If you’re anything like us, who grew up in the 2000s, you know that R&B music was an essential part of life. Whether it was playing in the background during family gatherings, blasting through the speakers at a house party, or providing the soundtrack to nostalgia-filled memories with friends – R&B was there.
So if you want to take a break from present-day life and rewind your way right back into nostalgia with classics spanning 2 decades ago keep reading – because this is one journey down memory lane you won’t want to miss!
Top Best R&B Songs of the 2000s
This list is based on nothing but overall popularity, musicality, and quality. Hover over the Spotify playlist mentioned below to get a taste of these classics.
- Hot Boyz – Missy Elliott
- Fallin’ – Alica Keys
- Say My Name – Destiny’s Child
- Cry Me A River – Justin Timberlake
- Incomplete – Sisqó
- Love Don’t Cost a Thing – Jennifer Lynn Lopez
- Try Again – Aaliyah
- Mariah Carey – Jagged Edge
- Yeah – Usher
- Thank God I Found You – Mariah Carey
2000s Hip Hop and R&B Songs
While there are some similarities between hip-hop and R&B, they are ultimately two different genres of music. Hip-hop is more aggressive and upbeat, while R&B is more mellow and soulful.
However, there are many artists who blend elements of both hip-hop and R&B to create their own unique sound. Here are a few hip-hop and r&b songs of the 2000s that will give you a taste of this hybrid genre.
- Country Grammer – Nelly
- It Wasn’t Me – Shaggy
- What’s Your Fantasy – Ludacris
- Bounce with Me – Xscape
- Wifey – Next
- Thong Song – Sisqo
- He Wasn’t Man Enough – Toni Michele Braxton
- So Fresh So Clean – Outkast
- I Wanna Know – Joe
- Dance Tonight – Lucy Pearl
R&B Love Songs of the 2000s
Love songs are a staple of R&B music, and the 2000s were no exception. From the heart-wrenching ballads to the sensual slow jams, these love songs were the perfect soundtrack for any romantic encounter.
And even today, they still hold up. So if you’re in the mood for a bit of romance just put one of these timeless classics. But just be warned, you might catch yourself belting out those high notes and trying to hit those runs like you’re the next big thing in R&B.
- When I See U – Fantasia
- Let It Go – Keyshia Cole
- You – Lloyd ft. Lil Wayne
- Let Me Love You – Mario
- Yo ( Excuse Me Miss ) – Chris Brown
- Love @ 1st Sight – Mary J. Blige ft. Method Man
- Take Me as I Am – Mary J. Blige
- U Remind Me – Usher
- Don’t Mess With My Man – Nivea
- Officially Missing You – Tamia
Throwback R&B songs of the 2000s
Throwback songs are those that take you back to a specific time in your life. They might remind you of a person, a place, or a particular moment.
Sometimes, they even take you back to a feeling or an emotion. No matter what the reason, throwback songs have the ability to transport you back in time.
So, in this section, we will be taking a look at some throwback R&B songs of the 2000s. These are the songs that defined the genre for a generation.
- The Boy is Mine – Brandy
- American Boy – Estelle
- Get Busy – Sean Paul
- Don’t Cha – The Pussycat Dolls
- Get Ur Freak On – Missy Elliott
- Case of the Ex (Whatcha Gonna Do) – Mýa
- Me & U – Cassie
- Turn Me On – Kevin Lyttle
- No Letting Go – Wayne Wonder
- Return of the Mack – Mark Morrison
Early 2000s R&B Songs
R&B during the early 2000s was also marked by its slick production values. Beats were heavy and rhythms were infectious, drawing in fans from all genres. This was also the era of slowed-down jams, or what we now call “slow jams”.
This new breed of R&B was both sensual and sexual, and it quickly became the new standard for the genre.
Not only there were male artists like Usher and R. Kelly leading the charge, but female artists like Alicia Keys and Beyonce were also making waves with their own brand of R&B.
- Untitled (How Does It Feel) – D’Angelo
- Crazy in Love – Beyoncé
- Differences – Ginuwine
- If I Ain’t Got You – Alicia Keys
- U Got It Bad – Usher
- Wifey – Next
- Dance Tonight – Lucy Pearl
- Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip Hop) – Erykah Badu
- U Don’t Have to Call – Usher
- Heard It All Before – Sunshine Anderson
Forgotten R&B Songs of the 2000s
It is not always the case that the best songs get the most attention. Sometimes, there are hidden gems that don’t get the love and attention they deserve.
This is especially true for R&B songs of the 2000s. While the decade produced some timeless classics, there are also many forgotten gems that deserve to be rediscovered.
So, in this section, we will be taking a look at some forgotten R&B songs of the 2000s. These are the songs that deserve a second chance.
- No More (Baby I’Ma Do Right) – 3LW
- Frontin’ – Pharrell Williams
- Bust Your Windows – Jazmine Sullivan
- I Don’t Want To – Toni Braxton
- So Gone – Monica
- Always On Time – Ja Rule
- Bootylicious – Destiny’s Child
- Get It Shawty – Lloyd
- Golden – Jill Scott
- I Remember – Keyshia Cole
Dirty R&B Songs of the 2000s
When people refer to “dirty r&b songs,” they’re typically talking about songs with expli*it lyrics that discuss s*x.
These songs often have a more gritty, urban feel to them, and they can be quite steamy. While these tracks may be considered classics, not everyone is a fan of their e+plicit content.
In fact, some people believe that dirty r&b songs are simply gratuitous and don’t add anything to the music genre.
Regardless, of the nature of the songs here are some of the dirtiest R&B songs of the 2000s:
- Peaches & Cream – 112
- Hot In Herre – Nelly
- Get Low – Lil Jon and the East Side Boyz
- Work It – Missy Elliott
- Oops (Oh My) – Missy Elliott
- My Neck, My Back (Lick It) – Khia
- Ignition – R.Kelly
- Freek-A-Leek – Petey Pablo
- Milkshake – Kelis
- Drop It Like It’s Hot – Snoop Dogg
R&B Love making Songs of the 2000s
There’s something about love-making songs that just seems to speak to us on a deeper level.
Maybe it’s because they’re so intimate and personal, or maybe it’s because they remind us of the good times we’ve shared with our partners. Whatever the reason, love making songs have a special place in our hearts.
And the great thing is some of the most iconic love making songs of the 2000s were created by R&B artists. Here are 10 of those classics.
- Untitled (How Does It Feel) – D’Angelo
- Neighbors Know My Name – Trey Songz
- Take You Down – Chris Brown
- Nature Feels – Frank Ocean
- U Got It Bad – Usher
- Let Me Love You – Mario
- Nobody – Keith Sweat
- Me & U – Cassie
- I Choose You – Ryan Leslie
- You – Lloyd f/ Lil Wayne
R&B Party Songs of the 2000s
For the past few years, there has been a blending of r&b and party music genres. This new sound is a mix of traditional R&B with elements of electronic dance music.
The result is a sound that is both soulful and danceable, making it perfect for any party.
There are many artists who have embraced this new sound, but there are a few who have truly mastered it. Here are a few R&B party songs of the 2000s that will get you moving.
- How We Do (Party) – Rita Ora
- Hips Don’t Lie – Shakira
- Rock Your Body – Justin Timberlake
- Give Me Everything – Pitbull
- S.O.S. (Let the Music Play) – Jordin Sparks
- She Makes Me Wanna – JLS
- It’s Not Right but It’s Okay – Whitney Houston
- Ice Box – Omarion
- DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love – Usher
- Freek-a-Leek – Pablo
2000s Male R&B Songs
Males have always dominated the world of R&B. From the early days of doo-wop to the present, there have always been more male artists in the genre than females.
This is especially true in the 2000s when artists like Usher, R. Kelly, and Ja Rule dominated the charts.
While there were many great female R&B artists during this time, the males were the ones who truly defined the sound of the genre.
Some of the most famous r&b songs sung by a male are “Yeah!” by Usher, “Incomplete” by Sisqó, and “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop” by Jay Sean.
These tracks showcase the best of what R&B has to offer: soulful vocals, powerful beats, and emotionally charged lyrics.
Here are some more.
- This Is How We Do It – Montell Jordan
- The One For Me – Rahsaan Patterson
- Green Light – John Legend
- The Fact Is (I Need You) – Jill Scott
- Bed – J. Holiday
- I’m a Mess – Anthony Hamilton
- Love of My Life – Brian McKnight
- TeachMe – Musiq Soulchild
- Get It Shawty – Lloyd
- Mirror – Ne-Yo
Sad R&B Songs of the 2000s
Sad songs can be incredibly cathartic. They can help us process our emotions and give voice to the pain we may be feeling.
R&B has always been a genre that is perfect for sad songs. The combination of soulful vocals and emotional lyrics is perfect for conveying the pain of a broken heart.
So, in this section, we present you with some of the saddest R&B songs of the 2000s. These are the songs that will make you feel all the feels.
- Officially Missing You – Tamia
- Not Gon’ Cry – Mary J. Blige
- Let It Go – Keyshia Cole
- Walked Outta Heaven – Jagged Edge
- Say Goodbye – Chris Brown
- Irreplaceable – Beyoncé
- Can’t Let Go – Anthony Hamilton
- We Belong Together – Mariah Carey
- Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart – Alicia Keys
- Till It Happens to You – Corinne Bailey Rae
Classic R&B Songs of the 2000s
What makes a song a classic? Is it the timelessness of the lyrics? The strength of the melody? Or the way it makes you feel?
Classic songs are the ones that stay with us long after they’ve been released. They are the songs that we can’t help but sing along to, no matter how many times we’ve heard them.
And most importantly, they are the songs that define a generation. Here are some classic R&B songs of the 2000s.
- Pretty Wings – Maxwell
- Cry Me a River – Justin Timberlake
- Fallin’ – Alicia Keys
- Rock The Boat – Aaliyah
- Family Affair – Mary J. Blige
- Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) – Beyoncé
- Dilemma – Nelly
- Give It to Me Right – Melanie Fiona
- Doesn’t Really Matter – Janet Jackson
- Confessions Part II – Usher
Freaky R&B Songs of the 2000s
What makes a song freaky? Is it the lyrics, the melody, or the beat? In my opinion, it’s a combination of all three. Some songs just have a creepy vibe that can’t be explained.
Freaky songs are the ones that make you want to close the door and turn off the lights. They’re the ones that make your skin crawl and your heart race.
Here are a few examples of R&B songs of the 2000s that I consider to be freaky:
- I’m a Slave 4 U – Britney Spears
- Hot in Herre – Nelly
- Don’t Cha – Pussycat Dolls
- Touch My Body – Mariah Carey
- Turn Me On – Norah Jones
- My Love – Justin Timberlake
- Work It – Missy Elliott
- Shut Up and Drive – Rihanna
- I Kissed a Girl – Katy Perry
- What’s Your Fantasy – Ludacris feat. Shawnna
R&B Karaoke Songs of the 2000s
When it comes to karaoke, there’s nothing like a good R&B song to really get the party started. But what makes a good R&B karaoke song?
There are a few things to consider. Firstly, the song should have a strong vocal melody that is easy to sing along to.
Secondly, the lyrics should be meaningful and emotional, providing a good emotional outlet for singers. And finally, the song should be upbeat and catchy, keeping the party going all night long.
With that being said, here are some great R&B karaoke songs of the 2000s.
- Killing Me Softly – The Fugees
- Let Me Love You – Mario
- Say My Name – Destiny’s Child
- It Wasn’t Me – Shaggy
- Put Your Records On – Corinne Bailey Rae
- Fallin’ – Alica Keys
- Yeah – Usher
- My Neck, My Back (Lick It) – Khia
- Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) – Beyoncé
- Bleeding Love – Leona Lewis
Conclusion
So, there you have it, folks.100+ best R&B songs of the 2000s. These are songs that defined R&B music in the 2000s. There are many more r&b songs of the 2000s out there that we will be updating on this page. So, make sure to come back and give this page a check. Till then happy listening.
