Former Billboard employees J.B. Moore and Robert Ford left the magazine in 1979 to produce “Christmas Rappin’ ” for an up-and-coming rapper named Kurtis Blow.
has cited a 1978 article by Ford as one of the first mentions of the genre in a national publication. Even so, they didn’t get any interest from A&R executives in New York, so they took “Chrismas Rappin’ ” to Chicago-based Mercury Records, where John Stainze, a recent transfer from the label’s U.K. office to its West Coast operations, convinced Mercury that the song would recoup its costs in the United Kingdom alone.
“Christmas Rappin’ ” — a song “ ’bout a red-suited dude with a friendly attitude” — wasn’t originally intended to be a Christmas tune. Moore, who wrote the lyrics, decided to give it a holiday theme because labels like songs they can sell every December. “Christmas Rappin’ ” turned out to be one: It peaked at No. 53 on the
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
As Wes Moore seeks to revive Baltimore’s Red Line, project faces uncertain pathThe fresh attempts to bring back the Red Line show the complexities of getting the federal government onboard a second time.
Read more »
Moore: Steve Keim's replacements have a lot of work to doThe Cardinals gave their interim bosses Quentin Harris and Adrian Wilson a clear look at their to-do list in their 24-15 loss to the Broncos on Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High.
Read more »
Texans spotlight: Analyzing 5 impact players from OT loss to ChiefsThe offensive performances of Chris Moore, Jordan Akins and Royce Freeman highlighted the...
Read more »
Bond for Robert Crimo, Jr., father of Highland Park shooter Robert 'Bobby' Crimo III set at $50KRobert Crimo, Jr., father of accused Highland Park shooter Robert Crimo III, had his bond reduced to $50,000 cash bond on Saturday.
Read more »
Mr. Natural: Robert De Niro to Lead Crime Drama SeriesRobert De Niro has officially boarded Entertainment One's forthcoming crime drama series titled Mr. Natural.
Read more »
Robert Crimo Jr., father of Highland Park parade shooting suspect, released on $50,000 bondThe bond was a huge drop from the state's attorney setting bond at $500,000 on Friday.
Read more »