A Look Back at the Best Hip Hop Songs of the 2000s
As we move into the 2020s, we thought it would be fun to take a look back at the best hip hop songs of the 2000s. From Jay-Z to Outkast, these are the tracks that defined the decade.
The Best Hip Hop Songs of the 2000s
The 2000s was a decade that will be remembered for many things. In the world of hip hop, the 2000s was a time of great change. We saw the rise of new artists, the fall of some of the old guard, and the emergence of new subgenres. Some of the best hip hop songs of the 2000s are listed below.
“In Da Club” by 50 Cent
“In da Club” is a hip hop song performed by American rapper 50 Cent from his debut studio album Get Rich or Die Tryin’ (2003). The song was written by 50 Cent, Dr. Dre, Scott Scorch and Mike Elizondo, produced by Dr. Dre with co-production credit from Mike Elizondo, and released as the album’s lead single on January 7, 2003. “In da Club” peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming 50 Cent’s second chart topper and Dr. Dre’s fifth. The single spent eight weeks at number one and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
“Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z
Beyoncé’s lead single off of her debut solo album, “Crazy in Love” quickly ascended to the top of the charts in 2003. The song, which features a sample of The Chi-Lites’ “Are You My Woman? (Tell Me So),” was an instant smash hit, earning Beyoncé her first Grammy for Best R&B Song. The song’s massive success helped propel Beyoncé to superstardom, and it remains one of her most iconic hits to date.
“Get Low” by Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz feat. Ying Yang Twins
Released in 2003, “Get Low” was one of the biggest hits of the 2000s. It peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. The song is credited with helping to popularize crunk, a subgenre of hip hop characterized by its high-energy beats and party-friendly lyrics.
“Ignition (Remix)” by R. Kelly
Released in 2002, “Ignition (Remix)” quickly became a popular staple in R. Kelly’s live performances. The song is a remix of the original “Ignition” and features new verses by R. Kelly. The remix was originally intended to be included on Kelly’s album Chocolate Factory, but was ultimately released as a single due to its popularity.
“Ignition (Remix)” is often cited as one of the best hip hop songs of the 2000s, and has been praised for its catchy hook and upbeat production. The song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song in 2003.
“Pass the Courvoisier, Part II” by Busta Rhymes feat. P. Diddy & Pharrell
“Pass the Courvoisier, Part II” is a single by American rapper Busta Rhymes. The song features guest appearances from fellow American rappers P. Diddy and Pharrell Williams, who also produced the song alongside The Neptunes. It was released on May 14, 2002 as the lead single from Busta Rhymes’ fifth studio album Genesis (2001).
The Neptunes’ catchy, up-tempo production combines a simple horn loop with Caribbean-influenced percussion. The song samples Lloyd Price’s 1952 hit “Lawdy Miss Clawdy”. “Pass the Courvoisier, Part II” was generally well received by music critics and is considered one of the best hip hop songs of the 2000s. It peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for two weeks in June 2002 and became Busta Rhymes’ first and only single to date to top the chart.
The Worst Hip Hop Songs of the 2000s
The 2000s were a Golden Age for Hip Hop. With the release of multiple timeless classics, the genre flourished in the new millennium. However, not every song released was a banger. In fact, some were down-right terrible. In this article, we take a look at the worst Hip Hop songs of the 2000s.
“Laffy Taffy” by D4L
D4L’s “Laffy Taffy” was one of the most annoying songs of the 2000s. The lyrics are nonsensical, and the beat is grating. It’s no wonder that the song was a massive hit – it’s the perfect example of the type of disposable pop music that was popular in the early 2000s.
“It’s All About the Benjamins” by Puff Daddy feat. Lil’ Kim, The Lox & Notorious B.I.G.
“It’s All About the Benjamins” is a song by American rapper and record producer Puff Daddy. It was released on November 4, 1997 as the seventh single from his debut album No Way Out (1997). The song features verses from American rappers Lil’ Kim and The Lox with a guest appearance by fellow rapper The Notorious B.I.G., who feigns being shot during his verse. The title of the song is derived from the popular catchphrase “It’s all about the Benjamin’s”, referring to $100 bills), which is repeated throughout the chorus.
The song was a commercial success, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching the top ten in several other countries. In 1998, the song won Puff Daddy two Grammy Awards for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group and Best Rap Song.
“Gangsta’s Paradise” by Coolio feat. L.V.
The song, which is built around a sample of Stevie Wonder’s “Pastime Paradise,” was inescapable in the fall of 1995, when it spent 12 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. But two decades later, it’s hard to hear the track without cringing. The lyrics are cringe-worthy (at best) and Coolio’s rapping is painfully outdated.
“I’m a Slave 4 U” by Britney Spears
When it comes to bad hip hop songs, Britney Spears’ “I’m a Slave 4 U” takes the cake. The track, which was produced by The Neptunes, is full of Auto-Tuned vocals, dated references, and cringe-worthy lyrics. It’s no wonder that it’s often cited as one of the worst hip hop songs of all time.
“In the Club” by 50 Cent
“In the Club” is a song recorded by 50 Cent for his debut studio album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’ (2003). The song was written by 50 Cent, Mike Elizondo, Dr. Dre, and Young Buck, and produced by Dr. Dre with co-production credit from Elizondo. It was released as the lead single from the album on February 6, 2003. The song features production from Dr. Dre andElizondo. “In the Club” peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming 50 Cent’s second number one single on that chart as a solo artist and his third overall. It spent seven weeks atop the chart and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
