
| title = Christmas in Harlem
| year = 2010
⚫
{{Extra chronology
| next_title = Freak Some More
⚫
| Artist = [[Teyana Taylor]] singles
| Type = single
| next_year = 2011
⚫
| Last single = "[[Google Me (song)|Google Me]]"<br />(2008)
| This single = "'''Christmas in Harlem'''"<br />(2010)
| Next single = "Merk Out"<br />(2012)
}}
}}
⚫
{{Extra chronology
⚫
| artist = [[Teyana Taylor]]
| type = single
⚫
| prev_title = [[Google Me (Teyana Taylor song)|Google Me]]
| prev_year = 2008
⚫
| title = Christmas in Harlem
| year = 2010
| next_title = Merk Out
| next_year = 2012
}}
}}
}}
}}


"'''Christmas in Harlem'''" is a song by [[Hip hop music|hip-hop]] recording artist [[Kanye West]]. The track features rapper [[Cyhi the Prynce]] and R&B singer [[Teyana Taylor]], both of whom are signed to West's label [[GOOD Music]]. Produced by [[Hit-Boy]], the song contains [[Sampling (music)|samples]] of "[[Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing]]" and "[[Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)]]", both by soul musician [[Marvin Gaye]], and "[[Strawberry Letter 23]]" by singer-songwriter [[Shuggie Otis]]. The track features a holiday theme, and features various references to [[Christmas]] and customs associated with the holiday.
"'''Christmas in Harlem'''" is a song by [[Hip hop music|hip-hop]] recording artist [[Kanye West]]. The track features rapper [[Cyhi the Prynce]] and R&B singer [[Teyana Taylor]], both of whom are signed to West's label [[GOOD Music]]. Produced by [[Hit-Boy]], it is a christmas hip hop song that contains [[Sampling (music)|samples]] of "[[Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing]]" and "[[Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)]]", both by soul musician [[Marvin Gaye]], and "[[Strawberry Letter 23]]" by singer-songwriter [[Shuggie Otis]]. The track features a holiday theme, and features various references to [[Christmas]] and customs associated with the holiday.


Originally released as a part of West's free music giveaway series [[GOOD Fridays]], the song was later released as a single onto [[iTunes]] on December 17, 2010. The song received positive reviews from critics, who complimented its lyrics and compared it favorably to other Christmas-themed hip-hop songs.
Originally released as a part of West's free music giveaway series [[GOOD Fridays]], the song was later released as a single onto [[iTunes]] on December 17, 2010. The song received positive reviews from critics, who complimented its lyrics and compared it favorably to other Christmas-themed hip-hop songs.


==Background==
==Background==
"Christmas in Harlem" was produced by [[Hit-Boy]], a producer signed to West's label [[GOOD Music]]. Going into detail about how his connections with West began and how the track's beat ended up with West, Hit-Boy explained: "My boy Dala Roc hooked me up with Kanye’s cousin, Ricky, [...] This was around the time when he started working on ''[[My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy]]''. I just kept sending him beats to try and get one on there. Then, on the night of Kanye's New York release party, Ricky called saying Kanye wanted to use one of my beats for a Christmas song."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.vibe.com/article/v-exclusive-christmas-harlem-producer-hit-boy-talks-finished-new-dipsetgood-music | title=V Exclusive: 'Christmas In Harlem' Producer Hit-Boy Talks Finished New Dipset/G.O.O.D. Music Collaboration | work=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]] | date=December 15, 2010 | accessdate=July 5, 2012}}</ref> The song contains samples of two songs by soul musician [[Marvin Gaye]]: "[[Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing]]" and "[[Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)]]", the former being a collaboration with soul singer [[Tammi Terrell]]. It also contains samples of "[[Strawberry Letter 23]]", originally written and performed by singer-songwriter [[Shuggie Otis]]. Both Gaye and Otis are given songwriting credits on "Christmas in Harlem" for use of the samples.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ascap.com/ace-title-search/index.aspx | title=ASCAP - Ace Title Search | publisher=[[American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers]] | accessdate=July 5, 2012 | format=To access, enter the search parameter "Christmas in Harlem" and select "Search"}}</ref>
"Christmas in Harlem" was produced by [[Hit-Boy]], a producer signed to West's label [[GOOD Music]]. Going into detail about how his connections with West began and how the track's beat ended up with West, Hit-Boy explained: "My boy Dala Roc hooked me up with Kanye’s cousin, Ricky, [...] This was around the time when he started working on ''[[My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy]]''. I just kept sending him beats to try and get one on there. Then, on the night of Kanye's New York release party, Ricky called saying Kanye wanted to use one of my beats for a Christmas song."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.vibe.com/article/v-exclusive-christmas-harlem-producer-hit-boy-talks-finished-new-dipsetgood-music | title=V Exclusive: 'Christmas In Harlem' Producer Hit-Boy Talks Finished New Dipset/G.O.O.D. Music Collaboration | work=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]] | date=December 15, 2010 | access-date=July 5, 2012}}</ref> The song contains samples of two songs by soul musician [[Marvin Gaye]]: "[[Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing]]" and "[[Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)]]", the former being a collaboration with soul singer [[Tammi Terrell]]. It also contains samples of "[[Strawberry Letter 23]]", originally written and performed by singer-songwriter [[Shuggie Otis]]. Both Gaye and Otis are given songwriting credits on "Christmas in Harlem" for use of the samples.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ascap.com/ace-title-search/index.aspx | title=ASCAP - Ace Title Search | publisher=[[American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers]] | access-date=July 5, 2012 | format=To access, enter the search parameter "Christmas in Harlem" and select "Search"}}</ref>


Before its official release, the track first leaked to the [[Internet]] on December 15, 2010.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/kanyes-holiday-song-christmas-in-harlem-leaks-20101215 | title=Kanye's Holiday Song 'Christmas In Harlem' Leaks | work=[[Rolling Stone]] | date=December 15, 2010 | accessdate=July 5, 2012 | author=Greene, Andy}}</ref> "Christmas in Harlem" was later released as a part of West's free music giveaway series [[GOOD Fridays]]. The version of "Christmas in Harlem" released as a part of GOOD Fridays featured additional contributions from rappers [[Cam'ron]], [[Jim Jones (rapper)|Jim Jones]], [[Vado (rapper)|Vado]], [[Pusha T]] and [[Big Sean]] as well as R&B singer [[Musiq Soulchild]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/singles/id.13092/title.kanye-west-f-camron-jim-jones-cyhi-da-prynce-pusha-t-big-sean-musiq-soulchild-teyana-taylor-christmas-in-harlem | title=Kanye West f. Cam'ron, Jim Jones, CyHi Da Prynce, Pusha T, Big Sean, Musiq Soulchild & Teyana Taylor | publisher=Cheri Media Group | work=''HipHopDX'' | date=December 15, 2010 | accessdate=July 5, 2012}}</ref> The version of the track only featuring contributions from West, CyHi the Prynce and Teyana Taylor was later released as a single to the [[iTunes Store]] on December 17, 2010.<ref>{{cite web | title=Christmas In Harlem – Single by Kanye West, Prince Cy Hi & Teyana Taylor | url=http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/christmas-in-harlem-single/id411137505 | work=''[[iTunes Store]]'' | publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple]] | accessdate=July 5, 2012}}</ref>
Before its official release, the track first leaked to the [[Internet]] on December 15, 2010.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/kanyes-holiday-song-christmas-in-harlem-leaks-20101215 | title=Kanye's Holiday Song 'Christmas In Harlem' Leaks | work=[[Rolling Stone]] | date=December 15, 2010 | access-date=July 5, 2012 | author=Greene, Andy}}</ref> "Christmas in Harlem" was later released as a part of West's free music giveaway series [[GOOD Fridays]]. The version of "Christmas in Harlem" released as a part of GOOD Fridays featured additional contributions from rappers [[Cam'ron]], [[Jim Jones (rapper)|Jim Jones]], [[Vado (rapper)|Vado]], [[Pusha T]] and [[Big Sean]] as well as R&B singer [[Musiq Soulchild]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/singles/id.13092/title.kanye-west-f-camron-jim-jones-cyhi-da-prynce-pusha-t-big-sean-musiq-soulchild-teyana-taylor-christmas-in-harlem | title=Kanye West f. Cam'ron, Jim Jones, CyHi Da Prynce, Pusha T, Big Sean, Musiq Soulchild & Teyana Taylor | publisher=Cheri Media Group | work=HipHopDX | date=December 15, 2010 | access-date=July 5, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121227192652/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/singles/id.13092/title.kanye-west-f-camron-jim-jones-cyhi-da-prynce-pusha-t-big-sean-musiq-soulchild-teyana-taylor-christmas-in-harlem | archive-date=December 27, 2012 | url-status=dead }}</ref> The version of the track only featuring contributions from West, CyHi the Prynce and Teyana Taylor was later released as a single to the [[iTunes Store]] on December 17, 2010.<ref>{{cite web | title=Christmas In Harlem – Single by Kanye West, Prince Cy Hi & Teyana Taylor | url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/christmas-in-harlem-single/id411137505 | work=[[iTunes Store]] | publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple]] | access-date=July 5, 2012}}</ref>


==Critical reception==
==Critical reception==
"Christmas in Harlem" received positive reviews from critics. Giving the song a three-and-a-half star rating, Chuck Eddy of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' stated: "Kanye's tinsel-tinted stocking stuffer sounds uncharacteristically tossed-off, as if he's preoccupied with the Xmas shopping spree he says he's planning. But actual Harlem R&B hopeful Teyana Taylor offers warmth from the wind chill, eventually slipping into the comfy melody from the Brothers Johnson's 'Strawberry Letter 23.' And gruff-rapping Atlanta Santa CyHi Da Prynce promises presents for non-Christian kiddies, too — hauled in a Porsche-speed sleigh."<ref name="Rolling Stone Review">{{cite web | url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/songreviews/christmas-in-harlem-20101216 | title=Christmas in Harlem | work=[[Rolling Stone]] | date=December 16, 2010 | accessdate=July 5, 2012 | author=Eddy, Chuck}}</ref> The magazine later included the song in its list of "The Greatest Rock & Roll Christmas Songs", describing it favorably as a follow-up to "[[Christmas in Hollis]]", a similarly themed Christmas song by hip-hop group [[Run-D.M.C.]] In his description of the track, Andy Greene of ''Rolling Stone'' wrote: "It's only been out for a year, but Kanye West's follow-up to Run-D.M.C.'s 'Christmas in Hollis' is already a classic. With help from Teyana Taylor, Cam'Ron, Jim Jones and Pusha T, West paints a vivid and cheerful portrait of the season."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/the-greatest-rock-and-roll-christmas-songs-20101216/kanye-west-christmas-in-harlem-0008372 | title=The Greatest Rock & Roll Christmas Songs Pictures - Kanye West, 'Christmas In Harlem' | work=[[Rolling Stone]] | accessdate=July 5, 2012 | author=Greene, Andy}}</ref> Becky Bain of [[Idolator (website)|Idolator]] wrote of the track: "Soulful, sweet and sprightly, it's one of the most joyful tracks we’ve heard from Kanye {{sic|in a|while|expected=in a while}}. Maybe even ever?"<ref name="Idolator">{{cite web | url=http://idolator.com/5718862/kanye-west-christmas-in-harlem | title=Kanye West Wishes You A Merry “Christmas In Harlem” | publisher=[[Gawker Media]] | work=[[Idolator (website)|Idolator]] | date=December 15, 2010 | accessdate=July 5, 2012 | author=Bain, Becky}}</ref>
"Christmas in Harlem" received positive reviews from critics. Giving the song a three-and-a-half star rating, Chuck Eddy of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' stated: "Kanye's tinsel-tinted stocking stuffer sounds uncharacteristically tossed-off, as if he's preoccupied with the Xmas shopping spree he says he's planning. But actual Harlem R&B hopeful Teyana Taylor offers warmth from the wind chill, eventually slipping into the comfy melody from the Brothers Johnson's 'Strawberry Letter 23.' And gruff-rapping Atlanta Santa CyHi Da Prynce promises presents for non-Christian kiddies, too — hauled in a Porsche-speed sleigh."<ref name="Rolling Stone Review">{{cite web | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/songreviews/christmas-in-harlem-20101216 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101225071432/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/songreviews/christmas-in-harlem-20101216 | url-status=dead | archive-date=December 25, 2010 | title=Christmas in Harlem | work=[[Rolling Stone]] | date=December 16, 2010 | access-date=July 5, 2012 | author=Eddy, Chuck}}</ref> The magazine later included the song in its list of "The Greatest Rock & Roll Christmas Songs", describing it favorably as a follow-up to "[[Christmas in Hollis]]", a similarly themed Christmas song by hip-hop group [[Run-D.M.C.]] In his description of the track, Andy Greene of ''Rolling Stone'' wrote: "It's only been out for a year, but Kanye West's follow-up to Run-D.M.C.'s 'Christmas in Hollis' is already a classic. With help from Teyana Taylor, Cam'Ron, Jim Jones and Pusha T, West paints a vivid and cheerful portrait of the season."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/the-greatest-rock-and-roll-christmas-songs-20101216/kanye-west-christmas-in-harlem-0008372 | title=The Greatest Rock & Roll Christmas Songs Pictures - Kanye West, 'Christmas In Harlem' | work=[[Rolling Stone]] | access-date=July 5, 2012 | author=Greene, Andy}}</ref> Becky Bain of [[Idolator (website)|Idolator]] wrote of the track: "Soulful, sweet and sprightly, it's one of the most joyful tracks we’ve heard from Kanye {{sic|in a|while|expected=in a while}}. Maybe even ever?"<ref name="Idolator">{{cite web | url=http://idolator.com/5718862/kanye-west-christmas-in-harlem | title=Kanye West Wishes You A Merry "Christmas In Harlem" | publisher=[[Gawker Media]] | work=[[Idolator (website)|Idolator]] | date=December 15, 2010 | access-date=July 5, 2012 | author=Bain, Becky}}</ref>


==Chart performance==
==Commercial performance==
"Christmas in Harlem" peaked at numbers 13 and 3 on the [[Billboard (magazine)|''Billboard'']] [[Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles]] and [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs#Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles|Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles]] charts respectively on the chart week of January 8, 2011.<ref name="Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles"/><ref name="Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles"/>
"Christmas in Harlem" peaked at numbers 13 and 3 on the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles]] and [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs#Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles|Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles]] charts respectively on the chart week of January 8, 2011.<ref name="Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles"/><ref name="Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles"/>


==Charts==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Chart (2010)
! Chart (2010)
! Peak<br/>position
! Peak<br/>position
|-
|-
| US [[Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles]] ([[Billboard (magazine)|''Billboard'']])<ref name="Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles">{{cite web|title=Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles – Issue Date: 2011-01-08 |url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/chart-search-results/singles/3141765 |work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]] |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/602eqyFMf?url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/chart-search-results/singles/3141765 |archivedate=July 8, 2011 |accessdate=July 5, 2012 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref>
| US [[Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref name="Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles">{{cite web|title=Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles – Issue Date: 2011-01-08 |url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/chart-search-results/singles/3141765 |work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008002934/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/chart-search-results/singles/3141765 |archive-date=October 8, 2012 |access-date=July 5, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|align="center"| 13
|align="center"| 13
|-
|-
| US [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs#Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles|Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles]] (''Billboard'')<ref name="Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles">{{cite web|title=Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles – Issue Date: 2011-01-08 |url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/chart-search-results/singles/3141766 |work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]] |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/602hcSy8I?url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/chart-search-results/singles/3141766 |archivedate=July 9, 2011 |accessdate=July 5, 2012 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref>
| US [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs#Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles|Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles]] (''Billboard'')<ref name="Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles">{{cite web|title=Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles – Issue Date: 2011-01-08 |url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/chart-search-results/singles/3141766 |work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008003528/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/chart-search-results/singles/3141766 |archive-date=October 8, 2012 |access-date=July 5, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|align="center"| 3
|align="center"| 3
|-
|-
| US [[Digital Songs|Holiday Digital Song Sales]] (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite web|title=Kanye West Chart History (Holiday Digital Song Sales) |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/kanye-west/chart-history/xdt/ |work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=February 23, 2019}}</ref>
|align="center"| 8
|}
|}

==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|2}}


⚫
{{Kanye West songs}}
==External links==
* {{MetroLyrics song|kanye-west|christmas-in-harlem}}<!-- Licensed lyrics provider -->

⚫
{{Kanye West singles}}
{{Teyana Taylor}}
{{Teyana Taylor}}

{{authority control}}


[[Category:2010 singles]]
[[Category:2010 singles]]
Line 81: Line 96:
[[Category:Songs written by Hit-Boy]]
[[Category:Songs written by Hit-Boy]]
[[Category:2010 songs]]
[[Category:2010 songs]]
[[Category:Songs written by Cyhi the Prynce]]
[[Category:Posse cuts]]

Latest revision as of 16:26, 11 August 2023

"Christmas in Harlem"
Single by Kanye West featuring Teyana Taylor and Cyhi the Prynce
ReleasedDecember 17, 2010
GenreHip hop
Length3:56
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Hit-Boy
Kanye West singles chronology
"All of the Lights"
(2010) 		"Christmas in Harlem"
(2010) 		"H.A.M."
(2011)
Cyhi the Prynce singles chronology
"Christmas in Harlem"
(2010) 		"Freak Some More"
(2011)
Teyana Taylor singles chronology
"Google Me"
(2008) 		"Christmas in Harlem"
(2010) 		"Merk Out"
(2012)

"Christmas in Harlem" is a song by hip-hop recording artist Kanye West. The track features rapper Cyhi the Prynce and R&B singer Teyana Taylor, both of whom are signed to West's label GOOD Music. Produced by Hit-Boy, it is a christmas hip hop song that contains samples of "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing" and "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)", both by soul musician Marvin Gaye, and "Strawberry Letter 23" by singer-songwriter Shuggie Otis. The track features a holiday theme, and features various references to Christmas and customs associated with the holiday.

Originally released as a part of West's free music giveaway series GOOD Fridays, the song was later released as a single onto iTunes on December 17, 2010. The song received positive reviews from critics, who complimented its lyrics and compared it favorably to other Christmas-themed hip-hop songs.

Background

[edit]

"Christmas in Harlem" was produced by Hit-Boy, a producer signed to West's label GOOD Music. Going into detail about how his connections with West began and how the track's beat ended up with West, Hit-Boy explained: "My boy Dala Roc hooked me up with Kanye’s cousin, Ricky, [...] This was around the time when he started working on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. I just kept sending him beats to try and get one on there. Then, on the night of Kanye's New York release party, Ricky called saying Kanye wanted to use one of my beats for a Christmas song."[1] The song contains samples of two songs by soul musician Marvin Gaye: "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing" and "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)", the former being a collaboration with soul singer Tammi Terrell. It also contains samples of "Strawberry Letter 23", originally written and performed by singer-songwriter Shuggie Otis. Both Gaye and Otis are given songwriting credits on "Christmas in Harlem" for use of the samples.[2]

Before its official release, the track first leaked to the Internet on December 15, 2010.[3] "Christmas in Harlem" was later released as a part of West's free music giveaway series GOOD Fridays. The version of "Christmas in Harlem" released as a part of GOOD Fridays featured additional contributions from rappers Cam'ron, Jim Jones, Vado, Pusha T and Big Sean as well as R&B singer Musiq Soulchild.[4] The version of the track only featuring contributions from West, CyHi the Prynce and Teyana Taylor was later released as a single to the iTunes Store on December 17, 2010.[5]

Critical reception

[edit]

"Christmas in Harlem" received positive reviews from critics. Giving the song a three-and-a-half star rating, Chuck Eddy of Rolling Stone stated: "Kanye's tinsel-tinted stocking stuffer sounds uncharacteristically tossed-off, as if he's preoccupied with the Xmas shopping spree he says he's planning. But actual Harlem R&B hopeful Teyana Taylor offers warmth from the wind chill, eventually slipping into the comfy melody from the Brothers Johnson's 'Strawberry Letter 23.' And gruff-rapping Atlanta Santa CyHi Da Prynce promises presents for non-Christian kiddies, too — hauled in a Porsche-speed sleigh."[6] The magazine later included the song in its list of "The Greatest Rock & Roll Christmas Songs", describing it favorably as a follow-up to "Christmas in Hollis", a similarly themed Christmas song by hip-hop group Run-D.M.C. In his description of the track, Andy Greene of Rolling Stone wrote: "It's only been out for a year, but Kanye West's follow-up to Run-D.M.C.'s 'Christmas in Hollis' is already a classic. With help from Teyana Taylor, Cam'Ron, Jim Jones and Pusha T, West paints a vivid and cheerful portrait of the season."[7] Becky Bain of Idolator wrote of the track: "Soulful, sweet and sprightly, it's one of the most joyful tracks we’ve heard from Kanye in awhile [sic]. Maybe even ever?"[8]

Commercial performance

[edit]

"Christmas in Harlem" peaked at numbers 13 and 3 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles and Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles charts respectively on the chart week of January 8, 2011.[9][10]

Charts

[edit]
Chart (2010) Peak
position
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles (Billboard)[9] 13
US Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles (Billboard)[10] 3
US Holiday Digital Song Sales (Billboard)[11] 8

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "V Exclusive: 'Christmas In Harlem' Producer Hit-Boy Talks Finished New Dipset/G.O.O.D. Music Collaboration". Vibe. December 15, 2010. Retrieved July 5, 2012.
  2. ^ "ASCAP - Ace Title Search" (To access, enter the search parameter "Christmas in Harlem" and select "Search"). American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Retrieved July 5, 2012.
  3. ^ Greene, Andy (December 15, 2010). "Kanye's Holiday Song 'Christmas In Harlem' Leaks". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 5, 2012.
  4. ^ "Kanye West f. Cam'ron, Jim Jones, CyHi Da Prynce, Pusha T, Big Sean, Musiq Soulchild & Teyana Taylor". HipHopDX. Cheri Media Group. December 15, 2010. Archived from the original on December 27, 2012. Retrieved July 5, 2012.
  5. ^ "Christmas In Harlem – Single by Kanye West, Prince Cy Hi & Teyana Taylor". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved July 5, 2012.
  6. ^ Eddy, Chuck (December 16, 2010). "Christmas in Harlem". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on December 25, 2010. Retrieved July 5, 2012.
  7. ^ Greene, Andy. "The Greatest Rock & Roll Christmas Songs Pictures - Kanye West, 'Christmas In Harlem'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 5, 2012.
  8. ^ Bain, Becky (December 15, 2010). "Kanye West Wishes You A Merry "Christmas In Harlem"". Idolator. Gawker Media. Retrieved July 5, 2012.
  9. ^ a b "Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles – Issue Date: 2011-01-08". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on October 8, 2012. Retrieved July 5, 2012.
  10. ^ a b "Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles – Issue Date: 2011-01-08". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on October 8, 2012. Retrieved July 5, 2012.
  11. ^ "Kanye West Chart History (Holiday Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved February 23, 2019.
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