PressPlay: R&B’s Greatest One Hit Wonders, From The Early 2000’s

It’s been 18 years since we hit the new millennium and though we’ve definitely received some great music throughout the years, not much has been able to quite compare to the R&B from the early 2000s. Although those years gave us solid follow-up singles from the likes of Sammie, Toni Braxton, Janet Jackson, a legit debut from Justin Timberlake, and a diamond classic from Usher, R&B also had some pretty great one hit wonders.

Not all one hit wonders deserve to be called that though. Some, in rare instances, deserve to have a little more shine on their projects or follow-up singles than they’ve been given, because well, they’re just that talented. Others deserve to know that there are people who appreciated their initial efforts so much that we think they could have, should have, and would have been bigger if whatever instances that prevented them from becoming that didn’t block their shine.

So whether you recall every act from the early 2000s that gave you something to rock to and never heard from again, or if you’re just being introduced to and want to revisit some of the talent on this list, here’s to nostalgia flowing all down your screen.

Check out our list of 25 acts from the early 2000s that gave us one hit but should have been bigger than they were!

“Candles” — Pru (2000)

Many may not remember Pru and her self-titled debut album, but her single “Candles” may refresh your memory a bit. The single, only peaking at #68 on the R&B charts, became her most popular song to date and received positive feedback. While her talent may have been appreciated, fans of the singer only received the initial album to remember her by.

“After Party” — Koffee Brown (2000)

When R&B duo Koffee Brown released their debut single “After Party” at the end of 2000, it was exactly what everyone needed. Filling the void of a male-female group, Koffee Brown’s talented vocals were easily taken in and held on to. Unfortunately though, the group only gave us one album (Mars/Venus) and once the buzz died down from the single, the duo left the limelight. Before their departure, “After Party” was able to peak at #10 on the R&B/Hip-Hop charts.

“Dance Tonight” — Lucy Pearl (2000)

Few songs are better than that of Lucy Pearl’s 2000 hit single “Dance Tonight.” Breaking into Billboards Top 40 and peaking at #5 on the R&B charts, the single went on to be the most successful song of the group’s short-lived career, one that we wish went further.

“Liar” — Profyle (2000)

Another hit from the year 2000 was the Teddy Riley-produced “Liar” by singing quartet, Profyle. Though many may believe that this is the group’s first release, the hit single comes from their sophomore album, Nothin’ but Drama, and was one of three singles released from the project. Since the release of the aforementioned, the group has gone on to release two additional albums, but no songs have penetrated the market like this hit. The song peaked at #14 on the Billboard 100 and #1 on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart.

“One Night Stand” — J-Shin feat. LaTocha Scott (2000)

It may be almost 20 years since you’ve heard the name J-Shin, but the former Slip-n-Slide Records signee made sure to leave his mark. Delivering his debut single “One Night Stand,” which featured Xscape member LaTocha Scott, the singer found a hit. Peaking at #34 on the Hot 100, the single would go on to be his highest charting and most known to date.

“I Try” — Macy Gray (2000)

Though released as the second single from Macy Gray’s debut album, “I Try” became the singer’s highest charting and most known single to date. The song peaked at #5 on the Hot 100 and helped her win a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 2001.

“Round & Round” — Jonell feat. Method Man (2000)

R&B songstress Jonell found a real hit in 2000 and 2001 with the remix to her debut single “Round & Round.” Featuring Method Man and found on the soundtrack to the stoner classic How High, the single became a commercial hit. Unfortunately for us and for the talented singer, her Def Jam debut never saw the light of day and all we were left with was this smooth tune.

Blu Cantrell – Hit Em Up Style (2001)

Nominated twice for a Grammy for her debut single “Hit ‘Em Up Style,” Blu Cantrell seemed to be the next shining songstress on the scene after the song’s 2001 release. That, however, wasn’t quite the case. While the single peaked at #2 on Billboard’s Hot 100, her second big single “Breathe” — which featured Sean Paul in 2003 — only made it to #70.

“She’s All I Got” — Jimmy Cozier (2001) 

Jimmy Cozier, who also goes by J. Cozier, gave us his biggest R&B hit with the single “She’s All I Got” in 2001. Known as one of the first artists to sign to Clive Davis’ J Records, the singer/songwriter’s single peaked at #26 on the Billboard 100 and has been the only song of his to land there since. Cozier, however, hasn’t stopped working and has written for some of R&B’s biggest acts as well as released two additional albums since his debut.

 
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