The early 2000s was a great time for R&B. The smooth grooves of the ’90s sailed into the 2000s with chart-topping hits. We had smash albums from solidified artists like Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu and Aaliyah but we also had amazing moments from several songstresses that created the soundtracks of our lives. Here’s a look back at some of our favorite Black singers from the early 2000s.
04
Heather Headley
Heather Headley has long had a career on Broadway with roles in The Lion King and most recently the revival of The Color Purple. But her biggest musical hit happened in 2002 with “I wish I wasn’t.” She became the first Tony award winner to be nominated for the Best New Artist Grammy.
05
Syleena Johnson
Syleena Johnson’s biggest moment was on the Kanye West hit “All Falls Down” but she had a moderate solo hit when “Guess What” peaked at number 29 on the Billboard chart. She later starred in R&B Divas: Atlanta from 2012 to 2014. Syleena graduated from Drake University with a bachelor’s degree in nutrition science in 2015.