The best songs released by Black artists in the 2000s

"Thong Song" is a famous track released by the R&B singer Sisqó. Released in February 2000, the single snatched four Grammy nominations and the No. 3 spot on Billboard’s Hot 100. 

"Yeah!", Usher’s hit single, was one of the singer’s most popular songs of 2004. It was released in January and spent 12 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100. It later won the Best Rap and Sung Collaboration at the 2005 Grammys.

"We Belong Together" is one of the most popular songs released by Mariah Carey. It dropped in 2005 and became the singer’s 16th chart-topper on the Hot 100. Talk about a legend! 

This classic hit the waves in April 2000 and quickly became a cultural success. It peaked at No. 27 and has sold over three million copies in the US. 

Outkast’s 2003 timeless hit received critical acclaim in the United States, Australia, Canada, and other countries. It’s sold over 1 million copies and snagged many awards, including BET, Grammys, and MTV Video Music Awards. 

Could you imagine the 2000s without this jam? It was released by Kelis in 2003 and became one of the most popular songs in pop culture history. 

Soulja Boy’s massive hit "Crank That" has sold over three million copies since its release in 2007. It grew rapidly, mainly because of the associated dance that went viral online. It received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Song but lost to Kanye West. "Crank That" spent seven weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is credited with launching Soulja Boy’s career. 

Jazmine Sullivan’s "Bust Your Windows" is a No. 31 Hot 100 single that’s been ranked as one of the best singles from 2008. Many artists have covered it, including Amber Riley on Fox’s Glee, Jim Jones, and Busta Rhymes.

Ranked by Rolling Stone as the No. 1 song of 2008, Beyoncé’s "Single Ladies" is an all-time classic. It’s been sold over 10 million times in the United States, won three Grammys, including Song of the Year, and gained widespread popularity.  

Toni Braxton is an icon in the R&B genre, and her 2000 popular track, "He Wasn’t Man Enough," proves that. It’s her fourth win in the Best Female R&B Vocal Performance Grammy category and reached No. 2 on the Hot 100. Since its release, the song has sold over 600,000 copies in the US.

Released as the lead single from the 2000 film Charlie’s Angels, "Independent Women Pt. 1" became one of Destiny’s Child’s most successful hits, spending 11 weeks in the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100. 

"Ordinary People" is one of John Legend’s most famous songs, and once you’ve heard it, you’ll understand why. It’s a soulful classic highlighting Legend’s rich voice and impressive vocal abilities. 

Aaliyah’s "Rock The Boat" was released on August 21, 2001, and is one of the singer’s most identifiable tracks. 

Jennifer Hudson is a powerhouse performer whose credits include iconic films like Dreamgirls and moving songs like "Spotlight." It peaked at No. 24 on the Hot 100 and was the start of Hudson’s extensive career as a solo artist. 

According to Rolling Stone, "Ms. Jackson," another Hot 100 chart-topper by Outkast, is one of the best 500 songs of all time. It is three-times-platinum certified in the United States and won the Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.  

Lil Wayne’s discography includes several epic hits that feature fire lyrics and infectious beats. His late 2000s rap song, "A  Milli," is one of the artist's most praised, earning the Nos. 1, 4, and 10 spots on several publications’ best songs of 2008 list. 

From his debut album, The College Dropout , Kanye West’s "Jesus Walks" is one of the performer’s most notable songs that received critical acclaim due to its empowering lyrics dubbed over one sick beat.  

You know a song is iconic when you can hear it instantly just by reading the name. And Alicia Keys’ "Fallin'" is one of those. It hails from her debut album, Songs in A Mirror, and has been named the 29th most successful song of the 2000s. It’s been monumental in Alicia’s career, winning three Grammys, including Song of the Year. 

"Day 'N' Nite" is Kid Cudi’s monumental 2008 single, which many consider his best song ever. It’s been certified eight times platinum, ranked at No. 7 on Complex’s "100 Best Songs of The Complex Decade" list, and received several accolades, including two Grammy nominations and a Beatport Music Award. It peaked at No. 3 on the Hot 100 and will forever be a hit in Black culture. 

"Bootylicious" is another No.1 hit from Destiny’s Child. Initially released in May 2001, the song reached the top spot nine weeks later, becoming their fourth and final chart-topping single as a group.