No matter what you’re into, the 2000s gave us some of the best hip-hop/rap songs ever. From classics like “Lose Yourself” by Eminem to JAY-Z’s “Dirt Off Your Shoulder” and 50 Cent’s “In Da Club,” the list of must-listen tracks from the decade is seemingly endless.
In this post, we have compiled over 100 of the best hip-hop/rap songs from the 2000s that you should add to your playlist.
Whether you prefer heavy bass lines, melodic hooks, or lyrical genius, there’s something here for everyone—including a few old-school throwbacks and some surprises.
Top Best Hip Hop/Rap Songs of the 2000s
- Ms. Jackson – OutKast
- In Da Club — 50 Cent
- Lip Gloss – Lil Mama
- Hot In Herre — Nelly
- Lose Yourself – Eminem
- Southern Hospitality – Ludacris
- P.S.A. — Jay-Z
- Touch the Sky – Kanye West
- It’s Goin’ Down – Yung Joc
- Drop It Like It’s Hot — Snoop Dogg (Ft. Pharrell Williams)
- Gravel Pit — Wu-Tang Clan
Early, Mid, and Late 2000s Rap Songs
Early 2000s Rap Songs
The early 2000s marked a period of commercial success for the rap music industry. Many rap artists of this period rose to fame with their highly-successful albums and singles.
Some of the most notable rap songs of the early 2000s include 50 Cent’s “In Da Club,” which helped launch 50 Cent’s career. On the other hand Jay-Z’s “99 Problems,” showcased the rapper’s lyrical prowess and storytelling abilities. Not to forget Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” which was a standout hit, with its motivational lyrics and catchy chorus.
- What’s Your Fantasy ft. Shawnna – Ludacris
- Holidae In – Chingy
- 99 Problems – Jay-Z
- 21 Questions – 50 Cent
- Slow Motion – Juvenile and Soulja Slim
Mid-2000s Rap Songs
The mid-2000s saw the emergence of conscious rap, with rappers such as Common, Talib Kweli, and Mos Def using their music as a platform to address social and political issues. This period also saw the rise of Southern rap, with popular acts like Outkast, Lil Wayne, and T.I. making waves in the industry.
One of the most significant rap songs of the mid-2000s was Kanye West’s “Jesus Walks,” which tackled the intersection of faith and race in America.
- Slow Jamz – Twista featuring Kanye West and Jamie Foxx
- Let Me Hold You – Bow Wow featuring Omarion
- Soul Survivor – Young Jeezy featuring Akon
- Grillz – Nelly featuring Paul Wall, Ali and Gipp
- What You Know – T.I.
Late 2000s Rap Songs
The late 2000s marked a time of innovation and experimentation for rap music. This era saw the emergence of new sub-genres such as trap, crunk, and cloud rap. Popular songs of this period included Kid Cudi’s “Day N’ Nite,” T.I.’s “Whatever You Like,” and Drake’s “Best I Ever Had.”
- Best I Ever Had – Drake
- Boom Boom Pow – The Black Eyed Peas
- Lollipop – Lil Wayne featuring Static Major
- Independent – Webbie featuring Lil Phat and Lil Boosie
- Crank That – Soulja Boy
Regardless of when it was released, these songs have stood the test of time. They are all must-listen tracks for any rap music fan and should definitely be added to your playlist.
Throwback Hip Hop Songs of the 2000s
There are many throwback hip-hop songs from the 2000s that have stood the test of time and remain popular today. Among these is OutKast’s “Hey Ya!”, which was released in 2003 and is still an iconic song. Other throwback songs include Nelly’s “Hot In Herre,” 50 Cent’s “In Da Club,” and Missy Elliott’s “Get Ur Freak On.” Here are some more throwback hip-hop songs from the 2000s:
- Lollipop – Lil Wayne
- Danger (Been So Long) – Mystikal
- Freek-A-Leek – Petey Pablo
- Crank That (Soulja Boy) – Soulja Boy
- B.O.B. – OutKast – Lil Wayne
- Beautiful – Charlie Wilson, Pharrell Williams, Lost One ft. Chrisette Michele – and Snoop Dogg
- JAY-Z
- One Mic – Nas
- Ante Up Remix ft. Busta Rhymes, Teflon, Remy Martin – M.O.P.
- The Light – Common
2000s Hip Hop/R&B Songs
Both hip hop and R&B have gone through many changes over the years, with new styles and sub-genres constantly emerging. However, they remain two of the most influential and popular genres of music in the world. Here are 10 of the most famous hip hop/R&B songs of the 2000s:
- So Fresh, So Clean – OutKast
- Differences – Ginuwine
- Lean Back – Fat Joe, Remy Ma, and Terror Squad
- Put It on Me – Ja Rule
- Right Thurr – Chingy
- Let Me Love You – Mario
- Yeah! – Usher
- Tipsy – J-Kwon
- One Woman Man – Dave Hollister
- Get Low – Lil Jon
- A Bay Bay – Hurricane Chris
Forgotten Hip Hop Songs of the 2000s
Every decade has its fair share of forgotten gems and the 2000s are no exception. While most of these songs have since faded into obscurity, they still deserve recognition for their quality and originality. And as hip-hop continues to evolve, these forgotten 2000s tracks will remain a reminder of the genre’s past.
- Superman – Eminem
- X Gon’ Give It To Ya – DMX
- Poppin’ Them Thangs – G-Unit
- Soul Survivor ft. Akon – Jeezy
- Freek-A-Leek – Petey Pablo
- Lean Back – Terror Squad
- Bust It Baby Pt. 2 – Plies
- Whatever You Like – T.I.
- Still Tippin’ – Mike Jones feat. Slim Thug and Paul Wall
- Purple Hills – D12
2000s Hip Hop Party Songs
Party songs had a significant impact on pop culture during the 2000s. They were not only played at clubs and parties, but they also featured in movies and television shows, making them even more popular.
The likes of 50 Cent, T.I., and Lil Jon were the kings of party songs during this period and have since become iconic figures in the hip-hop world. While today’s party songs may not quite measure up to the classics, here are some gems from the 2000s.
- Party Up (Up In Here) – DMX
- Low – Flo Rida
- Smack That – Akon
- Salt Shaker – Ying Yang Twins
- The Way I Are – Timbaland
- Hot In Herre – Nelly
- 1, 2 Step – Ciara
- Snap Yo Fingers – Lil Jon
- Overnight Celebrity – Twista
- Stay Fly – Three 6 Mafia
2000s Summer Hip Hop Songs
Looking for a perfect hip-hop summer playlist for your next get-together or outdoor gathering? Look no further than our specially curated collection of summer hip-hop songs from the 2000s.
From classics such as Nelly’s “Hot in Herre” to modern bangers like Drake’s “One Dance,” this playlist has something for everyone. So grab your friends, crank up the volume, and let these tunes take you back to a simpler time.
- Stay Fly – Three 6 Mafia
- A Milli – Lil Wayne
- Ridin’ – Chamillionaire
- Right Thurr – Chingy
- It’s Goin’ Down – Yung Joc
- Shoulder Lean – DJ Drama and Young Dro
- Throw Some D’s – Rich Boy
- Dilemma – Nelly
- Thong Song – Sisqo
- Can’t Let You Go – Fabolous feat Lil’ Mo
2000s Hip Hop Love Songs
Love was definitely in the air during the 2000s, and hip-hop artists made sure that their music reflected this. One such song is “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z. Released in 2003, this track has become an R&B classic and is still played today.
Another iconic love song from the era is “Into You” by Fabolous. Released in 2005, this track is still a fan favorite and is perfect for slow dancing with your significant other. Here are some more 2000s hip-hop love songs to add to your playlist:
- 21 Questions – 50 Cent, J.Period, and Nate Dogg
- If I Ain’t Got You – Alicia Keys
- Slow Jamz – Twista
- Love – Keyshia Cole
- Come Close – Common
- Beautiful – Charlie Wilson, Pharrell Williams, and Snoop Dogg
- Gangsta Lovin’ – Eve
- Into You – Fabolous
- I Know What You Want – Busta Rhymes
- Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip Hop) – Erykah Badu
Wedding Hip Hop Songs 2000s
Wedding Hip Hop Songs from the 2000s are a great way to add some modern flair to your wedding playlist. These songs not only showcase the talent of hip-hop artists from that era but also bring back memories for those who grew up during this time.
For couples looking to get their guests on their feet, here are some upbeat wedding hip-hop songs from the 2000s.
- Crazy In Love ft. JAY Z – Beyoncé
- Beautiful – Snoop Dogg
- Hold On, We’re Going Home – Drake
- Forever – Chris Brown
- All I Need – Method Man
- Let’s Get Married – Jagged Edge
- Wifey – Next
- Love Of My Life (An Ode To Hip Hop) ft. Common – Erykah Badu
2000s Female Hip Hop Songs
While there are many songs by females mentioned above, here are some gems from the 2000s that feature female MCs. These songs not only feature strong female vocals but also showcase the talented rhymes of these female MCs.
- Conceited (There’s Something About Remy) – Remy Ma
- Let Me Blow Ya Mind – Eve
- Itty Bitty Piggy – Nicki Minaj
- Work It – Missy Ellio
- Imperial – Busta Rhymes and Rah Digga
- Get Ur Freak On – Missy Elliott
- My Neck, My Back – Khia
- Gettin’ Some – Shawnna
- Look Back at Me – Trina
- One Minute Man – Ludacris and Missy Elliott
2000s Hip Hop Karaoke Songs
While Karaoke is a fun way to let loose and sing your heart out, it can be difficult to find the right songs. To make it easier, here are some of the best hip-hop karaoke songs from the 2000s. From classic bangers like OutKast’s “Hey Ya” to modern anthems like Drake’s “One Dance,” these songs are sure to get the party started.
- Glamorous – Fergie
- Trophies – Drake
- Drunk in Love – Beyoncé and Jay-Z
- I Bet – Ciara
- Ayo – Chris Brown ft. Tyga
- All Eyes On You – Meek Mill ft. Nicki Minaj & Chris Brown
- You Got It Bad – Usher
- Fake Love – Drake
- Hypnotize – The Notorious B.I.G.
- Forgot About Dre – Dr. Dre
Classic Hip Hop Songs of the 2000s
There’s something about classics that never get old, and this definitely applies to hip-hop from the 2000s. These songs helped shape the sound of hip-hop today and are still played all over the world.
- Cleanin’ Out My Closet – Eminem
- Hey Ya! – Outkast
- Burn – Usher
- Many Men – 50 Cent
- Ruff Ryder’s Anthem – DMX
Wrapping Up
So, there you have it : 100+ Best Hip Hop/Raps Songs of the 2000s. From forgotten gems, to party bangers, summer anthems, love songs, and female MCs – there is something for everyone on this list. So kick back, relax, and enjoy the best of hip-hop from the 2000s.
