Naturally 7 Remake Run-D.M.C.’s Holiday Classic With Style & Grace
Thirty-five years ago, Run-D.M.C. delivered one of the best holiday songs in any genre. “Christmas In Hollis” brought the mainstream home to the Profile Records trio’s Queens, New York neighborhood. The song is charming and accessible without losing the magic that Hip-Hop’s superstar trio had after their first three albums. After Raising Hell a year and a half earlier, Rev Run, D.M.C., and Jam Master Jay turned the page with a true anthem.
Naturally 7, one of music’s most respected vocal groups, pays homage today with a tribute to Run-D.M.C. and their 1987 classic. The septet of founders Roger Thomas, Warren Thomas, Rod Eldridge, Dwight Stewart, as well as later additions Ricky Cort, Sean Simmonds, and N’Namdi Bryant hit the streets of New York for the video—directed by N7’s own Will. The other Thomas brother, Roger, produced the song, which is included on their latest EP, Friends and Family.
Naturally 7’s Acapella Remake Of Digable Planets’ Hit Is Slick & Cool Like That (Video)
Capturing the essence of the Run-D.M.C. original, N7’s visual suits them in Adidas gear, vocalizing in front of graffiti murals and some fresh choreography. Throughout it all, Naturally 7 took it to New York streets, where the collective first formed.
In the song and the video, N7 recreates the beat that Run-D.M.C., Rick Rubin, and Steve Ett arranged. The group seamlessly slides into other classics at the part of the song that references Christmas carols. While some of the video appears to have been shot in warmer months, snow effects and some B-roll footage capture the current climate.
This Run-D.M.C. Beatboxing & Rapping Session Is Tougher Than Leather (Video)
Previously, Naturally 7 has collaborated with Quincy Jones and Ludacris. Back in 2018, Naturally 7 vocalized Digable Planets’ hit “Rebirth Of Slick,” which premiered on Ambrosia For Heads.