What makes This Christmas by TobyMac notable?

The album showcases TobyMac's ability to infuse hip-hop elements into classic Christmas songs, which helped pave the way for future artists blending genres within the Christian music landscape. It contributed to the growing popularity of contemporary Christian holiday music during the early 2000s and demonstrated TobyMac's crossover appeal beyond traditional gospel audiences. This Christmas marked TobyMac's first solo holiday album, following his successful debut as a solo artist in 2001 with Momentum. At this point in his career, he was establishing himself as a significant figure in the Christian music scene, building on his previous success with dc Talk and beginning to explore more diverse sounds in his solo work.

How many songs are on This Christmas?

This Christmas has 2 tracks, running approximately 6 minutes.

This Christmas

TobyMac · 2002

6 min · 2 tracks · Christian hip-hop

A vibrant blend of hip-hop rhythms and traditional Christmas melodies that invigorates familiar carols with contemporary flair.

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Top tracks — play these first

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This Christmas (Joy to the World) — This track reimagines the classic carol by integrating upbeat hip-hop elements, showcasing TobyMac's unique style while preserving the song's core message of joy and celebration.
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O Come All Ye Faithful — The rendition features a dynamic arrangement that blends traditional hymnal structure with modern production techniques, highlighting TobyMac's ability to bridge generational gaps in music.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This Christmas helped establish TobyMac's unique blend of hip-hop and holiday music.
Career context: This Christmas marked TobyMac's first solo holiday album, following his successful debut as a solo artist in 2001 with Momentum. At this point in his career, he was establishing himself as a significant figure in the Christian music scene, building on his previous success with dc Talk and beginning to explore more diverse sounds in his solo work.
Stylistic neighbors: Lecrae· NF· Andy Mineo