"Hip Hop Holiday" | ||||
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Single by 3 The Hard Way | ||||
from the album 'Old School Prankstas' | ||||
B-side | "Get Down" | |||
Released | 1994 | |||
Format | CD single | |||
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 | ||||
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"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.
The song was built around a substantial interpolation of "Dreadlock Holiday" by 10cc. 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.
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
"Hip Hop Holiday" was nominated for Single of the Year at the 1995 New Zealand Music Awards.
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.
"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.