25 classic R&B party anthems

Montell Jordan gave listeners the ultimate weekend party song with his debut single “This Is How We Do It.” Jordan sets the entire scene: drinking, dancing, having a designated driver, and seeing people wear their flyest outfits. As he says on the first verse, “You gotta get your groove on before you go get paid / So tip up your cup and throw your hands up.” 

The Gap Band’s hit single “Outstanding” may have came out back in 1982, but it’s still one of those tracks that puts people in a nice groove. On the track, the band sings about a woman that’s a total knockout and excites any partner she’s with. Listen as they describe the lady's essence, “You light my fire / I feel alive with you, baby / You blow my mind / I’m satisfied.” 

Whenever people hear Lil Jon say, “Peace up, A-Town down,” they know it’s time to get to the dance floor. From the opening line of Usher’s 2004 single “Yeah!,” he sets the club scene about meeting a woman and being captivated by her dance moves. The song is one of Usher’s most successful singles to date. 

Bell Biv Devoe’s 1990 single “Poison” came out during a time when the New Jack Swing sound was taking over the airwaves. The drum sequence in the beginning of the track is the type of sound that can easily catch anyone’s ear. While the beat can get anyone on the dance floor, the lyrics talk about a woman that’s a gold digger.

Mark Morrison may be known to some as a one-hit wonder, but his hit single “Return of the Mack” still gets a lot of replay decades after its release. On the track, Morrison details a woman who did him wrong, so he’s coming back with a vengeance and his mack game is even stronger. 

Jagged Edge’s 2001 single “Where the Party At” easily puts listeners in weekend mode. With assistance from Nelly and production from Jermaine Dupri, the group sings about the process of going to a party. As they sing, “Belvedere in the rear of the club / Pulled up on dubs and we about to go and buy the bar up / So soulful, sure we ain’t playing / Hang with no lames, hit the park and saying / Aye, where the party at?” 

Mary J. Blige wants to make sure everyone has a little fun in the dancery on her hit single “Family Affair.” Produced by Dr. Dre, Blige uses the track to make sure everyone lets loose and gets their body on the dance floor. Her stance is heard from beginning to end as she sings, “It’s only gonna be about a matter of time / Before you get loose and start to lose your mind / Cop you a drink, go head and rock your ice / ‘Cause we celebrating no more drama in our life.”

Lloyd is all about showcasing how a woman caught his eye on his 2007 single “Get It Shawty.” With production from James “J-Lack” Lackey, the younger brother of Usher, along with Lloyd’s smooth vocals, it makes for a great track for anyone who wants to dance with someone special. 

Everyone knows that feeling of getting a paycheck after working hard for the last two weeks. Some people are using the money to help pay bills, others are using it to have fun, and some people are using it for both. Johnny Kemp’s 1987 hit “Just Got Paid” is all about the person having a fun weekend. As he says on the hook, “Just got paid, Friday night / Party huntin,’ feeling right.” 

In 1997, R&B trio Next dropped its hit party anthem “Too Close.” On the track, the guys describe what it’s like to be at a club and to get sexually aroused when dancing with an attractive woman. As they sing on the hook, “Baby when you’re grinding / I get so excited / Ooooh how I like it / I try but I can’t fight it.” 

Beyoncé has always been known to have dance breaks in her music videos. It was no different when she released her 2003 breakout hit “Crazy In Love.” Play this song at the next party, and people are bound to mimic Bey’s dance routine. 

TLC has always been the type of group with a unique style, a quality that other girl groups were easily inspired by. On their 1999 single “No Scrubs,” they turned the word “scrub” into a totally different term, and the term has been used in everyday life since then. On the song, T-Boz, Left-Eye, and Chilli sing about not paying any mind to a guy that isn’t worth their time. 

Boyz II Men came on the scene with smooth harmonies on their 1991 debut single “Motownphilly.” Produced by Dallas Austin, the group wanted to showcase how they can have harmonies like a Motown group, but also blend it with their Philadelphia soulful style. As they introduce themselves on the first verse, “It’s long overdue but now / Philly is slammin’ / Boyz II Men, ABC, BBD / The East Coast family.” 

Amerie and producer Rich Harrison always created magic together. Their musical chemistry was especially evident on Amerie’s 2005 single “1 Thing.” On the track, Amerie details how there’s always one thing that keeps pulling people back to who they’re attracted to.

R&B group 112 highlight just how much they’re addicted to making love to their partners on “Peaches and Cream.” As they sing on the hook “Peaches and cream / I need it cause you know that I’m a fiend / Getting freaky in my Bentley limousine / It’s even better when it’s with ice cream.” 

Heavy D produced Soul for Real's 1995 debut single "Candy Rain." On the track, the group describes falling in love, a feeling that they didn't think would happen for them. As they sing on the hook, "My love / Do you ever dream of candy-coated raindrops? / You're the same, my candy rain." 

When Ciara first came onto the scene, she was bringing in the Atlanta R&B sound known as CrunknB. She teamed up with producer Jazze Pha and rapper Missy Elliott on her hit single “1, 2 Step.” The beat matches the lyrics perfectly as Ciara sings, “This beat is automatic, supersonic, hypnotic, funky fresh / Work my body, so melodic, this beat rolls through my chest.” 

DJs always have an important job at any party; they’re the vibe curators to help make sure that attendees have a good time. On Zhane’s 1993 track “Hey Mr. D.J.,” they sing about wanting to find the perfect party on the weekend. As they sing on the pre-hook, “Hey Mr. D.J. / Everybody’s ready to party / All the girls are ready / So we can party til the break of dawn.” 

Rihanna has teamed up with Drake on a few collaborations throughout her career, including the 2016 single "Work." The song is a perfect blend of dancehall, R&B, and pop elements, making for an essential party track. 

Donell Jones is a man that knows what he wants on his 1999 single “U Know What’s Up.” On the track, the singer is affirming his attraction and making his feelings known. "U Know What's Up" could easily be in music history books as an iconic R&B and rap collaboration. 

A great party will always have some libations flowing. Jamie Foxx teamed up with T-Pain on his party-drinking hit “Blame It.” Foxx is well aware how drinking can at times make people feel a little more comfortable at parties. As he says on the hook “Blame it on the Goose / Gotcha feeling loose / Blame it on the ‘Tron / Got you in the zone.” 

By the time Michael Jackson released his fifth album Off The Wall, the era of disco was slowing down. He teamed up with Quincy Jones throughout the album and brought some disco and funk to the second single “Rock With You.” It makes for a classic MJ hit as he sings “Girl when you dance / There’s a magic that must be love / Just take it slow / ‘Cause we’ve got so far to go / When ya feel that heat / And we’re gonna ride the boogie.” 

While John Legend is typically known for making love ballads, he gave fans a dance tune with his 2008 single “Green Light.” With assistance from André 3000, Legend brings in R&B, rap, and an insane horn section for this party anthem. 

After massive success with her debut album, Ashanti returned in 2003 with her sophomore project Chapter II. On the lead single "Rock With U (Awww Baby)," Ashanti describes her level of attraction and infatuation with a partner. 

In late 2012, Miguel released his highly-anticipated sophomore album Kaleidoscope Dream. Working with producer Salaam Remi and rapper Kendrick Lamar on the second single “How Many Drinks,” Miguel is all about having some drinks in his system to have a good time.