Which Hip Hop & R&B songs are turning 25 in 2024?

TLC - NO SCRUBS

On March 21, 1999, TLC unveiled their track "No Scrubs" as the flagship single from their album FanMail. This release marked TLC's third chart-topping success on the Billboard Hot 100 and their eighth entry into the top ten. The song's excellence was further recognized with TLC's second Grammy nomination for Record of the Year. Achieving platinum certification on October 13, 2020, "No Scrubs" continued to make waves and even found its way into Ed Sheeran's 2017 hit single, "Shape of You," where it was skillfully sampled.

DESTINY’S CHILD - BILLS BILLS BILLS

Released on May 31, 1999, "Bills Bills Bills" took the role as the lead track on Destiny's Child's second album, The Writing's on the Wall. This song marked a significant achievement for the group, securing their first number one single on the Billboard Hot 100. Internationally, it made waves by entering the top 10 charts in various countries including Belgium, Canada, Iceland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. In recognition of its excellence, the song earned Destiny's Child two Grammy nominations in 2000 for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

DR. DRE FT SNOOP DOGG - STILL D.R.E.

Released on November 2, 1999, "Still D.R.E." was a notable track from Dr. Dre's second album, 2001, which achieved multiplatinum status. Initially peaking at number 93 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1999, the song experienced a resurgence in 2022, reaching a new peak at number 23. It also made a strong impact on the United Kingdom charts, reaching number 6. Despite being nominated for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group at the 2000 Grammy Awards, the song narrowly missed the award, losing to "You Got Me" by Erykah Badu and The Roots. A standout moment for "Still D.R.E." occurred during the halftime show of Super Bowl LVI in February 2022, where it served as the final song in the set, delivering a memorable performance.

LIL WAYNE - THA BLOCK IS HOT

"Tha Block Is Hot" made its debut on Lil Wayne's album of the same name, released on October 23, 1999. The song performed admirably on various charts, reaching its peak at number 72 on the Billboard Hot 100, 24 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs, and 27 on the Hot Rap Songs. VH1 recognized its significance by naming it the 50th greatest Hip Hop song of all time in 2008. The album enjoyed a successful launch, debuting at the top spot on the Billboard 200 and selling 229,500 copies in its first week. Achieving platinum certification on December 10, 1999, marked another milestone for the album.

WILL SMITH FT DRU HILL & KOOL MO DEE - WILD WILD WEST

The track "Wild Wild West" was crafted by the multi-talented artist, Will Smith, known for his roles as both a rapper and actor. This song found its place in the soundtrack of the movie bearing the same name. Will Smith skillfully incorporated samples from Stevie Wonder's popular track "I Wish" and segments from Kool Mo Dee's song, also titled similarly. Included in Will Smith's second album, Willennium, released on May 11, 1999, the song soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Garnering widespread acclaim, it earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance and also secured a nomination for a Blockbuster Entertainment Award in the category of Favorite Song from a Movie.

MARIAH CAREY FT JAY-Z - HEARTBREAKER

"Heartbreaker" made its debut on Mariah Carey's seventh album, Rainbow, released on August 23, 1999. The captivating hook of the song was crafted from a sample of Stacey Lattisaw's popular track, "Attack of the Name Game." Remarkably, the song swiftly ascended to the number 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Mariah Carey's 14th chart-topping achievement. The success extended internationally as the song also claimed the top position on the Canadian and New Zealand Singles Charts, while securing a spot in the top five in Croatia, France, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Notably, the music video for "Heartbreaker" achieved distinction as one of the most expensive ever produced, with a staggering cost exceeding $2.5 million.

BUSTA RHYMES FT JANET JACKSON - WHAT’S IT GONNA BE

"What's It Gonna Be" emerged as a track on Busta Rhymes' third album, titled Extinction Level Event: The Final World Front, released on March 9, 1999. The song achieved significant success, reaching the impressive position of number three on the Billboard Hot 100, and securing a spot in the top ten in the United Kingdom, Australia, and South Africa. Additionally, it claimed the number one position on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Singles & Tracks, Hot Rap Tracks charts, and the UK R&B Singles Charts. Furthermore, it reached the fifth position on the Rhythmic Top 40. Recognized for its excellence, the song garnered a Grammy nomination at the 2000 Grammy Awards for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. Notably, "What's It Gonna Be" is certified Gold, and its music video is renowned for being one of the most expensive ever created, with a production cost exceeding $2 million.

MISSY ELLIOTT - ALL N MY GRILL

"All N My Grill" found its release on Missy Elliott's album, Da Real World, on September 13, 1999. The original composition featured collaborations with Nicole Wray and Big Boi from Outkast. An alternative version emerged, particularly successful in European markets, as French artist MC Solaar infused the track with French lyrics, transforming it into a bilingual masterpiece. The song secured its place at number 64 on the Billboard Hot 100, reached number 16 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs, and attained the 29th position on the Rhythmic charts. Overseas, it excelled by claiming the top spot on the UK Hip Hop/R&B chart and securing a position in the top ten in Belgium and the Netherlands.

BG & CASH MONEY MILLIONAIRES - BLING BLING

"Bling Bling" made its debut on Rapper BG's fourth album, Chopper City in the Ghetto, in 1999. Collaborating with the Hot Boys and Big Tymers, the song soared to success, reaching its pinnacle at number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking BG's most triumphant single. The track also secured impressive positions on other charts, peaking at number 13 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop songs, number 10 on the Hot Rap Songs, and number 11 on the Rhythmic Charts.