Top 10 Best R&B Artists of the 2000s

Joe

The best, point-blank. In school, I sang a song in class and got a girlfriend.

He's underrated and better than R. Kelly.

Brian McKnight

Brian McKnight, born June 5, 1969, is an American R&B singer-songwriter, arranger, producer, and musician. He is a multi-instrumentalist who plays eight instruments, including piano, guitar, bass, percussion, trombone, tuba, flugelhorn, and trumpet. He is recognized as one of the few leggiero tenors... read more

The real king of R&B, not the self-proclaimed king R. Kelly, who sold out to the rap game.

R. Kelly

Robert Sylvester Kelly (born January 8, 1967), known professionally as R. Kelly, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and convicted sex offender. He has been credited with helping to redefine R&B and hip hop, earning nicknames such as "the King of R&B," "the King of Pop-Soul," and the... read more

One of the best R&B artists of all time isn't first and is under Bruno Mars, the mainstream pop artist. Trey Songz, who is good but not better. Craig David, who isn't as legendary as R. Kelly. And Jay Sean, the pretentious mainstream artist. Shaking my head.

He makes great songs and has a unique, legendary voice.

Jaheim

Jaheim Hoagland, born May 26, 1978, is an American R&B singer and former rapper. He was signed by Naughty by Nature's Kaygee to Divine Mill Records in 2000 and released his debut album Ghetto Love in 2001. His second album, Still Ghetto (2002), included the hit "Put That Woman First" and earned platinum... read more

This man, along with Raheem, Musiq, Anthony, and Lyfe, basically carried grown man R&B on their backs during the 2000s. They did this alongside more established vets like Joe and Brian McKnight, as well as newcomers like Carl Thomas and Dave Hollister.
Many modern artists and even some veterans got caught up in chasing trends and trying to create the next big hit. That is why the music from Jaheim and his peers holds up better all these years later compared to some others who were getting more attention at the time.

Dave Hollister

David "Dave" Hollister is an American R&B singer who found fame during the 1990s as one quarter of the R&B quartet Blackstreet, before going on to have a successful solo career. His debut solo album, "Ghetto Hymns," was released in 1999. He is also known for his gospel music contributions in later years... read more

Criminally underrated. One of the best voices of all time, and he actually puts meaning into almost all of his songs, unlike some people on here... not saying any names: Robert, Raymond, Chris, Trey!

Usher

Usher Terry Raymond IV (born October 14, 1978, in Dallas, Texas) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. He was raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he sang in church choirs before moving with his mother and brother to Atlanta, Georgia, at age twelve, securing a recording contract with... read more

Usher is one of the smoothest R&B and soul vocalists. He has consistently delivered on almost all his albums for nearly three decades. His Grammy awards are a testament to these accomplishments.

Musiq Soulchild

Taalib Johnson, professionally known as Musiq Soulchild or simply Musiq, is an American singer and songwriter. His musical style blends R&B, funk, blues, jazz, and gospel influences with hip hop. He rose to fame in the early 2000s with hits like Love and Halfcrazy.

During the 2000s, he literally had one of the best (if not the best) 4 to 5 album runs in contemporary R&B music.
Most R&B artists who people love to place on a pedestal can't say that. Yeah, I'm looking at you, Robert.

Raheem DeVaughn

With great songs like "You", "Love Drug", "She's Not You", and "Guess Who Loves You More", it's easy to see why Radio Raheem was one of the top pure R&B artists of the mid to late 2000s.

Mario

Mario Dewar Barrett, born August 27, 1986, and known professionally as Mario, is an American R and B singer. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, he signed a record deal with J Records at the age of 14 and released his self-titled debut studio album in 2002. Its lead single, "Just a Friend 2002,"... read more

Having Akon higher than Mario is an insult to R&B, lol. I mean, I like some of Akon's music, but he actually isn't really R&B like I once thought he was.

J. Holiday

Nahum Thorton Grymes, better known by his stage name J. Holiday, is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, and actor. He is best known for his 2007 hit single Bed, which peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100. His debut album, Back of My Lac', was certified Gold by the RIAA.

J. Holiday, what can't be said about this man? He's underrated and slept on as hell, so sweet, so soulful! His music and voice put you in a good mood.

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Carmichael Musiclover

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Eric Roberson

Eric Benet

Eric Benét Jordan, known professionally as Eric Benét, is an American R&B and neo soul singer-songwriter and actor. He has received a total of four Grammy nominations for his musical work. Benét is also known for his roles in television and his marriage to actress Halle Berry from 2001 to 2005.

Lyfe Jennings

Marques Houston

Come on, have you heard Marques Houston? He is a great R&B singer who deserves more attention and is better than the Chris Browns of the world.

Trey Songz

Tremaine Aldon Neverson, known professionally as Trey Songz, was born on November 28, 1984. He is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, and actor. His debut album I Gotta Make It was released in 2005 through Atlantic Records.... read more

He's been selling more albums than most R&B singers. He's had two number one albums in his latest releases.

A great voice who makes great songs.

Kem

Kem is a great R&B singer, and he has his own style. The only person I could compare him to is Maxwell, but still, Kem has his own style.

Jay Sean

Jay Sean is a British singer and songwriter. He debuted in the UK's Asian Underground scene as a member of the Rishi Rich Project with the single "Dance with You," which reached No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart in 2003. He later achieved international success with the hit single "Down" featuring Lil Wayne... read more

Wow, after seeing him on top of the list, I listened to his songs. He really is the best.

He has made a lot of amazing songs, both upbeat and slow. He really is amazing.

Craig David

No one can touch him live. He covers the GOAT artists like Michael Jackson, R. Kelly, Marvin Gaye, and Al Green. Just listen to Craig's version of "Nice and Slow" by Usher.
In original songs, it's "My Love Don't Stop" and "Snows in July."

One of the best voices ever, and he makes really nice songs.

Will Downing

Wilfred "Will" Downing (born September 28, 1963) is an American singer and songwriter. He is known for his smooth baritone voice and has released numerous albums in the R&B and jazz genres. Downing is married to singer Audrey Wheeler, a former member of the R&B group Unlimited Touch.

Bobby V

Nicole Scherzinger

Nicole Scherzinger, born Nicole Prescovia Elikolani Valiente on June 29, 1978, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, dancer, and television personality. She first rose to fame as the lead singer of the pop and R&B group The Pussycat Dolls. Scherzinger has also appeared as a judge on various talent... read more

She's got an amazing voice, that's undeniable. Just listen to her live and you'll know.
Unfortunately though, she doesn't sing much R&B, which is a damn shame because her voice is perfect for it. Her unreleased song "Psycho" (actually written by Mario and his writing team) shows how amazing she could've been as an R&B artist!

Ne-Yo

Shaffer Chimere Smith, better known by his stage name Ne‑Yo, is an American R&B singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, and actor. He has released multiple hit albums and won several Grammy Awards. In addition to his music career he has acted in films and produced songs for other artists.

A great music writer who makes some good songs and writes great songs for other artists.

Akon

Aliaume Damala Badara Akon Thiam, better known as Akon, is an American-Senegalese singer, rapper, songwriter, record producer, actor, and businessman. He rose to fame in 2004 following the release of his debut album Trouble, which included the hit single Locked Up. Akon has since released several successful... read more

No one wants to see him as the king of R&B, but it doesn't matter.

Carl Thomas

John Legend

John Roger Stephens, known professionally as John Legend, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. He has won multiple Grammy Awards as well as an Academy Award, Tony Award, and Golden Globe, making him one of the few EGOT winners. Legend has also appeared in television and film roles... read more

Mary J. Blige

Mary Jane Blige is an American singer, songwriter, rapper and actress. She started her career as a backing singer on Uptown Records in 1989. She has released 13 studio albums, eight of which have achieved multi-platinum worldwide sales.

A great female singer who brings out fresh music, and is the queen of R&B.

So much soul in her voice, and she always puts so much emotion into her music! Truly a force to be reckoned with. Good music in three decades. From 1992 on, she has delivered one-of-a-kind, hip-hop-tinged R&B!