Hip-Hop & Soul N°94 – Vintage 2000s Videos

1 . Soulja Boy – Crank That [Soulja Boy]

Soulja Boy’s “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” is less of a song and more of a cultural moment, encapsulating the rise of user-driven internet virality in music during the mid-2000s.

Released as the lead single from his debut album “Souljaboytellem.com” in 2007, this track didn’t just climb charts; it completely rewrote the rules of promotion using platforms like MySpace and YouTube.

Built around an infectious beat made with Fruity Loops software in under an hour, “Crank That” became an earworm for its generation, loaded with steel-drum-inspired melodies and repetitive hooks that refuse to leave your head.

The accompanying dance—a fusion of simplicity and swagger—launched endless imitations, turning bedrooms, school gyms, and street corners into impromptu stages for fans worldwide.

Its impact on pop culture was immediate, and its run at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for seven non-consecutive weeks cemented its dominance.

But there’s no ignoring the polarizing nature of this hit; while some celebrated it for its youthful energy and innovative self-promotion, others derided its lyrics for questionable undertones and its perceived lack of musical depth.

“Crank That” wasn’t just a song; it was a case study in how the internet turned conventional industry wisdom on its head, making Soulja Boy, at 16, a reluctant trailblazer in the digital music age.

Even today, its legacy is impossible to ignore, lingering in everything from video game soundtracks to viral challenges on newer platforms like TikTok, proving some moments in music can never be fully outpaced.

Featured on the 2007 album “souljaboytellem.com”.

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2 . Eve – Let Me Blow Ya Mind (w/ Gwen Stefani )

Eve’s “Let Me Blow Ya Mind,” featuring Gwen Stefani, exudes sheer audacity wrapped in a seamless blend of rap and pop sensibilities.

This 2001 single, lifted from Eve’s sophomore album *Scorpion*, finds Dr. Dre and Scott Storch crafting a beat that’s smooth yet assertive, pairing perfectly with Eve’s commanding delivery and Stefani’s breezy hook.

The track’s layered production and hook-laden melody ensure its replay value while sidestepping the excesses often associated with crossover hits of the era.

Dr. Dre’s involvement carries an ironic weight, considering he signed and subsequently dropped Eve from his Aftermath label years earlier—a decision that seems almost comical when assessing her success here.

The music video, directed by Philip Atwell, captures the defiance of the track itself, with the duo unapologetically crashing a posh soirée, ribbing societal norms while maintaining a polished, tongue-in-cheek demeanor.

Culturally, the song marked pivotal changes, being the first-ever recipient of the Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, a category that would later highlight countless iconic duets.

Adding to its mainstream allure, the song found placements in pop culture staples like an episode of *Friends* and the comedy *Scary Movie 2*, weaving itself into the fabric of early-2000s entertainment.

Despite whispers of discord during recording sessions, the chemistry between Eve and Stefani is undeniable, laying the foundations for their later partnership on Stefani’s “Rich Girl.”

Unlike many collaborations of its time, this track struts with confidence, neither idolizing nor rejecting pop accessibility but, instead, owning it to create a moment that refuses to pander, even as it courts mainstream success.

Featured on the 2001 album “Scorpion”.

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3 . Ice Cube – You Can Do It

“You Can Do It” by Ice Cube featuring Mack 10 and Ms. Toi is a hip-hop anthem that comfortably straddles the border between a club banger and a motivational mantra.

Originally released as part of the “Next Friday” movie soundtrack in 1999, it migrated to Ice Cube’s “War & Peace Vol. 2 (The Peace Disc)” in 2000, a project emblematic of his broader attempt to reconcile the hard-hitting with the introspective.

The track thrives on pulsating beats crafted by producer One Drop Scott, offering a platform for Ice Cube’s commanding delivery and sharp lyrics, punctuated by Mack 10’s gritty swagger and Ms. Toi’s fiery presence.

While the verses may not break thematic ground, with their focus on ambition and self-driven success, they’re buoyed by an infectious hook that refuses to quit.

The song’s resurgence in popular culture, notably through its use in films like “Bring It On” and appearances on dance floors globally, highlights its enduring cross-generational appeal.

Commercially speaking, it carved a respectable niche, with the 2004 UK re-release earning the second spot on the Singles Chart and topping Hip-Hop/R&B rankings, propelled by its instantly memorable rhythm and anthemic chorus.

More than just a song, it functions as a time capsule of late-’90s and early-2000s hip-hop, where the genre flexed its mainstream credibility without forsaking its kinetic edge.

The music video, drenched in sweaty club vibes and kinetic energy, feels like a distilled snapshot of a time when partying wasn’t just a pastime but a mission.

While it might not reach the lyrical heights of Cube’s grittier works, its statement is clear: sometimes, perseverance needs a beat, and this track provides one you can’t ignore.

Featured on the 2000 album “War & Peace Vol. 2 (The Peace Disc)”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

4 . Naughty By Nature – O.P.P

Naughty by Nature’s “O.P.P.”, released in 1991, cemented itself as a cornerstone of early ’90s hip-hop, blending cultural wit with infectious beats.

The song takes its playful acronym, “Other People’s Property,” and transforms it into a flirtatious chant, balancing light-hearted humor with a sly undercurrent of mischief.

Borrowing heavily from the buoyant melody of The Jackson 5’s “ABC” and Slick Rick’s laid-back cadence in “La Di Da Di,” its sample choices are as intentional as they are nostalgic, bridging generations of listeners.

The track’s true genius lies in its chorus, an interactive and inclusive call and response—“You down with O.P.P.? Yeah, you know me!”—making it impossible to resist.

Its commercial impact matched its cultural one, breaking into the Billboard Hot 100’s top ten and topping the rap charts, a feat not common for tracks that played coy with their thematic innuendos.

Naughty by Nature managed a delicate balancing act, crafting lyrics risqué enough for intrigue yet restrained enough for radio, with most listeners catching the double entendre only after a few spins.

The group’s charm, led by Treach’s sharp delivery, infused the track with undeniable charisma, while Kay Gee’s production ensured its cross-genre appeal.

Yet, beyond its sonic elements, the song signified a moment when hip-hop began to flex its crossover potential, challenging the boundaries between rap’s rawness and pop’s accessibility.

Accompanied by a music video that landed heavy rotation on MTV and BET, “O.P.P.” quickly became a visual and auditory staple in homes across America and beyond.

Despite its commercial success, its undeniable legacy often overshadows conversations around how it sidestepped overt vulgarity to dominate playlists while keeping its edge intact.

The song’s reach extended far beyond its original release, with pop culture nods in films like *Sister Act 2* and reinterpretations in eclectic settings, from sitcoms to military biopics.

Through it all, Naughty by Nature carved out a unique space within the genre, pairing undeniable lyrical wit with beats that demanded attention across demographics.

“O.P.P.” stands as a fine-tuned mirror reflecting the exuberance, creativity, and cultural convergence of hip-hop’s golden age, one tongue-in-cheek acronym at a time.

Featured on the 1991 album “Naughty by Nature“.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

5 . Timbaland – The Way I Are (w/ Keri Hilson, D.O.E., Sebastian)

Released on April 26, 2007, Timbaland’s “The Way I Are” stands as a glossy artifact of mid-2000s pop culture, anchored by contributions from Keri Hilson, D.O.E., and Sebastian.

The track is a triumph of minimalist production, driven by a pulsating synth beat, courtesy of Timbaland and co-producer Danja, which helps it straddle the line between hip-hop and pop with effortless confidence.

Stirring a conversation not just with its sound but its lyrics, the song flips traditional gender roles, with Hilson asserting her independence in a narrative that humorously undercuts the trope of materialism in relationships.

Commercially, it became a chart juggernaut, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and enjoying the top spot in markets like the UK, Canada, and Australia—an emblem of its universal appeal.

Its urban-futuristic visuals, under Shane Drake’s direction, paired with slick choreography, amplified the track’s cultural resonance, securing its spot on TV show soundtracks and even a McDonald’s roller-skating ad, widening the audience further.

Hilson, already known for her behind-the-scenes songwriting, was launched into the spotlight, using this song to subtly underscore her status as both a vocalist and storyteller.

The cheeky grammatical play in the title mirrors the song’s conversational charm, giving it an edge that still feels fresh years later.

Though many acts have attempted this genre-melding formula, “The Way I Are” remains quintessential—less an overproduced anthem, more an understated, genre-hopping snapshot of its era.

Featured on the 2007 album “Shock Value”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

6 . Usher – Confessions Part II

Usher’s “Confessions Part II” is a masterclass in turning personal drama—real or staged—into chart-topping art.

Released as the third single from his blockbuster 2004 album “Confessions,” the track touches on the thorny themes of infidelity and accountability, framed as a raw, first-person revelation.

Its connection to juicy speculations about Usher’s breakup with TLC’s Chilli was the PR gift that wouldn’t stop giving, though the singer later clarified this emotional soap opera wasn’t his story, but inspired by co-writer Jermaine Dupri’s experiences.

The production, helmed by Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox, and Kendrick Dean, balances a confessional tone with slick R&B polish, driven by a haunting piano loop and steady beats.

Critically and commercially, the song demolished competition, spending two weeks ruling the Billboard Hot 100, while helping the parent album sell over 15 million copies worldwide.

Its accompanying video, co-directed by Usher, infused the narrative with visual drama, continuing threads from “Burn” and offering a cinematic take on guilt and consequence.

But the real genius lies in the album’s structural storytelling, with “Part II” serving as the narrative peak after “Part I,” cleverly reworked from an interlude to deepen the plot.

As for timing, dropping this track during a year Usher dominated both airwaves and tabloid headlines—his entries accounted for three spots in the Hot 100’s Top 10 simultaneously—was no coincidence.

The cultural backdrop of early 2000s voyeurism into celebrity relationships only made the song’s drama juicier.

If pop music thrives on tension between performance and reality, “Confessions Part II” wielded this dynamic like a scalpel, carving out its place in the R&B canon.

Featured on the 2004 album “Confessions“.

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7 . Ja Rule – Livin’ It Up (w/ Case)

Ja Rule’s “Livin’ It Up,” a track drenched in early-2000s bravado, borrows its swagger from Stevie Wonder’s 1982 gem “Do I Do,” repurposing the groove for a rap-meets-R&B celebration anthem.

Featuring R&B vocalist Case, the song bridges Ja Rule’s trademark gritty flow with smooth, honeyed hooks—a combination that became his hallmark during this era of mainstream dominance.

Released as a single from the triple-platinum album *Pain Is Love*, the track aligned perfectly with the pop-rap landscape of its time, climbing to number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy nod for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.

The track’s celebration of freedom and uninhibited joy is palpable, but its charm lies in the contrast between Ja Rule’s raspy delivery and Case’s soulful crooning.

The music video leaned into summer-party escapism, reinforcing the song’s ethos of carefree indulgence.

Strategic sampling has always been a double-edged sword, and while Wonder eventually cleared the use of his iconic melody, it’s worth pondering the tension between homage and appropriation here.

“Livin’ It Up” also weaves a subtle nod to West Coast rap by channeling the bounce of Dr. Dre’s “Nuthin’ But A G Thang,” presenting a curious blend of subgenres that nods to both nostalgia and evolution.

Though undeniably catchy and commercially potent, this track marked Ja Rule’s ability to mask the rough edges of hip-hop with mass appeal, creating a radio-friendly hit that soundtracked a moment in early-2000s pop culture.

It’s a song that doesn’t overthink itself—a simple recipe of catchy beats, recognizable samples, and celebratory lyrics, ensuring its place in Ja Rule’s peak discography.

Featured on the 2001 album “Pain Is Love”.

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8 . Rihanna – Umbrella (w/ Jay~Z)

Released in March 2007, “Umbrella” emerged as a defining track for Rihanna, blending heartfelt lyrics with a booming production by Tricky Stewart and a sharp Jay-Z intro.

The song catapulted Rihanna into superstardom, occupying the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks and dominating charts across 20+ countries.

Its unmistakable “ella… ella” refrain, polarizing in its simplicity, became iconic despite initial skepticism from some industry insiders.

Rihanna’s performance in the now-classic music video featured bold imagery, including a silver body paint sequence and fluid choreography that flirted with Gene Kelly-inspired whimsy.

Interestingly, the music industry lore surrounding “Umbrella” reveals it was originally offered to artists like Britney Spears and Mary J. Blige, but fate and Rihanna’s persistence ensured the song became hers.

The timing of its UK release coincided with rain-filled summers, sparking playful claims that the track had summoned the clouds.

Jay-Z’s short but effective opening rap sets a vivid narrative tone, referencing pop culture nuggets and easing listeners into the storm metaphor encapsulating the track.

Beyond the production polish and commercial triumph, “Umbrella” effectively explored themes of loyalty and unwavering connection, striking a universal chord with its audience.

Featured on the 2007 album “Good Girl Gone Bad“.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

9 . Kanye West – Stronger

Kanye West’s “Stronger” is an intricate fusion of futuristic soundscapes and bold cultural commentary, showcasing his ability to reframe electronic influences within hip-hop’s structure.

Sampling Daft Punk’s iconic “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger,” the track transforms their robotic precision into a pulsating anthem of resilience and ambition, punctuated by Nietzschean philosophy twisted into a pop refrains.

It’s a collision of genres, where Kanye blends luxury fashion, courtroom drama, and anime-inspired visuals without missing a beat, driving home his irony-laden, unapologetic worldview.

Recorded and remixed countless times, this obsessive process mirrors Kanye’s perfectionism, layering crisp verses over an orchestrally tinged backdrop that nods subtly to Portishead.

The video, steeped in “Akira”-esque imagery, pairs larger-than-life cyberpunk aesthetics with hospital beds and flashing cityscapes, an odd juxtaposition that unsettles even as it electrifies.

Beyond its aesthetic and philosophical gambits, the song is emblematic of Ye’s knack for turning niche influences into mainstream phenomena, utilizing elements like Edwin Birdsong’s 1979 funk to anchor his avant-garde aspirations.

Live performances, such as his Grammy collaboration with Daft Punk, solidify its place in pop history, though the constant repackaging leaves one wondering how much is art and how much is algorithmically calculated provocation.

The track’s ubiquity in gyms and on commercials risks relegating its brilliance to background noise, but its construction reveals deeper layers that keep it from being dismissed as mere earworm fodder.

Whether “Stronger” is hip-hop’s peak or one more brick in Kanye’s towering ego trip, its sonic audacity ensures it remains a cultural touchpoint worthy of debate.

Featured on the 2007 album “Graduation“.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

10 . Alicia Keys – Fallin’

“Fallin'” by Alicia Keys marked her arrival in 2001 with a mixture of raw emotion and masterful composition that was impossible to ignore.

This neo-soul track managed to merge gospel-tinged piano riffs with a melody that sways between love’s euphoria and its inevitable agony, creating a song at once timeless and contemporary.

Its thematic tension—oscillating between heartbreak and reconciliation—felt startlingly personal, a quality enhanced by Keys’ voice, which veers effortlessly between controlled vulnerability and soaring anguish.

The music video, framed by the motif of a visit to an incarcerated lover, mirrored the song’s narrative, tethered to themes of conflict and enduring attachment, though attempts at making it autobiographical were reportedly vetoed by industry powers.

Critically, it quickly rose to cultural prominence, snagging multiple Grammy Awards and dominating the Billboard charts, despite doubts about whether something this emotionally raw would resonate in an era attuned to slicker, more impersonal production styles.

“Fallin’” shows its roots in Keys’ classical training, particularly through its piano work, yet somehow avoids the trappings of self-indulgence, staying accessible to listeners at all levels.

What sets it apart, though, is its willingness to be messy—Keys, then just 20, channeled her experiences with relationships into an unguarded confession that feels universally relatable.

The song’s longevity is a testament not just to its technical craft but to its authenticity in a genre often diluted by artifice.

Even as it racked up record-breaking sales, surpassed by few at the time, its overexposure perhaps led to bans on talent shows like *American Idol*, further cementing its place in early 2000s pop culture lore.

Ultimately, “Fallin’” didn’t just launch Alicia Keys into stardom; it articulated the complexity of love with an elegance few debut singles have achieved before or since.

Featured on the 2001 album “Songs in A Minor“.

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11 . 50 Cent – Get Up

Released in late 2008, “Get Up” by 50 Cent bursts forth as a high-energy track laced with ambition and swagger, epitomizing the artist’s unyielding confidence.

With Scott Storch at the production helm, the song fuses thundering hip-hop beats with hints of cinematic orchestration, creating a dynamic canvas ripe for 50’s assertive lyricism.

Originally positioned as the lead single for *”Before I Self Destruct,”* it was ultimately left off the album, serving instead as a standalone snapshot of his evolving artistry during that period.

The track’s chart performance was solid, peaking at number 44 on the Billboard Hot 100 while climbing higher on the Hot Rap Tracks chart, where it snagged 14th place.

A music video bolstered its release, with Adam Berg crafting a stark, post-apocalyptic narrative inspired by *“I Am Legend.”* The video features a lone 50 Cent navigating deserted streets, underscoring themes of resilience and personal triumph.

Reuniting 50 and Storch after iconic hits like *”Candy Shop,”* “Get Up” symbolizes a rekindled creative partnership that thrives on the tension between ambition and self-reliance.

Featured on the 2008 album “Get Up”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

12 . Beyoncé – Listen

“Listen” by Beyoncé is less a song and more an anthem drenched in cinematic gravitas, a powerhouse ballad conceived to rupture emotional dams. Created for the 2006 film *Dreamgirls*, it serves as a pivotal moment for Beyoncé’s character, Deena Jones, to declare independence in a tempestuous sea of manipulation and control.

From the opening piano chords, the song lays bare its purpose: unashamedly dramatic, built to showcase Beyoncé’s vocal precision and raw emotive power. The composition, credited to Henry Krieger, Scott Cutler, Anne Preven, and Beyoncé, is a polished example of the late-2000s big-budget ballad, replete with swelling orchestration and a key change meant to pin listeners to their seats.

Its music video doubled as a pseudo-trailer for *Dreamgirls*, incorporating scenes from the film with Beyoncé’s impassioned performance. The juxtaposition of Hollywood glitter and her solo intensity is equal parts self-promotion and character-empathy delivery system.

Chart-wise, “Listen” fared respectably but didn’t breach blockbuster status in the U.S., peaking at a modest No. 61 on Billboard. Internationally, though, it struck a louder chord, landing within striking distance of the top 10 in markets such as the UK and Spain.

Thematically, the song parlays empowerment tropes with a singular focus on reclaiming one’s voice and autonomy—a narrative as ancient as pop music itself yet delivered with such conviction that its familiarity feels more archetypal than derivative.

While crafted to inspire, “Listen” teeters on the edge of over-earnestness, at times weighed down by its own imperative to emote. Still, Beyoncé’s vocal acrobatics elevate the material beyond its somewhat predictable structure, making it a staple of her live tours and awards show moments, including her notable performance at the 79th Academy Awards.

In hindsight, “Listen” is less about pushing boundaries and more about perfecting a formula. It’s pop melodrama at its most polished—faultlessly delivered, moving if you’re in the mood for it, and decidedly more memorable for the artist’s performance than the song’s own merits. Whether its emotional wallop strikes you as profound or indulgent may hinge on how much patience you have for a key change drenched in catharsis.

Featured on the 2006 album “B’Day“.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site