Words by Tanya Karda
The 2000s were a golden era for music, fashion and entertainment – and with the year nearly at an end, we thought we’d reflect on the 10 best RnB/hip-hop songs of the era.
There’s a lot to like about the 2000s. Like the legendary 60s,80s and 90s that came before it, the decade was full of good music, good style and immaculate vibes. Nelly and Kelly Rowland gave us Dilemma, Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears proved that whilst funny and entertaining, double denim is rarely a good idea – and low-rise jeans ruled the day. My point? The 2000s had it all. It seemed fitting then, as we head into the new year, to reflect on the best of the decade.
If you’re still not convinced, allow me to prove a point: on Instagram, once you scroll past the dogs and cats, you’ll find plenty of nods to the 2000s. Von Dutch hats are back, baggy jeans are wardrobe essentials – and Jay-Z still rules.
All of this, coupled with the good ol’ LimeWire (not that I ever used it), MSN reflections made me reminisce about the 2000s. Yes, time travel isn’t a thing – but with this article, I can at least think back to the music of the 2000s, and the style that came with it.
Here it goes, these are the 10 best RnB/hip-hop songs of the 2000s:
(Bonus entry) Try Again – Aaliyah
It’s Aaliyah, 2000s and a hit song – need I say more? With her distinctive voice and effortless style, she made a huge impact on RnB and entertainment in general. On Try Again, Aaliyah was pitch-perfect, exuding everything that was good about the 2000s.
10) Get Low – Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz, Ying Yang Twins
Some might disagree with the inclusion of this as a top 10 contender – but this isn’t their article, and they’re wrong. Any hype party playlist (any good one, at least) in the 2000s would’ve included this song. Crunk music was the wave, the absolute playlist essential. The 60s had Sinatra, Dean Martin and the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, the creme de la creme of the entertainment world. Swap the bow-ties and orchestra’s for the fast-faced Get Low, and you’ve basically got the same result (calm down jazz fans, just a little humour).
9) Where the Party At – Jagged Edge, Nelly
Jagged Edge and Nelly are an iconic duo, making this feature a no brainer. Where the Party At was an instant classic, with its abundance of sports jerseys, gigantic shorts and headbands (lots and lots of headbands). Nelly, it seems, had a thing for making hits – and this, one definitely one.
8) Big Pimpin’ – Jay-Z
Jay-Z’s cemented his legendary status, with enough swagger and wealth to last two lifetimes. For the Beyonce, fans, though, it’s worth pointing out that Jay-Z still had a big name long before meeting Queen B – and Big Pimpin‘ is proof of such.
Classic, with its insistence on vest-wearing men on yachts, cigars and baggy jeans, Big Pimpin‘ is the perfect example of why the 00s were so damn cool.
7) Mesmerize – Ja Rule, Ashanti
Some say the 2000s belonged to Ja Rule and Ashanti – and they’re not wrong. Megahits and sweet tunes came easy to the pair. It’s true, too, that their songs spoke to the romantics amongst us. In an era where relationships were the subject of every song, Mesmerize was a big hit. Doesn’t hurt the style was everything 2000s and more, too.
6) Signs – Snoop Dogg, Charlie Wilson, Justin Timberlake
I know it, you know it, hell, your mum knows it, too. When history records the classics of our time, Signs will be up there. For starters, it’s Snoop Dogg, Charlie Wilson and Justin Timberlake. An unlikely but brilliant trio. Then, it’s the chorus, as memorable as it is sweet. It’s said that in the days and weeks after the release of the song, “is this a sign” was the most used chat-up line in America. Is that true? Probably not. Do I want it to be? Of course.
5) What’s Luv – Fat Joe, Ja Rule, Ashanti
Putting your own spin on a Tina Turner song is a bold move – but when you’re Ashanti, nothing’s impossible. Put Fat Joe and Ja Rule in the mix, and the potential for something special becomes greater. Lyrics aside, though, and you’ll notice another element that cements its place on this list: the style. Matching outfits were such a thing in the 2000s, and Ashanti and Fat Joe’s colour coordination is proof of such.
4) Overnight Celebrity – Twista
No top 2000’s playlist would be right without Twista. With his fast tempo rapping and the song’s catchy instrumental, Overnight Celebrity encapsulates this era perfectly – making it one of the 10 best RnB/Hip-hop songs of the 2000s.
3) Right Thurr – Chingy
Another 2000’s G.O.A.T. – Chingy. House parties then and now have long had Chingy on the playlist, making it an obvious choice for number two on this list.
2) Dilemma – Nelly & Kelly Rowland
There is perhaps no song more 2000s than Nelly and Kelly Rowland’s Dilemma. From the white patch to Rowland’s makeup, the adlibs to the spinning Mercedes wheels, nothing screams 2000s like Dilemma. It helps, too, that the song is so damn good.
1) Crazy in Love – Beyonce & Jay-Z
When Crazy in Love was released, we all went, well… a little crazy. Whislt the 2000s were full of megahits, there was only really one contender for the top spot. It’s relatable, catchy and still as good 20 years later.