The 2000s were a golden era for music, brimming with diversity and creativity. From pop queens to punk bands, hip-hop moguls to soulful crooners, artists of this decade redefined the music landscape. Their songs were more than just hits; they became anthems that resonated with fans across the globe. Join us on a nostalgic journey as we count down the 25 best 2000s music artists of , the legends who made this decade one to remember.
The Best 2000s Music Artists
25 – Katy Perry
Katy Perry’s arrival in the late 2000s was nothing short of a pop explosion. Her debut hit, “I Kissed a Girl,” turned heads and quickly cemented her as pop royalty. With a knack for combining cheeky lyrics, infectious beats, and vivid visuals, Katy brought a fun, fresh energy that was both rebellious and playful. Her blend of campy themes and anthemic choruses made her songs the perfect soundtrack for late-2000s parties.
Popular songs include:
- “I Kissed a Girl”
- “Hot N Cold”
- “Waking Up in Vegas”
- “Teenage Dream”
- “California Gurls”
24 – Avril Lavigne
Skater-punk princess Avril Lavigne stormed into the early 2000s, guitars blazing and eyeliner perfectly smudged. She gave pop a rebellious twist with her fierce, no-nonsense attitude. Avril’s sound was raw yet relatable, offering a voice to every misfit and misunderstood teen. Her knack for turning teen angst into catchy hooks made her a staple on every mixed CD.
Popular songs include:
- “Complicated”
- “Sk8er Boi”
- “My Happy Ending”
- “I’m with You”
- “Girlfriend”
23 – Jay-Z
Jay-Z dominated the 2000s with a mix of lyrical finesse and entrepreneurial flair. He wasn’t just rapping; he was building an empire, one hit at a time. With clever wordplay, slick beats, and a finger firmly on the pulse of culture, Jay-Z crafted anthems that reflected the hustle and glamour of the era. His collaborations with other top artists set new standards in hip-hop.
Popular songs include:
- “99 Problems”
- “Empire State of Mind”
- “Dirt Off Your Shoulder”
- “Encore”
- “Big Pimpin’”
22 – Lady Gaga
Emerging from the underground club scene, Lady Gaga took the late 2000s by storm with her avant-garde style and boundary-pushing pop. With her theatrical fashion, electrifying performances, and deeply catchy beats, Gaga transformed pop into an art form. She wasn’t just performing; she was making statements. Her fearless creativity made every new song and video an event.
Popular songs include:
- “Poker Face”
- “Bad Romance”
- “Just Dance”
- “Paparazzi”
- “LoveGame”
21 – Paramore
Paramore burst onto the scene with an infectious energy that channeled both angst and hope. Frontwoman Hayley Williams’ powerful vocals and vibrant personality made the band stand out in the punk-pop wave. Their mix of roaring guitars, heartfelt lyrics, and raw emotion struck a chord with young fans looking for an outlet. Paramore wasn’t just a band; they were a movement.
Popular songs include:
- “Misery Business”
- “That’s What You Get”
- “crushcrushcrush”
- “Decode”
- “Ignorance”
20 – 50 Cent
50 Cent emerged as one of the rawest voices in early 2000s hip-hop. With gritty storytelling and unforgettable hooks, he turned his experiences on the streets into chart-topping anthems. His debut album, “Get Rich or Die Tryin’,” was an instant classic, fuelled by beats that thumped as hard as his lyrical bravado. In a decade of polished pop, 50 brought grit and realness.
Popular songs include:
- “In Da Club”
- “21 Questions”
- “P.I.M.P.”
- “Candy Shop”
- “Window Shopper”
19 – Fall Out Boy
Fall Out Boy fused pop-punk energy with emotional lyrics to become the voice of a generation searching for identity. Their fast-paced rhythms, clever wordplay, and unfiltered expression struck a chord with fans craving authenticity. From high school breakups to feeling misunderstood, Fall Out Boy provided the soundtrack to every teen’s life story.
Popular songs include:
- “Sugar, We’re Goin Down”
- “Dance, Dance”
- “Thnks fr th Mmrs”
- “This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race”
- “I Don’t Care”
18 – Shakira
Shakira shook the 2000s with her unique blend of Latin rhythms, pop sensibilities, and hypnotic hip movements. A multilingual queen, she brought a fresh sound that defied categorisation. Whether she was singing about forbidden love or being “Hips Don’t Lie,” Shakira’s passion and authenticity made her a global superstar.
Popular songs include:
- “Hips Don’t Lie”
- “Whenever, Wherever”
- “Underneath Your Clothes”
- “La Tortura”
- “She Wolf”
17 – Missy Elliott
Missy Elliott was a musical innovator in the 2000s, flipping the script with her genre-defying sound and groundbreaking music videos. She made hip-hop fun, fearless, and funky. Her production choices and boundary-pushing lyrics kept listeners guessing what she’d do next. From the beats to the rhymes, Missy always had listeners hitting the repeat button.
Popular songs include:
- “Get Ur Freak On”
- “Work It”
- “Lose Control”
- “Pass That Dutch”
- “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)”
16 – Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse’s voice, smoky and soulful, brought a breath of fresh air to the polished pop landscape of the 2000s. Her brutally honest lyrics and retro sound set her apart from her peers. Amy channeled classic jazz and blues influences into a contemporary style that felt both nostalgic and revolutionary. Her music wasn’t just listened to; it was felt.
Popular songs include:
- “Rehab”
- “Back to Black”
- “You Know I’m No Good”
- “Tears Dry on Their Own”
- “Valerie”
15 – The Strokes
When The Strokes crashed onto the scene, they brought a gritty garage rock revival that indie fans craved. Their lo-fi sound, jangly guitars, and laid-back cool vibes set them apart from the polished pop acts of the era. With lyrics that felt both casual and profound, they gave voice to the disaffected youth of the 2000s. The Strokes weren’t just a band; they were a statement of rebellion.
Popular songs include:
- “Last Nite”
- “Someday”
- “Reptilia”
- “Hard to Explain”
- “12:51”
14 – Nelly
Nelly arrived with a smooth flow and swagger that effortlessly blended rap and R&B. His unique sound, marked by catchy hooks and Southern hip-hop flair, made him a staple on both radio and club playlists. Nelly had a way of making every song a mood, whether it was about the highs of fame or the simple pleasures of life.
Popular songs include:
- “Hot in Herre”
- “Dilemma” (feat. Kelly Rowland)
- “Ride wit Me”
- “Just a Dream”
- “Air Force Ones”
13 – Usher
Usher glided through the 2000s with unmatched style, delivering smooth R&B tunes that dominated airwaves and dance floors. His soulful voice, slick choreography, and heartfelt lyrics made him a pop culture phenomenon. Whether he was belting out a ballad or hyping up a party, Usher proved he was the ultimate showman of the decade.
Popular songs include:
- “Yeah!” (feat. Lil Jon & Ludacris)
- “U Got It Bad”
- “Burn”
- “Confessions Part II”
- “My Boo” (with Alicia Keys)
12 – Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera emerged as a vocal powerhouse, showcasing a range and emotional depth that set her apart from other pop stars of the era. She wasn’t afraid to evolve, shifting from bubblegum pop to soul-infused ballads, tackling personal themes with authenticity. Every song was an opportunity for her to show off her incredible vocal gymnastics and raw power.
Popular songs include:
- “Beautiful”
- “Genie in a Bottle”
- “Fighter”
- “Dirrty”
- “Ain’t No Other Man”
11 – Green Day
Green Day brought punk back to the masses with their raw, politically charged anthems. Their album “American Idiot” was a cultural reset, combining catchy hooks with lyrics that captured the frustrations of a generation. Their fast-paced energy and angsty themes made them the go-to band for anyone who wanted to rebel with a cause.
Popular songs include:
- “American Idiot”
- “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”
- “Wake Me Up When September Ends”
- “Holiday”
- “21 Guns”
10 – OutKast
OutKast shattered hip-hop boundaries with their genre-bending sound and eclectic style. Their music was a wild, colourful journey, mixing funk, rap, and everything in between. Every release felt like an experiment in creativity, and it worked. They weren’t just making hits; they were redefining the sound of hip-hop in a way that was fresh and unforgettable.
Popular songs include:
- “Hey Ya!”
- “Ms. Jackson”
- “Roses”
- “B.O.B” (Bombs Over Baghdad)
- “The Way You Move”
9 – Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys’ soulful piano ballads and velvety voice brought a sense of timeless elegance to the 2000s music scene. She mixed classical music sensibilities with modern R&B, creating a sound that was both soothing and empowering. Every song felt like a journey into emotion, earning her a spot as one of the decade’s most revered artists.
Popular songs include:
- “Fallin’”
- “No One”
- “If I Ain’t Got You”
- “You Don’t Know My Name”
- “A Woman’s Worth”
8 – Linkin Park
Linkin Park was the soundtrack for every angsty teen and misunderstood soul of the 2000s. They seamlessly blended rock, metal, and rap into a sound that was intense yet deeply relatable. With lyrics that dug into pain, loss, and hope, Linkin Park’s music became an outlet for millions navigating their own struggles.
Popular songs include:
- “In the End”
- “Numb”
- “Crawling”
- “Somewhere I Belong”
- “What I’ve Done”
7 – Rihanna
Rihanna took the music scene by storm with her Caribbean-infused pop and effortless swagger. Her versatility and fearless experimentation with different genres made her a chameleon in the industry. From dancehall vibes to heartbreaking ballads, Rihanna could do it all, and she made sure everyone knew it.
Popular songs include:
- “Umbrella” (feat. Jay-Z)
- “Pon de Replay”
- “Disturbia”
- “Don’t Stop the Music”
- “Unfaithful”
6 – Coldplay
Coldplay painted the 2000s with their introspective lyrics and sweeping melodies. Their songs, often tender and haunting, spoke to the human experience, touching on themes of love, loss, and hope. Coldplay wasn’t just making music; they were crafting emotional experiences, creating a universal language that resonated worldwide.
Popular songs include:
- “Yellow”
- “Clocks”
- “Fix You”
- “The Scientist”
- “Viva La Vida”
5 – Kanye West
Kanye West redefined hip-hop with his innovative production and unfiltered lyrical approach. He wasn’t afraid to push boundaries, sampling everything from soul classics to electronic beats, crafting a sound that was both familiar and groundbreaking. Kanye’s audacity, paired with his genius, ensured he was always the artist to watch.
Popular songs include:
- “Stronger”
- “Gold Digger” (feat. Jamie Foxx)
- “Heartless”
- “Jesus Walks”
- “Through the Wire”
4 – Eminem
Eminem’s raw storytelling and rapid-fire flow dominated the 2000s. His lyrics were brutally honest, diving deep into personal struggles, controversies, and society’s darker aspects. With a pen as sharp as his wit, he turned his life’s chaos into poetic, unforgettable music. His ability to provoke thought, shock, and entertain all at once made him a force to be reckoned with.
Popular songs include:
- “Lose Yourself”
- “Stan” (feat. Dido)
- “Without Me”
- “The Real Slim Shady”
- “Mockingbird”
3 – Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s solo career in the 2000s was nothing short of a cultural phenomenon. Her powerhouse vocals, jaw-dropping performances, and anthemic songs solidified her as the queen of pop and R&B. Beyoncé didn’t just release music; she crafted experiences and set standards for what it meant to be an artist in the new millennium.
Popular songs include:
- “Crazy In Love” (feat. Jay-Z)
- “Irreplaceable”
- “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)”
- “Halo”
- “Baby Boy”
2 – Justin Timberlake
Breaking free from his boyband days, Justin Timberlake reinvented himself as the smooth, innovative pop-R&B king. His magnetic presence, sharp choreography, and addictive hooks made his solo work irresistible. Timberlake brought sexy back to pop music, and his influence permeated the entire decade.
Popular songs include:
- “Cry Me a River”
- “SexyBack” (feat. Timbaland)
- “Rock Your Body”
- “My Love” (feat. T.I.)
- “What Goes Around… Comes Around”
1 – Britney Spears
No one owned the 2000s like Britney Spears. The pop princess turned every song into a cultural moment, whether she was dressed as a schoolgirl or rocking a snake on stage. Her infectious hooks, daring choreography, and undeniable star power made her the epitome of 2000s pop. Britney wasn’t just releasing music; she was shaping pop culture.
Popular songs include:
- “Oops!… I Did It Again”
- “Toxic”
- “Everytime”
- “Stronger”
- “Piece of Me”
