# The 50 Best R&B Songs of the 2000s, Ranked

> Usher’s 'U Got It Bad' tops Complex’s list of 50 best 2000s R&B songs, with Mariah Carey’s comeback and D’Angelo’s neo-soul landmark among the highlights.
- Title: The 50 Best R&B Songs of the 2000s, Ranked · Complex
- Summary: Usher’s 'U Got It Bad' tops Complex’s list of 50 best 2000s R&B songs, with Mariah Carey’s comeback and D’Angelo’s neo-soul landmark among the highlights…
- Keywords: usher, mariah carey, d'angelo, rnb, 2000s, best songs, complex, ranking, 2000, 2009, culture, music
- Source: Complex — https://complex.com/music/a/dimassanfiorenzo/2000s-rnb-best-songs
- Published: 2026-10-23T18:00:52.681+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: usher, mariah carey, d'angelo, rnb, 2000s, best songs, complex, ranking, 2000, 2009, culture, music
## The 2000s R&B Golden Age
The 2000s saw R&B expand from soulful ballads into crunk, hip-hop, pop, and dance music.
## 2004: Peak Year for R&B
Exactly half of 2004’s No. 1s were R&B songs, all performed by Black artists.
## Usher’s 'U Got It Bad' Tops List
Usher’s 'U Got It Bad' is ranked #1 on Complex’s list of the 50 best 2000s R&B songs.

> Usher’s 'U Got It Bad'
## Mariah Carey’s Comeback
Mariah Carey’s 'We Belong Together' is ranked second on Complex’s list of the 50 best 2000s R&B songs.

> We Belong Together
## D’Angelo’s Neo-Soul Landmark
D’Angelo’s 'Untitled (How Does It Feel)' is ranked third on Complex’s list of the 50 best 2000s R&B songs.

> Untitled (How Does It Feel)
## Key Artists of the Era
The list features artists like Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, Ashanti, and R. Kelly.
## 2004: Confessions Album
Usher’s 'Confessions Part II' is highlighted as a storytelling epic from his 2004 album.

> Confessions Part II
## R. Kelly’s 'I Wish'
R. Kelly’s 'I Wish' is noted for its emotional depth and connection to his mother.

> I Wish
## Erykah Badu’s 'Didn’t Cha Know'
Erykah Badu’s 'Didn’t Cha Know' is described as a neo-soul classic with Grammy nominations.

> Didn’t Cha Know
## Beyoncé’s 'Single Ladies'
Beyoncé’s 'Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)' is ranked among the best 2000s R&B songs.

> Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)
## Alicia Keys’ 'You Don’t Know My Name'
Alicia Keys’ 'You Don’t Know My Name' is highlighted as a masterclass in emotional expression.

> You Don’t Know My Name
## Ashanti’s 'Rock wit U'
Ashanti’s 'Rock wit U (Awww Baby)' is noted as a defining early-2000s R&B track.

> Rock wit U (Awww Baby)
## 2000s R&B Legacy
The 2000s R&B era left a lasting impact on music with influential artists and songs.
## Key takeaway

Usher’s 'U Got It Bad' is ranked #1 on Complex’s list of the 50 best R&B songs from 2000 to 2009, followed by Mariah Carey’s 'We Belong Together' and D’Angelo’s 'Untitled (How Does It Feel).'