Christmas in Diverse City
TobyMac · 2011
48 min · 13 tracks · Christian hip-hop
A vibrant blend of hip-hop and traditional carols, infusing fresh energy into beloved Christmas classics.
Top tracks — play these first
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Christmas This Year Start here — This track features a catchy chorus and upbeat rhythm that captures the joy of the holiday season while blending hip-hop elements seamlessly with traditional sounds.
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The First Noel — A fresh rendition of a classic carol, it showcases TobyMac’s ability to reinterpret traditional hymns with modern production and vocal flair.
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What Child Is This? — This track stands out for its contemplative tone and lyrical depth, bringing a reflective moment amidst the celebration while maintaining a contemporary arrangement.
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Little Drummer Boy — This version creatively incorporates a hip-hop beat that reinvigorates the familiar story of the little drummer boy, making it relatable for a modern audience.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends hip-hop with Christmas classics, creating a fresh take on familiar songs while maintaining a cohesive sound.
What we noticed
- Tracks like 'Christmas This Year' and 'This Christmas (Father of the Fatherless)' blend original lyrics with classic themes, creating a contemporary feel.
- The sequencing alternates between upbeat tracks and slower ballads, maintaining a lively energy throughout the first two-thirds before slowing down towards the end.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady holiday cheer throughout
- warm vibes for family gatherings
- sing-along favorites for celebrations
- festive rhythms for joyful moments
- nostalgic reflections on tradition
Maybe skip if you
- seeking intense, dramatic experiences
- prefer minimalist soundscapes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A solid holiday album that offers a unique take but isn't a primary entry point.
- Career context
- Released in 2011, Christmas in Diverse City is TobyMac's first full-length holiday album, following the success of his previous studio album, Tonight. At this point in his career, he had solidified his position as a leading figure in Christian hip-hop, showcasing his ability to merge faith with festive themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lecrae· NF· Andy Mineo
Tracklist
- 1 Christmas This Year Start here 3:30
- 2 The First Noel 3:32
- 3 Mary's Boy Child 2:34
- 4 O Come All Ye Faithful 3:54
- 5 Little Drummer Boy 3:36
- 6 This Christmas (Father of the Fatherless) 3:01
- 7 Carol of the Kings 3:56
- 8 Birth of Love 4:16
- 9 What Child Is This? 2:44
- 10 It Snowed 4:13
- 11 Angels We Have Heard on High 4:39
- 12 Santa'scomin'baka'round! 3:51
- 13 Christmas Time 4:28
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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