The early 2000s were packed with R&B and hip hop hits that still fill dance floors today. This One Gotta Go card puts four stars from that era together: Destiny's Child in the early Beyonce era, Nelly, Usher in the Confessions era and Alicia Keys in her debut era.
Three artists stay on your throwback playlist, and one gets skipped forever. Think about the songs you played on repeat, the CD you wore out and the music video you tried to copy. Then make your pick and share your favorite song from each, because everyone has one.
The 4 choices on this card
A. Destiny's Child (early Beyoncé era)
Destiny's Child gave us hits like Say My Name, Survivor and Bootylicious, and launched Beyonce toward superstardom. They were a powerhouse group. Some fans say Beyonce's later solo work overshadows the group era, which makes it a possible cut.
Keep it if: You still sing every harmony to Say My Name and think the group era is where it all began.
B. Nelly
Nelly brought a St. Louis sound to the charts with Country Grammar and Hot in Herre, plus a famous bandage on his cheek. His songs were party anthems. Some listeners feel his catalog is more about fun than depth, which makes him a fair cut.
Keep it if: Hot in Herre still gets you dancing and you remember when everyone copied the bandage on the cheek.
C. Usher (Confessions era)
Usher's Confessions era, led by Yeah!, Burn and Confessions Part II, was one of the biggest R&B runs of the decade. He could sing and dance like few others. If you prefer hip hop over R&B, Usher might be your pick to cut.
Keep it if: Yeah! still turns any party up and you think Confessions is one of the best R&B albums ever.
D. Alicia Keys (debut era)
Alicia Keys arrived with Songs in A Minor and the hit Fallin', winning five Grammys in 2002. She brought piano and soul back to the charts. Her music is calmer than the others, which makes her a candidate to cut for party lovers.
Keep it if: Fallin' gave you chills the first time you heard it, and you love how she brought real musicianship to pop.
Our take
We would cut Nelly. His hits are pure fun, but Destiny's Child, Usher and Alicia Keys each helped shape R&B for years after this era. The most fun debate usually lands on Usher against Destiny's Child, since both ruled the radio and the dance floor. Make a quick throwback playlist with one song from each artist and let the room vote by who sings along with the most heart.
How to play this card with friends
- Read the four choices out loud.
- Everyone picks the one they'd eliminate at the same time.
- Explain your pick. This is where the fun starts.
- Use the follow-up questions below to keep it going.
Follow-up questions to keep the debate going
- Which 2000s artist does not get enough credit today?
- What is the best R&B album of the early 2000s?
- Which early 2000s song still fills the dance floor?
- What early 2000s artist would you add to this card?
Want more debates like this? Get the One Gotta Go card game for game night, family dinners and road trips. Shop the decks.
Early 2000s Music: quick answers
How many Grammys did Alicia Keys win for her debut?
Alicia Keys won five Grammy Awards at the 2002 ceremony for her debut album Songs in A Minor and the single Fallin', including Best New Artist and Song of the Year. It was one of the biggest debut nights in Grammy history.
When did Usher release Confessions?
Usher released Confessions in March 2004. It included the hits Yeah!, Burn, Confessions Part II and My Boo, and became one of the best selling albums of the decade. It won Grammy Awards and is often ranked among the best R&B albums ever. Its singles were everywhere that year.
