I admit I didn't have this album when it was released in like 98 or something, but I've had it for a good three or four years. I remember seeing it chillin in the bargain bin for a whoppin 4.99 at the local Wherehouse Music and I thought Why Not? If I didn't like it I could burn it and return it(say it was scratched) and if I liked it I could just keep it. A win-win situation. So I got it and popped it in and was pleasantly surprised. This is, as reviewer Nathan stated, a sincere holiday album.
Christmas On Death Row contains soulful interpretations of classic songs such as Silent Night, Silver Bells(Go Michele!!!), Christmas Song (Danny Boy), Frosty The Snowman, O Holy Night, This Christmas, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, and Christmas Everyday. All of the these songs are sung beatifully with nice backdrops; they stay true to the original yet put a slight urban spin on the sounds. Yet, they are still recognizable and completely enjoyable. Santa Claus Goes Straight To The Ghetto by Snoop, Bad Azz, Daz Dillinger, Tray Deee, and Nate Dogg is believe it or not a classic. They rap about life in the ghetto at Christmas time; yes they stay on topic and tell some christmas stories. I Wish by the Dogg Pound is another great song. The Pound talk about dreams, wishes, and aspirations on this song. Greatness. The best song to me though is the Nate Dogg blessed Be Thankful. Nate Dogg really shows his chops on this one singing about how he's blessed and thankful for his family and friends. A Masterpiece. The only songs worth throwing away are Christmas In The Ghetto and Party 4 Da Homies, which are mindless rapping tunes with cursing (in a holiday album? Control yourself please) which gives the album the Parental Advisory sticker. It also ultimately lowers the rating because without those two this would be a holiday album you could play with your grandmother in the house and she won't turn her nose up at you(thank goodness for cd burners!).
Don't be fooled that this record is a Death Row Records production because this album deserves props. It's a sincere holiday album...no joke. Why would I lie? 4 stars.