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.
01
Vivian Green
Vivian Green had us all on an “Emotional Rollercoaster” when her debut album dropped in 2002. She took a break from music after the birth of her son Jordan in 2004. Vivian is now an advocate for children with special needs and has continued to release music over the years.
02
Amel Larrieux
Amel Larrieux sung her way into our hearts as the lead singer of Groove Theory. She embarked on a solo career and released the biggest song of her career “For Real” in 2004. Amel continues to tour and launched a hair care line in 2015.
03
Cheri Dennis
Like many singers from the early 2000s, Cheri Dennis started as member of the girl group Spoiled. But she broke out when she signed with Bad Boy Records and released the infectious “I Love You.” She now goes by Cheri Coke and has continued releasing music.
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.
06
Blu Cantrell
Blu Cantrell rose to fame in 2001 when her massive hit “Hit ‘Em Up Style (Oops!)” peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. She was nominated for two Grammys and in 2016 toured Australia with TLC, Nelly and 112.
07
Olivia
Before she was G-Unit’s go-to-girl for hooks, Olivia released her biggest hit on J Records in 2001. She later turned up on the first three seasons of ‘Love & Hip Hop’ and wrote a book called ‘Release Me.’ As of 2017 she’s in BET and Netflix’s ‘The Man in
08
Sunshine Anderson
Singer/songwriter Sunshine Anderson released one of the most relatable anthems with “Heard it all before” in 2001. Anderson signed to Matthew Knowles' new record label Music World Entertainment in 2004 and put out two albums in the time after. She’s since
09
Lumidee
East Harlem native Lumidee dropped one of the most inescapable songs of the summer in 2003 with “Never leave you.” The remix with Busta Rhymes helped shoot the single to number three on the charts. She’s still making up-tempo party music with her last sin
10
Brooke Valentine
Who could forget Brooke Valentine’s epic anthem “Girlfight?” She disappeared from the scene to release a mixtape, EP, write for other artists and take a leave of absence from her career to focus on personal growth and to give birth to her son London. You
