2000s Rap
Hi Friends!
Guess what? This is my 50th blog post here on Sarang's Blog | Prodigy Strats. Continuing my Monday music series (Current Country Music and The Four Seasons the last two Mondays), today we're going to explore one of my favorite genres of music: 2000s Rap! Please note, a lot of these songs are explicit in lyrics and content, but that’s part of what makes rap great! It’s raw, emotional, rhythmic genius at play and that’s what makes it hit so hard get you hyped up! That said, I know it’s not for everyone, the swearing and explicit sexuality can be a bit much for some, so if this isn’t your vibe, I understand, and you can rejoin the music blog train next Monday.
Here’s a Spotify playlist with all these songs to enjoy as you read and whenever you like thereafter. Let's get to it!
Country Grammar - Nelly (2000)
Country Grammar by Nelly is a 2000 hip-hop song known for its bounce, catchy sing-song chorus, and strong St. Louis identity. It was the lead single from his debut album of the same name and helped introduce his laid-back, melodic rap style to a national audience. Despite its title, it’s primarily hip-hop—not a country song. I like it because the beat is bouncy and the chorus sticks in my head. Nelly’s delivery sounds relaxed but confident, and the song has a fun, hometown-pride atmosphere.
Party Up - DMX (2000)
This song has a memorable chorus; the repeated “Up in here” makes the hook easy to join in with and gives a crowd-friendly feel. DMX’s intense delivery gives the song a lot of confidence and makes it feel exciting for many listeners.
Get Ur Freak On - Missy Elliott (2001)
I like this song because the beat is catchy and different, and Missy Elliott’s delivery is playful and confident. The unusual melody and rhythm make it fun to dance to and keep the song interesting. The combination of hip-hop and Punjabi musical elements also gives it a distinctive character beyond a straightforward party beat.
Lose Yourself - Eminem (2002)
This is a 2002 hip-hop song known for its intensity, driving guitar riff, and message about taking an opportunity despite fear. Written for the film 8 Mile, it connects the struggles of Eminem’s character, aspiring rapper Jimmy “B-Rabbit” Smith Jr., with elements of Eminem’s own life. I like it because the beat is intense and the lyrics are motivating. Eminem makes the pressure feel real, and the song reminds me to focus and take my chances instead of letting nerves hold me back. Honestly, this might be greatest hype song of all time! It's also the inspiration behind Eminem's restaurant in Detroit, Mom's Spaghetti!
Yeah! - Usher ft. Lil Jon, Ludacris (2004)
Yeah! is a 2004 hit known for its energy, catchy synthesizer hook, and dance-floor beat. Released as the lead single from Confessions, it blends Usher’s smooth R&B singing with Lil Jon’s loud, bass-heavy crunk production; a combination often called “Crunk & B”. I like it because the beat is energetic and the melody is instantly catchy. Usher’s smooth singing, Lil Jon’s hype, and Ludacris’s rap make it fun to listen to and easy to dance to.
Overnight Celebrity - Twista (2004)
Overnight Celebrity by Twista is a 2004 hip-hop song known for its flow, soulful production, and distinctive violin melody. It appears on Kamikaze and was produced by Kanye West, who also contributes vocals, with violin played by Miri Ben-Ari. I like Overnight Celebrity because Twista’s fast rapping sounds smooth over the soulful beat. The violin melody makes it stand out, and the catchy hook gives the song a great feel.
Gold Digger - Kanye (2005)
Shoutout the legend Miri Ben-Ari on the violin again, and Lenny Williams who sang Cause I Love You in 1978, which was sampled. Gold Digger by Kanye West featuring Jamie Foxx (host of Beat Shazam, an awesome show my fam loves, and I regularly win) is a 2005 hip-hop hit known for its catchiness, soulful vocal sample, and humorous storytelling. It appears on Late Registration and builds its beat around Ray Charles’s “I Got a Woman,” with Foxx singing a modified version in Charles’s style, inspired by his performance in Ray the movie. I like ‘Gold Digger’ because the beat is catchy and the soulful hook makes it stand out. Kanye’s storytelling is funny and memorable, and Jamie Foxx’s vocals give the song a lot of personality.
Candy Shop - 50 Cent ft. Olivia (2005)
Candy Shop is a 2005 hip-hop hit known for its groove, catchy chorus, and relaxed but confident delivery. Produced by Scott Storch, it appears on The Massacre and became a number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100. I like it because the beat is catchy and has a smooth, hypnotic feel. 50 Cent’s raps and Olivia’s vocals work well together, and the chorus is easy to remember.
Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It - Dem Franchise Boyz (2006)
Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It by Dem Franchize Boyz featuring Peanut and Charlay is a dance-focused hip-hop hit released in late 2005 and featured on the 2006 album On Top of Our Game. It’s known for its bounce, chant-like hook, and connection to Atlanta’s snap-music scene. I like it because the beat has a fun bounce and the chorus is easy to remember. Its laid-back energy makes it easy to dance to, especially with other people.
Cyclone - Baby Bash ft. T-Pain, Mickaël Zibi (2007)
Shoutout to Lil Jon, who you heard on Yeah! earlier, who produced this song. Cyclone might be our favorite dance song at home. It works the hips in a different kind of way! Also, what a great way to educate the world on what a cyclone is by equating it to the circular motion of dancing hips!
Crank That - Soulja Boy (2007)
This song is amazing. It's one of the most iconic fun and simple dances in hip hop history and Soulja released this record when he was just 17! I also really like the use of steel drum, claps, and snaps to move the beat forward. It also teaches the Superman pose for those who might not know it, so I'm here for that!
Lollipop - Lil Wayne ft. Static Major (2008)
Firstly, shoutout Static Major, who sadly passed just before this song released, after recording it. Lil Wayne may have the most iconic voice in the game. He pops up as a feature in so many unexpected places and his voice brings me so much joy! Who doesn't love lollipops?! Ok maybe the song isn't exactly about that, but we'll pretend. I also think this song uses autotune about as brilliantly as any other piece of music. It's literally used loudly and proudly like an amazing electronic instrument rather than just pitch correction as it's usually used. Also, hear this song once, and you will definitely be singing it. Such an earworm!
Whatever You Like - T.I. (2008)
I love T.I. He has so many great records that it was really hard to pick just one. This guy is Atlanta rap. Whatever You Like has a fire 808 sub-bass line that really makes the song what it is. Shoutout producer Jim Jonsin. There's this buzz through the song that follows the chord progression and it's epic! This song is bouncy, pumps you up, and is just the perfect exemplar of Atlanta trap rap.
Empire State of Mind - Jay-Z and Alicia Keys (2009)
This might be the ultimate rap anthem repping New York. It features one of the most talented combos of all time, with arguably the greatest rapper out of New York, Jay-Z, and arguably the greatest singer out of New York, Alicia Keys, with 40 Grammy wins between them, including Best Rap Song and Best Rap/Sung Collab on this record. Shoutout to Angela Hunte and Jane't Sewell-Ulepic for writing this song expressing their love for New York City. The song itself has a subtle bassline, a driving piano riff, Jay's percussive rap, and Alicia's iconic chest belt!
There are so many great songs from this era of rap. What would you include? Let me know in the comments! Also, if you have other genres/eras of music you want me to explore, let me know that too!
That’s all for today! See y’all next time! Sarang out.
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