20 songs from the early 2000s still making an impact today

"SexyBack" is the song that completely reinvented Justin Timberlake from a boy band heartthrob into a cool, edgy solo superstar. It's a ridiculously confident track that defined the sound of late 2000s pop.

With its raw, aggressive beat and Jay-Z's masterful storytelling, "99 Problems" is a hip-hop masterpiece. It's a track that is as hard-hitting and socially relevant today as it was when it first dropped, proving Hov's legendary status.

Drake's "Best I Ever Had" has a smooth beat and sing-along chorus that completely defined the sound of summer in 2009.

Rihanna gave us a dark, high-energy dance-pop classic with this unforgettable track. The catchy hook and the slightly spooky vibe have also made it a Halloween party staple for over a decade.

Lady Gaga took over the radio with her 2009 hit, "Bad Romance." Its dark pop sound and unforgettable video helped define her unique and artistic image.

With her tie, baggy pants, and rebellious attitude, Avril Lavigne became the princess of pop-punk with this iconic debut single. "Complicated" perfectly captured the feeling of teen angst that still resonates today.

Usher's "Yeah!" is the song that defined the crunk era and dominated every club, party, and middle school dance for years to come. That synth hook is so iconic that the second you hear it, you’re instantly transported back to 2004.

"Single Ladies" wasn't just a hit; it was a full-blown cultural phenomenon, sparking a dance craze that remains strong to this day. It comes with an iconic music video, several music awards, and to hype it up even more, it's one of Barack Obama's favorites!

"Umbrella" is the song that really put Rihanna on the map. It’s a perfectly crafted pop song about loyalty and friendship that is still as smooth as ever.

This provocative and ridiculously catchy pop-rock track was the song of the summer in 2008, launching Katy Perry into superstardom. It was a bold and playful anthem that dominated the airwaves completely.

Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone" is the ultimate, scream-at-the-top-of-your-lungs breakup anthem, and it basically set the blueprint for a generation of pop-rock hits. Her powerhouse vocals turned her personal heartbreak into a universally empowering karaoke classic.

With its thrilling string section and futuristic, high-energy beat, "Toxic" is a perfect slice of pop music genius. It’s a timeless banger that still sounds like it was sent back from the future.

Missy Elliott proved she was on another planet with this groundbreaking track that sounded like nothing else on the radio in 2001. It's still one of the most innovative and influential hip-hop songs of all time.

This song is a global phenomenon, a perfect combination of Latin pop, hip-hop, and pure charisma that is impossible not to dance to. Shakira's iconic hips and that unforgettable trumpet hook made this an instant and everlasting classic.

The ultimate hype song, "Lose Yourself," is a masterclass in storytelling and intensity that will leave you feeling like you can take on the world. It’s the track many people put on whenever they need to lock in, whether it's before a job interview or the Super Bowl.

This is the song that officially launched Beyoncé from a superstar into a global icon. It’s a timeless, high-energy anthem about love that will get any party started, even two decades later.

Nelly gave us the official soundtrack for every overheated, crowded party with this absolute banger. Even if the spelling might be questionable, the song will always be a certified banger.

Is it even your birthday if you don't hear this song? 50 Cent's breakout hit is so iconic that it has remained a staple in clubs and at parties for over 20 years.

This song was pure, unapologetic chaos, and we couldn't get enough of it. Gwen Stefani taught a whole generation how to spell "bananas" with a stomping, cheerleader-chant anthem.

One of the most unique and infectious songs ever made, "Hey Ya!" is a burst of pure joy that feels just as fresh today as it did in 2003.