Ahhh the year 2000. Let’s go back to the dawn of the 21st century, with technological advances, the Y2K scare, and the rise of the internet. Everyone had on chunky platform sandals, low rise jeans, butterfly clips, and cargo pants. It’s actually not a whole lot different from what you see the kid’s wear these days. In 2000, we also saw the rise of pop stars like Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, and NSYNC, who dominated the charts. Meanwhile, hip hop was becoming a cultural powerhouse, with artists like Eminem and Dr. Dre reaching new heights of popularity. Let’s take a look back on some hip hop and R&B songs that are turning 25 in 2025 (and try not to feel TOO old).
Before we jump into the songs that are turning 25 next year, let’s look back on what was popular a decade ago in 2015.
Just like in 2024 (and most likely 2025), Kendrick Lamar had a big year in 2015. He dropped his third album ‘To Pimp A Butterfly’ and was dominating the charts with Alright. The song snagged multiple Grammy nods and was named one of the best tracks of the decade by critics. It’s still considered one of K.Dot’s best songs.
Another standout track from 2015 is ‘Can’t Feel My Face’ by The Weeknd. His blending pop and funk with his signature dark R&B style made this song a certified banger.
Drake was also dominating the charts in the summer with Hotline Bling. But the internet did what the internet does and turned the music video into an iconic set of memes that still gets used today.
Let us not forget the classic banger Trap Queen. Some may call Fetty Wap a one hit wonder, but you can’t deny that the song was everywhere in 2015. Well where is Fetty now? Currently serving a jail sentence after pleading guilty to drug charges in 2023.
Lastly, we have to include one of the last hits we got from RiRi before she went on her hiatus after her 2016 album ‘Anti’. Three legends that no one ever suspected to work together dropped one of the best songs in 2015. ‘FourFiveSeconds‘ stripped things way back with just acoustic guitar and vocals—and it worked like magic.
Hip Hop and R&B Songs That Dominated the Year 2000 and Turn 25 in 2025
Now let’s go back in time and remember some of the best hip hop and R&B songs that we had in our CD players and bumping from our speakers in 2000
