Dizzy Heights - Christmas Rapping
Former member of hip-hop act The Krew, Dizzy Heights combined the Yuletide season and rap to break new ground with Christmas Rapping, which is widely acknowledged as the first UK hip-hop single. Initially credited to to Dizzy H, this is a very accessible rap track—interpolating elements of Jingle Bells—with Dizzy’s words underpinned with a robust electro backing. The chorus refrain of “Christmas Rapping” is performed by female vocalists, followed by an unintentionally sinister-sounding Santa laugh from Dizzy. The middle eight breakdown features a group chant of lines from Good King Wenceslas, Silent Night and Jingle Bells. It’s an odd combination of elements which shouldn’t really work, but the end result is surprisingly credible. Whilst the title is clearly an obvious pun, it is also notably a respectful nod to the 1979 Kurtis Blow US rap track Christmas Rappin’. The track is held in high regard by the UK hip-hop fraternity, but is perhaps somewhat neglected when it comes to seasonal playlists and compilations. A shame, as it’s a great Christmas track and a truly innovative record.
Written by: B. Beaton, T. Morris, L. Phillips & F. Morris
Produced by: T Morris, L Phillips & F Morris
Polydor Records WRAP 1 / #49
From the Kindle book "80s UK Christmas Singles" -- a bargain at 99p!
Yes I know what you mean, I know dizzi very well and funny enough he wasn't going to do a Christmas rap song but at that time when you got air time it was very much based on popularity and as you may well know Christmas tunes where very popular, so there you go.
ReplyDeleteYes I know what you mean, I know dizzi very well and funny enough he wasn't going to do a Christmas rap song but at that time when you got air time it was very much based on popularity and as you may well know Christmas tunes where very popular, so there you go.
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