Top 10 Best Songs of the 2000S

50 Cent's "In Da Club," released in 2003, quickly became a definitive hip-hop anthem of the decade, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for nine consecutive weeks. Produced by Dr. Dre and Mike Elizondo, the track is instantly recognizable by its unconventional off-beat rhythm and catchy opening line, "Go Shawty, it's your birthday." The song achieved Diamond certification from the RIAA in November 2023, signifying sales of over 10 million units in the United States. As of January 2026, "In Da Club" had surpassed 2 billion streams on Spotify, and its music video had accumulated over 2.5 billion views on YouTube by October 2025. It was nominated for Best Male Rap Solo Performance and Best Rap Song at the 46th Grammy Awards in 2004.

"Yeah!" stands as the crunk-R&B fusion that dominated 2004, achieving No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 consecutive weeks—nearly matching the 13-week streak of #1 "Umbrella." Its irresistible call-and-response hook between Usher and Lil Jon drives a production built on a minimalist synth riff, while Ludacris' rapid-fire verse adds raw energy. This song outperforms #6 "Beautiful Day" in commercial impact, with over 5 million digital sales, and remains the most inescapable club anthem of the decade. The track's longevity is proven by its position as one of only three songs from 2004 to rank among the top 50 best-selling digital singles of the 2000s, cementing its cultural footprint.

"Beautiful Day" represents U2's triumphant comeback, winning three Grammy Awards including Record of the Year—the most Grammys for any song on this list. Its anthemic rush of optimism opens with a chiming guitar riff that builds into a thunderous chorus, generating 12 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Adult Alternative Songs chart. This track is 45% faster in tempo than #7 "Lose Yourself," clocking in at 138 BPM, and its uplifting energy helped it become the band's last major global hit, selling over 2.5 million copies worldwide. The song outperforms #8 "Umbrella" in critical acclaim, earning universal praise for encapsulating the early 2000s mood shift.

"Lose Yourself" is a masterclass in rap intensity, becoming the first hip-hop song to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song—a feat that #5 "Yeah!" did not achieve. Eminem's rapid-fire delivery peaks at 4.5 syllables per second during the third verse, building tension over a guitar-heavy loop that pulsates with urgency. The track sold over 10 million copies globally, making it the best-selling rap single of the 2000s, and its motivational narrative—"You only get one shot"—has been streamed over 1.8 billion times on Spotify alone. This song outperforms #6 "Beautiful Day" in cultural longevity, often cited as the greatest workout anthem ever.

"Umbrella" transformed Rihanna from pop star to global phenomenon, spending ten consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart—a longer reign than #6 "Beautiful Day" had on any chart. The hypnotic chorus, built around the repeated "ella, ella" hook, incorporates a recorded rainfall effect that cost $12,000 to produce. This track won its first Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and has sold over 6.7 million copies worldwide, outperforming #7 "Lose Yourself" in pure pop impact. Its 43% longer stay at No. 1 in the US compared to #5 "Yeah!" underscores its dominance as one of the decade's defining singles.

Shakira's "Hips Don't Lie," featuring Wyclef Jean, was a global phenomenon, becoming the best-selling single of 2006. The song achieved massive commercial success, selling over 10 million copies worldwide. Its infectious blend of Latin pop and reggae, coupled with Shakira's signature belly-dancing, captivated audiences and propelled it to the top of charts around the globe. In the United States, it reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, holding the top spot for two weeks. The track's enduring popularity is a testament to its vibrant energy and cross-cultural appeal.

Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' "Empire State of Mind" quickly became an iconic anthem for New York City upon its release in 2009. The song's powerful lyrics and Alicia Keys' soulful chorus resonated deeply, capturing the spirit and ambition of the city. It achieved significant chart success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and maintaining that position for five consecutive weeks. The track's driving piano loop and triumphant sound contributed to its widespread appeal, solidifying its place as a modern classic. Its enduring popularity is evident in its continued airplay and its status as a cultural touchstone for New York.