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The year 2000 was a crossroads moment for hip hop. The genre had fully conquered mainstream radio, but the streets were still hungry for substance. Eminem was arguably the biggest name in music, period. The Marshalls Mathers LP dropped in May and sold nearly a million copies in its first week. Dr. Dre's 2001 was still riding high from its late 1999 release, cementing the G-Funk revival and launching Eminem's career. Jay-Z dropped The Dynasty: Roc La Familia, planting his flag as New York's king and expanding the Roc-A-Fella empire. Meanwhile, Nas was rebuilding his legacy and DMX was a force. He dropped two number one albums in '98 and '99 and was everywhere. In October, OutKast released Stankonia, widely considered one of the greatest hip hop albums ever. Blending funk, punk and rap in way nobody had heard before. 2000 was the moment hip hop realized it didn't just belong to the culture, it was the culture.

The year 2000 R&B was lush, smooth and deeply romantic. It blended silky vocals with hip hop rhythms, live instrumentation and polished production. The genre sat confidently at the center of mainstream pop culture, dominating radio, TRL and music video channels like BET and MTV. Neo-Soul was in full bloom, at its peak some may argue. Artists like Erykah Badu, D'Angelo and Jill Scott brought earthy, jazz-influenced textures and lyrics that felt soulful and raw compared to contemporary R&B. Producers like Rodney Jerkins, Missy Elliott and Timbaland were shaping the sonic landscape with innovative beats that blended electronic production with organic soul. Slow jams were everywhere with rich harmonies and layered production that dominated quiet storm radio fronts. A few notable artists that dominated 2000 were Destiny's Child, Janet Jackson, Aaliayh, Joe, Next and Jagged Edge. R&B in 2000 felt aspirational. Music videos were cinematic, fashion was bold and the music radiated confidence and sensuality. It was a time when R&B and Hip Hop were intertwined with so many rap features on R&B tracks.

Known as one of Hip Hop's most influential duo, OutKast broke into the scene in 1994 with their debut album, 'Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik'. Big Boi and Andre 3000 met in high school and with the help of Organized Noise, they went on a monumental run in the mid-90's and 2000's. OutKast went on to sell 20 million records, record six studio albums, one compilation album and earn six Grammy awards including Album of the Year for 'Speakerboxxx/The Love Below'. This mix covers their well known singles along with guest features and favorite album cuts of over 30 years. Originally recorded in 2013, this mix is uploaded back into the podcast world for your listening ears. Salute to the Might O, OutKast! www.djjeucebox.com

2005 might be considered the GOAT year for 2000's hip hop and rap for the simple fact that we were introduced to so many new artists in this year alone. G-Unit continued to dominate the scene with newcomer, The Game along with 50 Cent. Young Jeezy released his debut album, Thug Motivation 101, Lil Wayne drops The Carter II, Ying Yang Twinz drops United States of Atlanta and Kanye West drops his sophomore album, The Late Registration. The Bay Area was in fully hyphy mode with slaps from Keak da Sneak, Mistah F.A.B., E-40, The Federation, The Frontline and Mac Dre. Three 6 Mafia had one of the songs of the year with 'Stay Fly' but Houston ran '05 as the hottest region. From Slim Thug, Mike Jones (who?), Chamillionaire, Big Moe, UGK and Paul Wall. This is the Best of 2005 Hip Hop & Rap!

2005 R&B is probably a top 5 year when it comes to R&B testing its time. This year alone brought us new faces in the music world which led them to become some of the biggest names in music still to this day. We were introduced to Chris Brown, Rihanna, Ne-Yo, T-Pain, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole, Pretty Ricky as new artists in 2005. We can't forget artists such as Bobby Valentino, Pretty Ricky, Jamie Foxx, Ciara, Missy Elliot & Amerie who planted their flag in the music space as well. Over 85 minutes of some of our favorite music from this one year alone, this is the Best of 2005 R&B!

90+ minutes of the best hip hop and rap records that dropped in 2004! From the Crunk era, the early rise of Hyphy in the Bay Area and undeniable club records! Features music from Lil Jon, T.I., Nelly, Lloyd Banks, Jay Z, Mac Dre, Trick Daddy, Ludacris, Alchemist, Silkk Tha Shocker, Kanye West, Terror Squad, Eminem, Lil Scrappy, Ludacris, Trillville & much more!

2004 can be argued as the year Usher delivered one of R&B's greatest albums of the 00's but it also provided our ears with straight CLASSICS as well. I extended this mix to highlight Dancehall & Reggaeton as well since it blended over with the R&B/Party sound that was taking shape in '04. From Daddy Yankee, Beenie Man, Nina Sky, they provided some of the most memorable songs that came out in this year. For R&B, we were introduced to new artists such as Lloyd, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia, Houston & Eamon. Usher hands down gave us the record of the decade with 'Yeah!' but Destiny's Child, Mario, Ciara, Keyshia Cole & John Legend gave us some unforgettable songs as well. This is 2004!

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Heading back to 2003 to reminisce on some of our favorite R&B & Reggae records that dropped in 2003!

2002 has stood the test of time of delivering some of our favorite throwbacks from this one single year! 2K2 gave us some all time club classics from Lil Jon, Busta Rhymes, Diddy, Choppa, Big Tymers, Snoop Dogg & Nelly! Even some of the one hit wonders are undeniable from Smilez & Southstar. But easily, this was the Neptune's year because their fingerprint was found all over these classic records! This is the best of 2002, hip hop edition!

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This month I was featured on BPM Supreme Radio and put together this 60 minute mix! It's a great mix of current, throwbacks, genre jumping music. Make sure to visit www.mixcloud.com/bpmsupremeradio for more mixes!

Hip Hop and Rap in the year 2001 was a HUGE year! The music and production began to push the boundaries for a new sound while the world was introduced to so many new artists. 2001 introduced us to Fabolous, St. Lunatics, Bubba Sparxxx, Khia, Mr. Cheeks & Petey Pablo. I combined 56 records that best reflected this particular year in one mix to take us back down memory lane. So put on that throwback jersey, Sean John jeans with the Lugz boots! This is the best of 2001, Hip Hop! www.djjeucebox.com/podcast

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Make sure to subscribe to DJ Jeuce Box Podcast as I release a new mix every month which highlights current music, throwbacks or previous years in review. Follow me on all socials such as Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @DJJeuceBox. Visit www.djjeucebox.com for booking information.