The Best Funk Music of the 2000s

A list of the best funk songs of the 2000s, including tracks by Outkast, Bruno Mars, and Janelle Monáe.

The Roots

The Roots are an American hip hop band, formed in 1987 by rapper Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter and drummer Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. The Roots currently serve as the house band on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, having served in the same role on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon from 2009 to 2014.

The Roots have released thirteen studio albums, two EPs, one live album and three compilations. Two of their studio albums have been nominated for Grammy Awards. Their first album Do You Want More?!!!??! (1994) was nominated for Best Rap Album, while Things Fall Apart (1999) was nominated for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. The band’s sixth album undun (2011) was nominated for Album of the Year and won the Grammy Award for Best Recording Package.

The Roots have also been credited with helping to shape the sound of neo soul, which gained popularity during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Their work has also been influential within the hip hop community, helping to pioneer alternative hip hop and conscious hip hop.

D’Angelo

D’Angelo is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer. He is best known for his work in the neo soul genre, with his most notable singles including “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” and “Brown Sugar”.

D’Angelo rose to prominence in the early 2000s with his debut album, Brown Sugar (2000), which peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 chart. The album was nominated for several awards, including the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album. His follow-up album, Voodoo (2000), debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and received critical acclaim for its musicianship and production.

D’Angelo’s third studio album, Black Messiah (2014), was released after a 14-year hiatus and received widespread critical acclaim, earning him a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album.

Outkast

Formed in Atlanta, Outkast was one of the most successful rap groups of the 2000s. The duo, made up of André 3000 and Big Boi, released six studio albums between 1994 and 2006, three of which went platinum. Their debut album, “Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik,” introduced the world to their unique brand of Dirty South hip hop, and its follow-up, “ATLiens,” cemented their status as rap superstars. Outkast’s trademark sound—a blend of southern hip hop, pop, R&B, and funk—was revolutionary in the rap world, and their creatively ambitious albums pushed the boundaries of the genre. From the futuristic anthems of “B.O.B.” to the soulful ballads of “Ms. Jackson,” Outkast’s music is timeless and essential listening for any fan of hip hop.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, actress, and producer. She is signed to Atlantic Records and Bad Boy Records. As an only child growing up in Kansas City, KS, Monáe developed a love for theater and acting. These interests led her to enroll in the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. After moving to Atlanta, GA, Monáe began working in musical theater productions and eventually found success as a songwriter and recording artist. Her first album, The ArchAndroid (2010), was a critical and commercial success, earning her five Grammy Award nominations. Her second album, Electric Lady (2013), was also well-received by critics and fans alike.

Monáe’s music is a mix of R&B, soul, funk, hip hop, and pop. She has been compared to various artists such as Outkast, Michael Jackson, Prince, and James Brown. Her work has received praise from many prominent music critics, including those from Rolling Stone, Time Magazine, Pitchfork Media, and The New York Times.

Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars is one of the most popular funk artists of the 2000s. His music is a mix of R&B, hip hop, and pop, with a strong focus on funk. He has released four studio albums, all of which have been very successful. His most recent album, “24K Magic,” was nominated for five Grammy Awards and won two.