20 essential music videos that shaped the 2000s

Beyoncé’s music video for her 2008 single “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) is probably one of her most minimalistic visuals to date. Shot in black and white with a plain background, the video showcases Beyoncé with two background dancers as they incorporate different styles of choreography. “Single Ladies” went on to win Video of the Year at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. 

In 2001, Britney Spears was ready to move on from her bubblegum pop teen image and into more of her mature and sensual side with her single “I’m a Slave 4 U.” Spears filmed an episode of MTV’s Making The Video, which showcased behind-the-scenes footage before the video premiered to the world. Directed by Francis Lawrence, the video showcased Spears and several others dancing throughout the video, which was choreographed by Brian Friedman and Wade Robson. “I’m a Slave 4 U” was nominated for several categories at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards, including Best Dance Video. 

Aaliyah’s “Rock the Boat” video is always bittersweet to watch for fans, it’s the last video that the singer filmed before her tragic death in a plane crash. The video was directed by Hype Williams and was shot primarily in the Bahamas. It mostly features Aaliyah and several background dancers showcasing choreography on a beach and a yacht. Some would also say, Williams did an incredible job making Aaliyah look angelic as always.

In 2001, rock band Alien Ant Farm released their sophomore album ANThology, which featured their cover of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal.” For the music video, the band ensured to pay homage to different King of Pop references, such as his signature moonwalk, kids wearing masks, and his pet chimpanzee. 

Sometimes music videos take inspiration from visual pieces of the past. That was the case for hip-hop duo Outkast and their music video for “Hey Ya!” Directed by Bryan Barber, the video had a similar concept to a 1964 appearance by The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show. In the video, André 3000 plays all the members of a fictional band The Love Below, who are performing in front of a crowd of fans. 

Missy Elliott teamed up with frequent director Dave Meyers on the music video for her 2002 single “Gossip Folks.” Playing on the song’s title, the video showcased Elliott walking through a school and hearing students start rumors about her. Elliott is seen dancing through the hallways, and the end of the video she pays tribute to fallen artists Aaliyah, Left-Eye, and Jam Master Jay. 

Christina Aguilera had the world talking in 2002 when she released the music video for her single “Dirrty.” This was a bold move as the video showcased Aguilera’s sexual side, compared to her previous videos which was more of a girl-next-door image. While many people appreciated Aguilera for showing another side of her, she faced a lot of sexist and misogynistic criticism from peers in the music industry, media, and foreign countries (some of which banned the video from being aired). Despite all of the controversy, the video was a huge success on MTV’s Total Request Live and is still known as one of her signature visuals.

Bryan Barber directed the music video for the UGK and Outkast single “International Players Anthem (I Choose You)." In the video, Outkast member André 3000 is getting married, and his friends are trying to talk him out of it, as they feel he may be rushing the nuptials. While André says he’s giving up his player ways, some of his past flings actually show up to the wedding ceremony and reception, who end up getting into a fight as they attempt to catch the bouquet. 

In 2003, Snoop Dogg teamed up with Pharrell Williams and Charlie Wilson on his hit single “Beautiful.” While the track finds Snoop Dogg enamoured by a lover’s beauty, the music video was filled with gorgeous women while also showing the beauty of Rio de Janeiro.

When Gwen Stefani took a hiatus from her group No Doubt, she took on her solo career starting with her debut album Love. Angel. Music. Baby. On her single “Hollaback Girl,” she teamed with Paul Hunter to direct the music video. The visual showcased Stefani taking a drive with her dancer across Los Angeles as they cause commotion through neighborhoods and school football games. 

In 2001, Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mya, and Pink were some of the hottest artists in the industry, and they made quite the female anthem when they released their hit single “Lady Marmalade.” Appearing on the Moulin Rouge soundtrack, it was only right that the ladies wore cabaret costumes in their own Moulin Rouge club for the music video. “Lady Marmalade” won the 2001 MTV Video Music Award for the coveted Best Video of the Year. 

Rihanna’s 2007 single “Umbrella” is the track that really pushed her into pop star status. In the music video, this is the first time fans get to see Rihanna with an edgier and sexier image. The video was directed by Chris Applebaum and it was filled with visuals of water scenes, as well as Rihanna dancing en pointe. 

In 2001, Fatboy Slim released his single “Weapon of Choice,” which featured vocals from funk legend Bootsy Collins. The music video was directed by Spike Jonze and featured actor Christopher Walken dancing around a hotel once he hears the music. “Weapon of Choice” won several MTV Video Music Awards including Breakthrough Video and Best Choreography. 

Neo-soul artist D’Angelo became a sex symbol in 2000 thanks to this music video for “Untitled (How Does It Feel).” The video showcases D’Angelo’s shirtless and chiseled physique from the waist up, and let’s just say, many women viewers were pleased to see the singer as some eye candy. 

In 2006, rock band Panic! At the Disco released their hit single “I Write Sins Not Tragedies.” The music video displays a couple about to get married, and band member Brendon Urie disrupts the wedding as a circus ringmaster. Eventually the two families of the couple start fighting before the bride runs out and is seen kissing a guest. “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” won an MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year. 

In 2004, Usher released his magnum opus Confessions, which was led by the hit single “Yeah!” The music video was directed by Mr. X and featured Usher in a club scene as a woman tries to seduce him, and in pure Usher form, he incorporates several choreographed scenes. Usher ended up winning a few MTV Video Music Awards including Best Dance Video.

The Black Eyed Peas music video for their single “Boom Boom Pow” was a solid depiction of where the world was in terms of music sounds and visuals. While the song itself featured more EDM and electro-pop sounds, the video depicts scenes of using tablets, computer icons, and how the digital world continues to take over. “Boom Boom Pow” earned the group a Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video. 

Beyoncé and Shakira came together on their 2007 single “Beautiful Liar,” which was all about dealing with a man who fancies both of them, but they realize he’s not worth fighting over. In the music video, the two are wearing matching outfits and hairstyles as they showcase their synchronized dance moves. “Beautiful Liar” ended up winning an MTV Video Music Award for Most Earthshattering Collaboration.

In 2003, rock duo The White Stripes released their hit single “Seven Nation Army.” In the music video, the band is depicted through continuous kaleidoscopic tunnels of mirrored triangles. As the song continues to build in intensity, the triangles move through the tunnels at the speed of the song, along with flashing lights. “Seven Nation Army” won an MTV Video Music Award for Best Editing in a Video. 

Soulja Boy came onto the scene in 2007 with his debut single “Crank That (Soulja Boy).” In the music video, people are seen imitating the Soulja Boy dance as they’re en route, hoping to meet him. To this day, it’s still one of the rapper’s signature songs and dance moves.