In the 2000s, lots of amazing Black female singers lit up the music scene. Artists like Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, Rihanna, and Ashanti brought their own styles and sounds, making hits that we still groove to today. From Kelly Rowland’s catchy tunes to Mýa’s innovative dance styles, each singer had something special to offer. Their songs were more than just catchy melodies-they told stories about strength, confidence, and being proud of who you are.
Their hits mirrored the varied experiences of women, echoing strength, resilience, and unapologetic femininity. Their legacies endure as beacons of empowerment, their music serving as a testament to their lasting influence on subsequent generations of artists and music enthusiasts. In this article we will take a look at some of these amazing women who defined the music culture of their era:
100 Most Successful Songs of The 2000s Decade by Female Singers
1. Beyoncé Knowles-Carter
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter famously known as just Beyonce, born on September 4th, 1981 is an American singer, songwriter and businesswoman. Dubbed as “Queen Bey” and a prominent cultural figure of the 21st century, she has been recognized for her artistry and performances which lead her to being named one of the greatest vocalists of all time. Beyoncé evolved from lead singer of successful 1990s girl group Destiny’s Child into arguably music’s most innovative and inspiring 21st century superstar.
Landmark albums like “Dangerously In Love,” “B’Day” and “Lemonade” matched smash hits like “Crazy In Love” and “Single Ladies” in showing Beyoncé’s genius for revolutionary spectacle balanced by courageously vulnerable songwriting.
Having sold over 200 million records worldwide, Beyoncé is one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Her accolades include 32 Grammy Awards (the most Grammys won by any artist), 26 MTV Video Music Awards (including the 2014 Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award), 24 NAACP Image Awards, 35 BET Awards, and 17 Soul Train Music Awards, all of which are more than any other artist in the music industry. Her success during the 2000s earned her recognition as the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)’s Top Certified Artist of the Decade and Billboard‘s Top Female Artist of the Decade.
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2. Alicia Keys
Alicia Augello Cook famously know for her stage name Alicia Keys is a highly acclaimed American singer, songwriter, musician, and actress known for her soulful voice, exceptional piano skills, and influential contributions to R&B and soul music. Born and raised in New York City, Keys burst onto the music scene in the early 2000s with her debut album “Songs in A Minor,” which showcased her incredible talent as a singer and pianist. Her music often incorporates elements of R&B, soul, jazz, and pop, characterized by her powerful vocals and meaningful lyrics. Hits like “Fallin’,” “No One,” and “If I Ain’t Got You” have become classics.
Keys has sold over 90 million records worldwide, making her one of the world’s best-selling music artists. She was named by Billboard as the R&B/Hip-Hop Artist of the Decade (2000s); and placed tenth on their list of Top 50 R&B/Hip-Hop Artists of the Past 25 Years. She has received numerous accolades in her career, including 15 Grammy Awards, 17 NAACP Image Awards, 12 ASCAP Awards, and an award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame and National Music Publishers Association.
Alicia Keys is also known for her activism, philanthropy, and advocacy for social causes, including her work in HIV/AIDS awareness and empowerment initiatives for young women.
3. Rihanna
Robyn Rihanna Fenty known as just Rihanna is a Barbadian singer, businesswoman, actress, and songwriter who is regarded as one of the most prominent singers of the 21st century. She soared to international stardom in the mid-2000s with hits like “Umbrella” from her album “Good Girl Gone Bad.” She became a global icon, seamlessly transitioning across genres from pop to R&B, consistently delivering chart-topping albums such as “Loud,” “Rated R,” and “ANTI.”
Beyond music, she made significant strides in the fashion and beauty industry with Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty, celebrating diversity and inclusivity. Her philanthropic efforts and advocacy work further solidified her influence, making her a role model and an emblematic figure in music, fashion, and culture.
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With sales of over 250 million records worldwide, Rihanna is the second-best-selling female music artist of all time and the highest-certified female artist of all time on the RIAA’s Top Artists (Digital Singles) ranking. She has achieved 14 number-one singles, 32 top-ten singles in the US, and 31 top-ten entries in the UK. Her accolades include nine Grammy Awards, 13 American Music Awards (including the Icon Award), 12 Billboard Music Awards, five World Music Awards, six Guinness World Records, the NAACP’s President’s Award, and an Academy Award nomination.
4. Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Mary Jane Blige is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Often referred to as the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul” and “Queen of R&B”, Blige has won nine Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, four American Music Awards, twelve NAACP Image Awards, and twelve Billboard Music Awards, including the Billboard Icon Award. She has been nominated for three Golden Globe Awards and two Academy Awards, including one for her supporting role in the film Mudbound (2017) and another for its original song “Mighty River”, becoming the first person nominated for acting and songwriting in the same year.
Throughout the decade, her albums like “No More Drama,” “The Breakthrough,” and “Growing Pains” showcased her versatility and enduring relevance in R&B and soul music. Blige’s raw, honest lyrics and powerful vocals mirrored her personal struggles, connecting deeply with fans and solidifying her status as an iconic figure in music history.
Additionally, her foray into acting garnered praise, further cementing her multifaceted talent and influence across entertainment realms.
5. Ciara
Ciara Princess Wilson is an American singer, songwriter, businesswoman, dancer, model, and actress. Her debut single, “Goodies,” released in 2004, quickly topped the charts, showcasing her distinctive blend of pop, R&B, and hip-hop influences. The accompanying album, also titled “Goodies,” achieved commercial success, establishing Ciara as a promising talent. Throughout the decade, her energetic performances and catchy hits like “1, 2 Step” and “Oh” further solidified her presence in the music industry.
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Known for her dynamic dance moves and sultry vocals, Ciara’s music and stage presence contributed significantly to the R&B and pop landscape, earning her a dedicated fan base and recognition as a versatile performer. Overall Ciara has been credited with elevating the standard of dance, choreography, and visual art in her respective generation, and is regarded as an icon within the fields of dance, entertainment, and R&B for her contributions.
Her impact extended beyond music, as she became a fashion icon and ventured into acting and modeling, solidifying her status as a multifaceted entertainer.
6. Ashanti
Ashanti, born Ashanti Shequoiya Douglas on October 13, 1980, gained prominence in the early 2000s as a talented singer, songwriter, and actress. Her self-titled debut album, “Ashanti,” released in 2002, became an instant hit, featuring chart-topping singles like “Foolish” and “Happy.” Her smooth R&B vocals, combined with catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics, resonated with audiences, leading to widespread acclaim and commercial success.
Throughout the decade, Ashanti continued to dominate the music scene with albums such as “Chapter II” and “Concrete Rose,” solidifying her position as a prominent figure in R&B. Her collaborations with other artists and memorable performances further enhanced her reputation in the industry. Besides her music career, Ashanti ventured into acting, appearing in films and TV shows, showcasing her versatility and expanding her influence beyond music. Her impact in the 2000s helped define the R&B landscape and solidified her as a respected and influential artist.
7. Missy Elliott
Missy Elliott, is an iconic rapper, singer, songwriter, producer, and visionary artist who significantly shaped 2000s music culture. Her innovative approach to music, blending hip-hop, R&B, and electronic sounds, broke new ground in the industry. Elliott’s groundbreaking albums such as “Supa Dupa Fly,” “Miss E… So Addictive,” and “Under Construction” not only showcased her exceptional rapping skills but also highlighted her unique production style and creative music videos.
Her hit singles like “Get Ur Freak On,” “Work It,” and “Lose Control” became anthems of the era, earning her critical acclaim and multiple awards. Elliott’s influence extended beyond her own music; she produced and wrote for various artists, shaping the sound of the decade. Her boundary-pushing visuals and innovative concepts in music videos set new standards in the industry, solidifying her as a visionary and a trailblazer in 2000s music and pop culture.
8. Kelly Rowland
Kelendria Trene Rowland better known as Kelly Rowland, is an American singer, actress, and television personality. She rose to fame in the late 1990s as a member of Destiny’s Child, one of the world’s best-selling girl groups of all time.
Throughout her career, Rowland has sold over 40 million records as a solo artist, and a further estimated 60 million records with Destiny’s Child. Her work has earned her several awards and nominations and beyond her chart-topping success, Kelly Rowland has established herself as a versatile artist and collaborator.
She has worked with renowned artists such as Beyoncé, Jay-Z, David Guetta, and Pitbull, showcasing her ability to adapt to different musical styles. Her acting career has also flourished, with notable roles in films like “Freddy vs. Jason” and “The Seat Filler.” Kelly Rowland’s contributions to the music industry are undeniable. Her powerful vocals, captivating stage presence, and undeniable talent have made her a role model for aspiring singers. Her songs have empowered and inspired millions of listeners worldwide, and her influence on music culture continues to be felt today.
9. Solange Knowles
Solange Knowles, born on June 24, 1986, is a singer, songwriter, producer, and artist who made a notable impact on 2000s music culture. Initially recognized as the younger sister of Beyoncé, Solange carved her own path in the industry with her distinctive style and artistry. Her early albums, such as “Solo Star” and “Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams,” showcased her eclectic blend of R&B, soul, funk, and indie pop influences. However, it was her critically acclaimed album “A Seat at the Table,” released in 2016 (though its impact extended into the 2000s), that solidified her as a significant force in music.
This album’s themes of empowerment, social justice, and Black identity resonated deeply with audiences, earning praise for its creativity and thought-provoking lyrics. Solange’s experimental approach to music, along with her contributions as a songwriter and producer, established her as a respected and influential artist, shaping the cultural landscape of the 2000s and beyond. Her music has inspired a generation of artists and listeners alike, and her fearless approach to creativity has challenged the status quo.
Her commitment to social justice has sparked important conversations and empowered others to use their voices for change.
10. Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe, born on December 1, 1985, is a multifaceted artist renowned for her boundary-pushing music, distinctive style, and powerful presence in 2000s music culture. Initially recognized for her concept albums “Metropolis: Suite I (The Chase)” and “The ArchAndroid,” Monáe’s fusion of funk, R&B, soul, and futuristic elements garnered critical acclaim. Her boldness in blending genres, coupled with her captivating stage performances and unique persona, established her as a trailblazer in the industry.
Monáe’s album “Dirty Computer,” released in 2018 but having a significant impact in the 2000s, explored themes of identity, empowerment, and inclusivity, resonating strongly with audiences. She has received ten Grammy Award nominations, and won a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Children’s and Family Emmy Award. Monáe has also been honored with the ASCAP Vanguard Award, as well as the Rising Star Award (2015) and the Trailblazer of the Year Award (2018) from Billboard Women in Music. She is signed to Atlantic Records, as well as to her own imprint, the Wondaland Arts Society.
Other Notable Artists
The early 2000s was a great time for R&B. The smooth grooves of the ’90s sailed into the 2000s with chart-topping hits. We had smash albums from solidified artists like Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu and Aaliyah but we also had amazing moments from several songstresses that created the soundtracks of our lives. Vivian Green had us all on an “Emotional Rollercoaster” when her debut album dropped in 2002. She took a break from music after the birth of her son Jordan in 2004. Vivian is now an advocate for children with special needs and has continued to release music over the years.
Amel Larrieux sung her way into our hearts as the lead singer of Groove Theory. She embarked on a solo career and released the biggest song of her career “For Real” in 2004. Like many singers from the early 2000s, Cheri Dennis started as member of the girl group Spoiled. But she broke out when she signed with Bad Boy Records and released the infectious “I Love You.”
She now goes by Cheri Coke and has continued releasing music. Heather Headley has long had a career on Broadway with roles in The Lion King and most recently the revival of The Color Purple. Syleena Johnson’s biggest moment was on the Kanye West hit “All Falls Down” but she had a moderate solo hit when “Guess What” peaked at number 29 on the Billboard chart. She later starred in R&B Divas: Atlanta from 2012 to 2014. Syleena graduated from Drake University with a bachelor’s degree in nutrition science in 2015.
Blu Cantrell rose to fame in 2001 when her massive hit “Hit ‘Em Up Style (Oops!)” peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. She was nominated for two Grammys and in 2016 toured Australia with TLC, Nelly and 112. Before she was G-Unit’s go-to-girl for hooks, Olivia released her biggest hit on J Records in 2001. Singer/songwriter Sunshine Anderson released one of the most relatable anthems with “Heard it all before” in 2001. Anderson signed to Matthew Knowles’ new record label Music World Entertainment in 2004 and put out two albums in the time after. East Harlem native Lumidee dropped one of the most inescapable songs of the summer in 2003 with “Never leave you.” The remix with Busta Rhymes helped shoot the single to number three on the charts. Who could forget Brooke Valentine’s epic anthem “Girlfight?” She disappeared from the scene to release a mixtape, EP, write for other artists and take a leave of absence from her career to focus on personal growth and to give birth to her son London.
Singles & Albums (2000-2009)
Here's a table highlighting some of the notable albums and hit singles from female R&B singers between 2000 and 2009:
| Artist | Album/Single Title | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Alicia Keys | Songs in A Minor | 2001 |
| Ashanti | Ashanti | 2002 |
| Beyoncé | Dangerously in Love | 2003 |
| Ciara | Goodies | 2004 |
| Keyshia Cole | The Way It Is | 2005 |
| Mary J. Blige | The Breakthrough | 2005 |
| Rihanna | Good Girl Gone Bad | 2007 |
| Chrisette Michele | I Am | 2007 |
| Jazmine Sullivan | Fearless | 2008 |
| Keri Hilson | In A Perfect World... | 2009 |
