Hip-Hop & R&B Features

Reliving the Best 2000s R&B Songs

best 2000s r&b songs
Rihanna | Shutterstock

A Nostalgic Groove: Reliving the Best 2000s R&B Songs.

Ah, the 2000s—a decade of flip phones, baggy jeans, and some of the grooviest R&B tunes that still make us bob our heads and sing along today. So, buckle up, music lovers! We’re about to take a wild ride through the best 2000s R&B songs, reminiscing over the tracks that had us jamming in our living rooms and dancing the night away. And check out our previous list of best 90s r&b songs.

Classic 2000s R&B Songs: A Blast from the Past

From smooth ballads to infectious dance hits, let’s dive into the best r&b songs from the 2000s. You may find your favorite r&b artists from the 2000s.

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Alicia Keys – “Fallin'”

  • Released: 2001
  • Album: Songs in A Minor

Nothing short of a masterpiece, Alicia Keys’ “Fallin'” was the perfect blend of soul, R&B, and gospel influences that took the world by storm. Her powerful vocals and poignant lyrics struck a chord with listeners, making this a timeless classic.

Ready to explore the depth of Alicia Keys’ discography? Check out this comprehensive list of her best songs on 925 The Beat.

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Usher – “U Got It Bad”

  • Released: 2001
  • Album: 8701

Usher made us all swoon with his smooth voice and heartfelt lyrics in “U Got It Bad.” This mid-tempo ballad showcased his incredible vocal range and solidified his status as an R&B legend.

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Mary J. Blige – “Family Affair”

  • Released: 2001
  • Album: No More Drama

Mary J. Blige had everyone up and grooving with this upbeat, feel-good anthem. “Family Affair” is a testament to her ability to create dance-worthy tunes while maintaining her soulful R&B roots.

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Destiny’s Child – “Say My Name”

  • Released: 1999
  • Album: The Writing’s on the Wall

Alright, this one is technically from the late ’90s, but come on! It’s a banger that deserves a spot on this list. With its catchy chorus and unforgettable harmonies, “Say My Name” is a Destiny’s Child classic that still gets us moving.

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John Legend – “Ordinary People”

  • Released: 2004
  • Album: Get Lifted

John Legend’s soulful voice and honest lyrics in “Ordinary People” resonated with audiences, making this ballad an instant classic. The song’s simple, piano-driven melody allowed Legend’s vocal prowess to shine through.

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Beyoncé – “Crazy in Love” (feat. Jay-Z)

  • Released: 2003
  • Album: Dangerously in Love

Queen Bey’s iconic debut solo single, “Crazy in Love,” is an irresistible fusion of R&B, pop, and hip-hop elements that quickly became a global sensation.

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Mariah Carey – “We Belong Together”

  • Released: 2005
  • Album: The Emancipation of Mimi

Mariah Carey’s comeback hit, “We Belong Together,” showcased her incredible vocal range and reaffirmed her status as the queen of R&B ballads.

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Mario – “Let Me Love You”

  • Released: 2004
  • Album: Turning Point

Mario’s “Let Me Love You” was the ultimate love song of the 2000s, with its heartfelt lyrics and smooth melody making it a timeless classic.

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Rihanna – “Umbrella” (feat. Jay-Z)

  • Released: 2007
  • Album: Good Girl Gone Bad

Rihanna’s “Umbrella” took the world by storm with its catchy hook, cementing her place as a force to be reckoned with in the R&B and pop music scenes.

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OutKast – “Ms. Jackson”

  • Released: 2000
  • Album: Stankonia

This Grammy-winning track by OutKast masterfully combined hip-hop and R&B elements, making “Ms. Jackson” a timeless hit that resonates with listeners today.

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Ne-Yo – “So Sick”

  • Released: 2006
  • Album: In My Own Words

Ne-Yo’s debut single, “So Sick,” showcased his smooth vocals and emotional lyrics, quickly establishing him as an R&B sensation.

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Justin Timberlake – “Cry Me a River”

  • Released: 2002
  • Album: Justified

With its haunting melody and powerful lyrics, Justin Timberlake’s “Cry Me a River” became an instant classic and solidified his solo career in the R&B genre.

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Aaliyah – “Try Again”

  • Released: 2000
  • Album: Romeo Must Die Soundtrack

Aaliyah’s smooth vocals and the song’s infectious beat made “Try Again” a chart-topping hit that remains an R&B classic by a legendary R&B artist from the 90s/2000s.

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Ciara – “1, 2 Step” (feat. Missy Elliott)

  • Released: 2004
  • Album: Goodies

Ciara’s “1, 2 Step” was the ultimate dance anthem of the 2000s, with its catchy beat and memorable collaboration with Missy Elliott.

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Amy Winehouse – “Rehab”

  • Released: 2006
  • Album: Back to Black

Amy Winehouse’s soulful voice and unique style made “Rehab” an unforgettable hit that blended R&B, soul, and jazz influences.

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Ashanti – “Foolish”

  • Released: 2002
  • Album: Ashanti

Ashanti’s debut single, “Foolish,” was an instant hit with its infectious beat and relatable lyrics about love and heartbreak.

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Nelly – “Dilemma” (feat. Kelly Rowland)

  • Released: 2002
  • Album: Nellyville

Nelly and Kelly Rowland’s “Dilemma” was a chart-topping hit that combined rap and R&B elements, creating an unforgettable duet that resonated with listeners worldwide.

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Jill Scott – “A Long Walk”

  • Released: 2000
  • Album: Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1

Jill Scott’s “A Long Walk” was a refreshing blend of neo-soul and R&B, showcasing her poetic lyrics and soulful vocals.

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Chris Brown – “Run It!”

  • Released: 2005
  • Album: Chris Brown

Chris Brown’s debut single, “Run It!,” was a dance-worthy track that introduced his energetic performance style and R&B vocals.

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FAQs: All You Need to Know About the Best R&B Songs from the 2000s

Q1. What made R&B music from the 2000s so special?

A1. The 2000s were a magical time for R&B music, with unique beats, smooth vocals, and heart-wrenching lyrics. It was a perfect blend of soul, gospel, and contemporary sounds that resonated with listeners, making it an unforgettable era in music.

Q2. What are some other popular R&B artists from the 2000s?

A2. Besides the artists mentioned above, other notable R&B artists from the 2000s include Ne-Yo, Jennifer Hudson, Joss Stone, Chris Brown, and Ashanti.

Q3. How has R&B music evolved since the 2000s?

A3. R&B music has always been a dynamic genre, constantly evolving and adapting to the changing musical landscape. Since the 2000s, it has incorporated elements from other genres like pop, hip-hop, and electronic music, giving rise to a more versatile and eclectic sound.

Q4. Are there any R&B songs from the 2000s that have significantly impacted the music industry?

A4. Absolutely! Many R&B songs from the 2000s have significantly impacted the music industry. For instance, Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love” revolutionized pop music with its unique blend of R&B, pop, and hip-hop elements.

Q5. Why are the R&B songs from the 2000s still popular today?

A5. R&B songs from the 2000s have a timeless quality that resonates with listeners of all ages. Their relatable lyrics, catchy melodies, and soulful performances have ensured their enduring popularity.

Q6. Where can I listen to the best R&B songs from the 2000s?

A6. You can listen to the best R&B songs from the 2000s on various streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Many of these platforms also have curated playlists featuring the best R&B hits from this era.

Leaving a Lasting Legacy

The Best R&B songs from the 2000s are unique in our hearts. They’ve seen us through heartbreaks, celebrations, and everything in between. From Alicia Keys’ soul-stirring melodies to Usher’s smooth ballads, these tunes continue to define the golden era of R&B, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry and the listeners. So, the next time you feel like taking a trip down memory lane, put on these tracks and let the good times roll!

Check out our list of the best 90s r&b albums.

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