R&B Summer Jams from the 2000’s were all about meeting someone new. For the most part, we excited when the weather gets warm, and it’s time to see and be seen.
However, R&B stands for rhythm and blues. In the summer, the music tells happy and sad tales mostly about love, heartbreak, and all that good stuff to a peppier tune than the ballads of the winter. Here are a list of songs from the 2000’s that went hard no matter what the song was about…
R&B Summer Jams From The 2000’s
Usher-U Remind Me
Usher dressed as a neo-hippie and that God-awful “Pop Your Collar” was not the appropriate way to follow-up My Way. About eight months later, the powers that be had gotten things right. The first single was something many of us could relate to: meeting someone who reminded us so much of someone who had hurt us. The only qualm with the song is that it kind of is fantasy, because we always wind up choosing the person just like our ex.
T.I.-Why You Wanna
As soon as I heard the Crystal Waters sample of “Gypsy Lady” I knew this song was going to be a hit. I listened to it over and over again while “What You Know” was still getting most of the airplay. Am I the only one who feels the urge to play a song over and over so that the radio doesn’t make me hate it when they do so?
Koffee Brown-After Party
Naughty By Nature’s Kay Gee had a run of R&B hits in the early aughts. His Divine Mill imprint launched the careers of Next, Jahiem, and then Koffee Brown had their one song. “After Party” was pretty straightforward. It’s about meeting someone out at the club and wanting the night to continue in a not-so-lewd manner (like we often hear in popular music these days).
Cheri Dennis-I Love You
2006 was supposed to mark the resurgence of Bad Boy Records. Puff Daddy P. Diddy Diddy Puff Daddy had Young Joc, Cheri Dennis, Danity Kane, Day 26, and Cassie all poised to or storming up the charts. Where’d everyone go?
Jimmy Cozier-She’s All I Got
Musical icon Clive Davis started a new venture with J Records. The first three acts were Olivia, Alicia Keys, and Jimmy Cozier. I was in high school when this song was released and couldn’t understand why someone would want to put up with such a person. At this point in my life I laugh to myself whenever I hear it because this sounds like everyone I have had long-term relationships with.
Jill Scott-Golden
Until Pharrell released “Happy,” Jill Scott’s “Golden” may have been the most feel-good song of all time. I remember reading somewhere that a fan wrote Jilly from Philly a letter saying that they were feeling depressed, standing out of a window, and was about to jump. They heard “Golden” and turned around because it gave them hope. It’s amazing how powerful music can be.
Donnell Jones-You Know That I Love You
Love can be complicated. However, the answer to even the most convoluted feelings can be alleviated with simplicity. When it’s all said and done, you just have to verbally reassure your loved ones that you’re not going anywhere.
Sunshine Anderson-Heard it All Before
Everyone needs a breakup anthem. Sunshine Anderson’s 2001 hit made the perfect song for people to pack up their things (of throw someone else’s things out of the window) and begin to move on. Although I must say I was relieved when I stopped hearing the phrase “I had to shut you/him down” in the context of a relationship ending.
Jahiem-Just in Case/Next-Wifey
I put these two together because they sound like the same song. It’s the same track but in different keys; but they both jam.
Omarion-Touch
I DARE you to listen to this song and not dance, tap your foot, or not move at all rhythmically. Impossible.
Aaliyah-Rock the Boat
This was such a bittersweet moment. It had been five years since One in a Million and Aaliyah’s new album was beginning to catch fire. Everyone’s favorite song was “Rock the Boat.” Unfortunately she died in a tragic accident heading back home from filming the video. Nonetheless, the song still sounds like summer and it is one of those songs you never get tired of hearing.
The Dream-I Luv Your Girl
Terius Nash can write the hell out of a song. They’re usually very simple, catchy, and there’s an underlying layer of complexity implied in the song’s lyrics. “I Luv Your Girl” has a beat that was made for the club and the hook is very easy to sing along with. It isn’t until the second or third time you sing the chorus you realize what he’s actually singing about.
