Are these the five artists you wanted to hear featured in early 2000s songs? In an era filled with throwback hits, these 5 stand above the rest.
There was a time when you instantly knew that if a certain artist were featured on a song, it would be a hit. There was no doubt! These artists didn’t miss being featured on someone else’s track. Who are the best of the best? Check out the list below.
What Artists Did You Want To Hear Featured In Early 2000s Songs?
I’d consider the early 2000s to be the golden age of hip-hop. From 2000 to 2007, we were given gifts in the hip-hop department. There were so many great rappers and artists at the time, and everyone had a different hit as their ringtone or even ringback tone. There’s a blast from the past for you. However, some artists had even better success as featured artists than they did with their hits! Does anybody come to mind?
During that time, some of the best hip-hop albums dropped. You’ve got gems like 50 Cent’s Get Rich Or Die Tryin’, Ludacris’ Word Of Mouf, and Nelly’s Country Grammar. Those remain three of my favorite hip-hop albums of all time, rightfully so! They remain timeless classics filled with hits. There are no skips on these albums. While much of that is due to the talents of the rappers themselves, they also have some fantastic features to thank for it. The classic albums wouldn’t hit the same without some artists they featured on some of the songs!
Some artists could have made a living as featured artists back in the day. They didn’t even need to write or make their own songs or albums. They simply had to take the money to be featured on someone else’s song, maybe come in and sing the hook, and that’s it. While it may seem like a small feature, sometimes they have the biggest impact.
Who are the best-featured artists in early 2000s hip-hop? Do you have a favorite, or does someone come to mind? If not, this list might be nostalgic and bring back some memories. Chances are you’ll remember these featured artists and all the hits they were featured on. It was a different time back then. It was a better time. Check out my list below, and let me know if I left anyone off the list who deserves to be on it! Feel free to hit me up on Twitter to let me know! Let’s get to the list!
5 Artists You Wanted To Hear Featured In Early 2000s Songs
T-Pain
You can’t talk about featured artists of the early 2000s without mentioning T-Pain. He changed the game and defined the era thanks to making auto-tune popular. Sure, it got old when everyone started using it and overusing it. However, you can’t say it wasn’t popular! T-Pain did that. It would be a hit any time he was featured on a track.
Nate Dogg
RIP to Nate Dogg. It seemed like anything he touched in the early 2000s turned to gold…or platinum. He was everywhere during that time! He was featured on songs with Eminem, 50 Cent, Ludacris, and pretty much every popular hitmaker then. He provided awesome vocals to sing along with and was always catchy. He was one of a kind, that’s for sure.
Sleepy Brown
Sleepy Brown had to make the list! The low key he didn’t miss! He was featured on many songs back then, some of which I didn’t even realize he was on! Some notable standouts include OutKast’s “The Way You Move,” the hook on Ludacris’ “Blueberry Yum Yum,” and Murphy Lee’s “Luv Me Baby.” I always loved it when Sleepy was featured on a track. He had some great songs, but when he was featured on a song, you knew it would be a banger.
Pharrell Williams
Pharrell Williams remains a household name today. However, he was featured on some hot hits back in the day. My dude was everywhere, which explains why he remains such a fixture in hip-hop and pop today. Yes, he had the notoriety of his own with N.E.R.D. and stuff, but when he was featured on a song, you knew it would be good. He had many hits with Snoop in the early 2000s, like “Beautiful” and “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” which launched him into superstardom. Pharrell doesn’t miss. Is there an artist he hasn’t collaborated with?
Akon
Akon came out blazing with many hits of his own. However, he really stood out as a featured artist in the early 2000s. He was one of the most popular artists then, and when he was featured on a song, there was no way it wouldn’t be catchy. Some of my favorites include “I Tried” with Bone Thugs, “Bartender” with T-Pain, and “Soul Survivor” with Jeezy. I forgot how many hits he had back in the day! It’s crazy!
