Looking for some inspiration for Christmas-themed music? Well, don't
worry, MTV News has wrapped up a special holiday playlist so that you
can get into the spirit of the season. Grab a glass of eggnog, put on
your best reindeer sweater and snuggle up by the fire with these choice
tunes.
"Mistletoe," Justin Bieber
Bieber's modern-day missive (released in 2011 off of
Under the Mistletoe)
about kissing under the mistletoe certainly harks back to carols of
days gone by, but he updates the narrative using his own fly-boy
language, referring to his girl as his "shawty." Awww!
"All I Want for Christmas Is You," Mariah Carey
Perhaps the most ubiquitous pop song of the last 20 years, Carey's iconic single may have been
reimagined by Bieber, but it will forever be associated with Carey, her skimpy Santa suit and her desire to be reunited with her boy.
"Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays," *NSYNC
Spunky and funky, *NSYNC's 1998 track is all about getting together with
your friends and family and wishing them "Merry Christmas, Happy
Holidays" — a fitting sentiment for folks of all persuasions.
"My Only Wish (This Year)," Britney Spears
Like Carey before her, Britney uses her sugary sweet, incredibly
innocent ode to the holidays to pine away for the one thing she hopes
Santa can get her: her one true love.
"Last Christmas," Wham!
George Michael had one message for that ex-special someone: This year,
to save him from tears, he'll give his heart to someone special. After
it was released, the song immediately became a Christmas staple with
radio and local malls playing it endlessly through the season.
"Do They Know It's Christmas?" Band Aid
While many Christmas songs focus on chestnuts roasting on an open fire,
1984's A-list-filled charity single reminded the world that not everyone
has chestnuts or an open fire.
"Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town," Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
This song had already been recorded and re-recorded, but when
Springsteen put his Jersey sass on the Christmas classic, it became the
type of jovial, rocked-out tune cool enough to top the lists of his
fans.
"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)," U2
Darlene Love may have recorded the track in 1963, but Bono and his boys
put their own spin on the song when they released it in 1987. It's all
about wanting your baby to come home to you on Christmas. And, really,
who doesn't want that?
"Baby, It's Cold Outside," Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson
In a world where these two are still together, it would actually be a
cute idea to have this real-life couple sing about wanting to stay warm
with one another on a chilly winter night.
"Don't Shoot Me Santa," The Killers
Every Christmas playlist needs a kooky take on the holidays, and the Las
Vegas band's spin on pleading with Santa to cut them a break is a bit
country, a bit rock and roll, and all fun. See also: Blink-182's "I
Won't Be Home for Christmas."
"I'll Be Home for Christmas," Michael Bublé
Bublé's Christmas album
has been sitting at the top of the charts for weeks, and this
particularly stirring Christmas ballad is all about making sure you're
with the people you love for the holidays.
"Santa Baby," Madonna
Cooing and gushing about what she wants from her Santa Baby for
Christmas is an incredibly decadent idea full of incredibly lavish gift
ideas. Pretend like there's no recession, blast this one and imagine a
world where cars and jewels are totally affordable Christmas gifts.
Which is your favorite Christmas pop song? Tell us in the comments!
Ice Prince is set to perform in Zimbabwe on 29 December. The rapper
recently announced the news on his Twitter (@Iceprincezamani): "Now
confirmed! I will be in Zimbabwe on the 29th of dec 2012!! Can't wait
for this one. Gonna be crrraazzyy!!!", he tweeted. The "More" hit-maker
is also set to perform in Ghana on December 25.
Actor Wesley Snipes might have a new cellmate now that rapper Fat Joe
has also just been found guilty of tax evasion. According to Billboard,
the rapper pled guilty to charges that he cheated the government out of
roughly 700-thousand dollars in taxes in 2007 and 2008. Fat Joe is free
on a 250-thousand dollar bond until his sentencing hearing in April,
where he could face up to two years in prison.
If you think Rick Ross
is running scared, think again. On Monday night, the Maybach Music boss
hit 99 Jamz in his native Miami and openly addressed the controversy
surrounding his canceled MMG Tour.
Shakira is being sued by her ex-boyfriend, Antonio de la Rua, for
100-million dollars. According to Billboard, Rua is suing the Colombian
singer to “recover his share of past and future partnership profits” as
well as to “recover damages” for a breach of contract and breach of
fiduciary duty. De la Rua claims he spend more than six years building
Shakira into one of the “most valuable pop-star brands in the
entertainment industry” and as her business partner “generated,
conceptualized, originated and negotiated million dollar deals” for the
singer. Their relationship ended in 2010.
Award-winning Nigerian actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is set to give her
fans an up close and personal insight to her life on new reality series
Omotola: The Real Me.
On Monday (11/5), Chris Brown launched his Symphonic Love Foundation,
which supports and creates arts programs for young people. According to
HollywoodLife.com, Brown has been working on the project for three years
and has already been giving grants to community organizations that
provide art programs to children in low income areas. A source from
within the organization revealed that Chris plans to educate teens about
dating violence and will provide grants for HIV/AIDS programs as well.
Rihanna has reportedly inked the word "Breezy" onto her body to show her
commitment to Chris Brown. According to The Sun newspaper, Riri got the
tattoo earlier this week.
J Martins has been honoured with a Golden Icon Academy Movie Award
(GIAMA) for his achievements in the African music industry. The musician
and producer was presented with the African Music Ambassador award at
the recent ceremony held in Houston, USA.
D'banj has announced that the annual Koko Concert, previously organized
by the now defunct Mo'Hits Records, will be held at the Eko Hotel &
Suites in Lagos, on 27 December. The star-studded event will be hosted
by British actor Idris Elba and will feature fellow G.O.O.D Music
artists Big Sean and Pusha T. More acts are set to be revealed soon so
stay tuned for more details!--kelvin nkya
P-Square is set to perform in Rwanda as part of the country's ruling
political party's 25th anniversary celebrations. The concert will be
held at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on December 14.
