Hip Hop Holiday

"Hip Hop Holiday" is the debut single from New Zealand hip hop group 3 The Hard Way. It reached #1 in the New Zealand singles chart and #17 in Australia. A mid-song reggae breakdown was provided by Bobbylon of the Hallelujah Picassos.

"Hip Hop Holiday"
Single by 3 The Hard Way
from the album Old School Prankstas
B-side	"Get Down"
Released	1994
Recorded	Revolver Studios, Auckland, 1994
Genre	Hip hop
Length	3:39
Label	Deepgrooves Entertainment
Songwriter(s)	Chris Ma'ia'i, Lance Manuel, Mike Paton, Eric Stewart, Graham Gouldman
Producer(s)	Angus McNaughton, Hang 'Em High Productions
3 The Hard Way singles chronology
"Hip Hop Holiday" (1994) "Many Rivers" (1994)

Background

The song was built around a substantial interpolation of "Dreadlock Holiday" by 10cc.^[1] However, the rights were never cleared, resulting in the song being officially credited to "Dreadlock Holiday" songwriters Eric Stewart, Graham Gouldman, with all royalties going to the pair.^[2]

The success of the song in New Zealand and Australia led to extensive touring of both countries and the recording and release of band's debut album, Old School Prankstas^[3]

"Hip Hop Holiday" was nominated for Single of the Year at the 1995 New Zealand Music Awards.^[4]

Music video

A music video was made for "Hip Hop Holiday", directed by Clinton Phillips. The video was filmed in Auckland, New Zealand and features the group driving around the city in a convertible and hosting a house party in suburban Auckland.^[5]

Track listings

CD single (DG016, D11633)

1. "Hip Hop Holiday" (Radio Mix) - feat Bobbylon
2. "Get Down" (First Up Mix)
3. "Hip Hop Holiday" (Freestyle Mix)
4. "Get Down" (Extended Mix)

Charts

"Hip Hop Holiday" was the first hip hop song by a New Zealand artist to reach #1 in the New Zealand charts. The song was also certified gold in New Zealand.^[3]

Weekly charts Weekly chart performance for "Hip Hop Holiday" Chart (1994) Peak position Australia (ARIA)[6] 17 New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[7] 1

Year-end charts Year-end chart performance for "Hip Hop Holiday" Chart (1994) Position New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[8] 24