R&B music is a staple for 90% of couples' wedding playlists.
There really is something for everyone - the 90s and 00s marked a golden era for R&B music that produced some of the most iconic and memorable hits of all time.
We've saved you some time and listed out 100 of the most popular R&B songs we play at weddings, ready to be added to your wedding playlist.
With its soulful vocals, funky grooves, and smooth beats, the music of this era has continued to captivate audiences many years later. From the emotional ballads of Whitney Houston and Boyz II Men to the upbeat jams of Destiny's Child and Usher, the music of the 90s and 00s has something for everyone.
Perhaps one of the reasons why this music remains so beloved is its ability to transport listeners back in time to a simpler era. These tunes evoke a sense of nostalgia of a time when music felt pure and honest.
For many people, the music of the 90s and 00s holds a special place in their hearts, especially when it comes to weddings.
The romantic ballads and upbeat dance tracks from this era can create a fun and memorable atmosphere that gets guests up and dancing. Whether it's grooving to the smooth beats of TLC's "No Scrubs" or belting out the chorus to Whitney Houston's "My Love Is Your Love," the music of the 90s and 00s is perfect for creating an unforgettable wedding experience.
Whether you're a die-hard R&B fan or just looking for some great music for your wedding, the music of the 90s and 00s is sure to have something for everyone.
In this article, we'll dive deeper into 100 popular songs from this era. Let's get into it
1. Crazy in Love (Featuring Jay-Z) by Beyoncé
The song's horn sample was borrowed from the Chi-Lites' song "Are You My Woman (Tell Me So)," and Jay-Z and Beyoncé initially didn't like the beat, but it ended up becoming one of Beyoncé's biggest hits.
2. Yeah (Featuring Lil' Jon and Ludacris) by Usher
Lil Jon initially didn't like the beat for "Yeah," but Usher convinced him to work on the song, and it ended up becoming a massive hit.
3. Temperature by Sean Paul
"Temperature" was the second single off of Sean Paul's album "The Trinity" and was a number one hit in several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
4. Never Leave You (Uh Oooh, Uh Oooh) by Lumidee
Lumidee wrote "Never Leave You" when she was just 19 years old and working at a record label. The song ended up becoming a massive hit and was remixed by several artists, including Busta Rhymes and Fabolous.
5. Get Busy by Sean Paul
"Get Busy" was Sean Paul's breakthrough single and was a massive hit, reaching number one in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
6. No Scrubs (Rap Version) by TLC
The original version of "No Scrubs" was written by Kandi Burruss of the group Xscape and was initially intended for that group's album. TLC ended up recording the song and releasing it as the lead single from their album "FanMail."
7. Ride Wit Me by Nelly
The song became Nelly's highest charting single in the United States, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100.
8. Gold Digger by Kanye West
The song contains a sample from Ray Charles' song "I Got a Woman" and won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance in 2006.
9. Señorita by Justin Timberlake
The song was co-written by Pharrell Williams and features additional vocals by Pharrell.
10. Rock Your Body by Justin Timberlake
The music video for the song was directed by Francis Lawrence, who also directed music videos for Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, and Beyoncé.
11. Sexy Love by Ne-Yo
Ne-Yo wrote the song for his debut album "In My Own Words" and it became his first top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
12. With You by Chris Brown
The song was co-written by Stargate and Johntá Austin and was a commercial success, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100.
13. Return of The Mack (C&J Edit) by Mark Morrison
"Return of The Mack" was Mark Morrison's biggest hit and reached number 1 in several countries, including the UK and Australia.
14. Let Me Love You by Mario
"Let Me Love You" was one of the most successful R&B songs of the 2000s and spent nine consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2005.
15. Turn Me On by Kevin Lyttle
"Turn Me On" is Kevin Lyttle's most successful single to date, reaching the top 10 in several countries, including the US and the UK, and becoming a massive hit in the summer of 2004.
16. Livin' It Up by Ja Rule
"Livin' It Up" features vocals from Case and was released in 2001 as the lead single from Ja Rule's third studio album, Pain Is Love.
17. Forever by Chris Brown
"Forever" was originally released as a promotional single for Chris Brown's album Exclusive but became a massive hit in 2008 after being featured in a popular YouTube video that featured a wedding party dancing to the song.
18. Two Can Play That Game (K Klassik Radio Mix) by Bobby Brown
"Two Can Play That Game" was a number-one R&B hit in the US and also peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1995.
19. Let Me Blow Ya Mind by Eve
Fun fact: The song features Gwen Stefani of No Doubt, and won the Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2002.
20. Miami by Will Smith
Fun fact: The song, released in 1998, was a tribute to Will Smith's hometown of Miami and is often cited as one of his signature songs.
21. Bartender by T-Pain
Fun fact: This song won T-Pain a BET Award for Best Collaboration in 2008.
22. Back To Life by Soul To Soul
This song won Soul II Soul two Grammy Awards for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and Best R&B Instrumental Performance in 1990.
23. Gimme The Light by Sean Paul
Fun fact: This song was Sean Paul's first single to chart in the United States, reaching number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2003.
24. The Way You Move by Outkast
This song won a Grammy Award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance in 2004.
25. Like Glue by Sean Paul
This song was a top 10 hit in several countries, including the UK, Canada, and Australia.
26. Too Close by Next
This song was originally written for Britney Spears, but was ultimately recorded by Next and became a massive hit in 1998.
27. Where The Party At? by Jagged Edge
This song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and was Jagged Edge's highest-charting single at the time of its release in 2001.
28. Rock Wit U (Awww Baby) by Ashanti
This song was Ashanti's first solo single to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
29. It's Like That by Mariah Carey
The music video for this song features dancers from around the world, showcasing various styles of dance.
30. All For You by Janet Jackson
This song was released on April 24, 2001, just one day before Janet Jackson's 35th birthday.
31. Girlfriend (The Neptunes Remix) by N'Sync
Fun fact: This song was a remix of the original "Girlfriend" by *NSYNC, with added rap verses by Nelly.
32. My Boo (Featuring Alicia Keys) by Usher
Fun fact: This song was written by Usher and Alicia Keys, who also provided the piano accompaniment for the track.
33. No More by Ruff Endz
The music video for this song features the group performing in a boxing ring, with cameo appearances from boxer Roy Jones Jr. and rapper Method Man.
34. Who's That Girl by Eve
The song samples the chorus from the 1983 hit "Juicy Fruit" by Mtume.
35. I Know What You Want by Busta Rhymes
Busta Rhymes and Mariah Carey recorded the song separately, but the music video features them together in a romantic storyline.
36. No Games by Serani
The song's rhythm and melody were based on the 2006 hit "Dutty Wine" by Tony Matterhorn.
37. Get Ur Freak On by Missy Elliot
The song's beat was created using an Indian instrument called a tabla.
38. Ain't It Funny by Jennifer Lopez
This song was originally recorded in Spanish as "Que Ironia" and then translated into English for the remix with Ja Rule.
39. U Don't Have to Call by Usher
The song was produced by The Neptunes and features background vocals by Pharrell Williams.
40. Waterfalls by TLC
The song was written by TLC member Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes and addresses issues like HIV/AIDS and drug addiction.
41. Give It To Me by Timbaland
The song was originally written for Janet Jackson, but she turned it down.
42. Work It by Missy Elliott
Missy Elliott wrote and produced "Work It" in just one day, and it went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Female Rap Solo Performance in 2003.
43. Family Affair by Mary J. Blige
"Family Affair" was Mary J. Blige's first single to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and it was also the top-selling single of 2002.
44. You (Featuring Lil Wayne) by Lloyd
"You" was Lloyd's first single to reach the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100, and it also received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2008.
45. Could It Be by Jaheim
The original version of "Could It Be" was released in 2001, but the remix featuring rapper Duganz was included on Jaheim's second album, "Still Ghetto," in 2002.
46. 1 Thing by Amerie
"1 Thing" was inspired by a drum beat that Amerie heard while walking down the street in New York City, and it went on to become her biggest hit, peaking at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100.
47. Move Your Body by Nina Sky
Nina Sky is made up of identical twin sisters Nicole and Natalie Albino, and "Move Your Body" was their biggest hit, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100.
48. Jenny From the Block by Jennifer Lopez
The music video for this song features Ben Affleck, who was Lopez's then-fiancé.
49. Bump Bump Bump by B2K
This song was B2K's first top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
50. Only You [Bad Boy Remix] by 112
This song features a verse from The Notorious B.I.G. that was recorded before his death and was later incorporated into the remix.
51. My Love Is Your Love by Whitney Houston
This song won the Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 2000.
52. Sexy Can I by Ray J
The music video for this song features cameos from several rappers, including Lil Kim and The Game.
53. Ms. Jackson by OutKast
This song was written as an apology to Erykah Badu's mother, who is the mother of OutKast member André 3000's child.
54. Trick Me by Kelis
This song was co-written by Dallas Austin, who also produced TLC's hit song "Creep".
55. You Don't Love Me (No No No) by Dawn Penn
The song is a cover of a rocksteady hit by Jamaican singer and songwriter Willie Cobbs titled "You Don't Love Me." Dawn Penn's version, released in 1994, became a crossover hit and is widely regarded as a classic in both reggae and dancehall music.
56. Let Me Hold You by Bow Wow
"Let Me Hold You" features an interpolation of Luther Vandross' 1986 hit single "If Only for One Night." The song, released in 2005, became one of Bow Wow's biggest hits and peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.
57. Milkshake by Kelis
The song's famous "My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard" line was originally a metaphor for the singer's ability to attract men with her talent and skills, but it has since become a pop culture catchphrase. "Milkshake" was Kelis' biggest hit, peaking at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2003.
58. U Know What's Up (Featuring Left-Eye) by Donell Jones
The song was produced by Eddie F, who was also the producer of Heavy D & The Boyz. The music video for "U Know What's Up" features a cameo appearance by Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes of TLC, who raps a verse on the remix version of the song.
59. What Would You Do? by City High
"What Would You Do?" is based on a true story about a woman who had to resort to stripping to support her child after her husband left her. The song, released in 2001, was a commercial success and reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.
60. Dip It Low by Christina Milian
Christina Milian was inspired to write "Dip It Low" after visiting Brazil and being impressed by the way the women there danced.
61. Hit 'Em Up Style (Oops!) by Blu Cantrell
"Hit 'Em Up Style (Oops!)" was written by R&B singer Dallas Austin and originally intended for TLC, but they turned it down and it was eventually given to Blu Cantrell.
62. You Know I'm No Good by Amy Winehouse
"You Know I'm No Good" was inspired by Amy Winehouse's on-and-off relationship with her then-boyfriend, Blake Fielder-Civil, who also appears in the music video.
63. Pony by Ginuwine
"Pony" was a commercial success, reaching number six on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning Ginuwine a Grammy Award nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
64. Right Here (Human Nature Radio Mix) by SWV
"Right Here" was originally released in 1992, but it wasn't until the "Human Nature" remix was released in 1993 that it became a hit.
65. Beautiful by Snoop Dogg
Pharrell Williams originally wrote "Beautiful" for Christina Aguilera, but when Snoop Dogg heard the demo, he convinced Pharrell to let him use it instead.
66. What You Want (Featuring Total) by Mase
This song samples the popular 1981 song "Love Come Down" by Evelyn "Champagne" King.
67. Roc Ya Body "Mic Check 1, 2" by M.V.P.
The group M.V.P. stands for Most Valuable Playas.
68. Sexyback by Justin Timberlake
"Sexyback" won the Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording in 2007.
69. Mesmerize (Featuring Ashanti) by Ja Rule
The music video for "Mesmerize" is a parody of the 1983 film "Scarface."
70. Find Your Love by Drake
The music video for "Find Your Love" was filmed in Jamaica.
71. 1, 2 Step (Featuring Missy Elliot) by Ciara
Missy Elliot, who is featured on the track, also produced "1, 2 Step."
72. Slow Down by Bobby Valentino
Bobby Valentino's real name is Bobby Wilson.
73. Freak Like Me by Adina Howard
This song was originally recorded by Sugababes in 2002, but Adina Howard's version became a hit in 1995, reaching number two on the US Billboard Hot 100.
74. Oops (Oh My) (Featuring Missy Elliott) by Tweet
Tweet wrote this song about her self-love journey and realizing the beauty in her imperfections.
75. My Humps by The Black Eyed Peas
The song's provocative lyrics and music video drew controversy and criticism, but it still became one of the group's biggest hits, reaching number three on the US Billboard Hot 100.
76. Hot Boyz by Missy Elliott
The song's music video featured appearances from several female rappers, including Lil' Kim, Trina, and Eve.
77. Ex-Factor by Lauryn Hill
The song samples Wu-Tang Clan's "Can It Be All So Simple" and became one of Lauryn Hill's most popular solo singles.
78. Don't Walk Away by Jade
This song was a hit in 1992, reaching number four on the US Billboard Hot 100, and was featured in the film "Beavis and Butt-head Do America."
79. Love Like This by Faith Evans
"Love Like This" samples the song "Chic Cheer" by Chic and was a commercial success, peaking at number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
80. Poison by Bell Biv Devoe
This song was released in 1990 and became a hit, reaching number 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It's known for its catchy chorus and infectious beat that became a staple in the new jack swing genre.
81. You Don't Know My Name by Alicia Keys
This song was released in 2003 and was a huge hit for Alicia Keys, reaching number 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song features a sample of The Main Ingredient's 1972 hit "Let Me Prove My Love to You."
82. Hate That I Love You by Rihanna
This song was released in 2007 and features guest vocals from Ne-Yo. It was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 in several countries, including the US and UK. The song's music video features Rihanna and Ne-Yo as two lovers in a complex and tumultuous relationship.
83. Millionaire by Kelis
This song was released in 2003 and features guest vocals from rapper Andre 3000. It was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 in several countries, including the UK. The song's music video features Kelis in various settings, including a ballroom dance competition and a boxing ring.
84. Always On Time by Ja Rule
This song was released in 2001 and features guest vocals from Ashanti. It became a commercial success, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's music video features Ja Rule and Ashanti as two lovers in a Bonnie-and-Clyde-esque storyline.
85. What's Luv? by Fat Joe
This song was released in 2002 and features guest vocals from Ashanti. It became a commercial success, reaching the top 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's music video features Fat Joe and Ashanti in various romantic settings.
86. Hotel by Cassidy
This song was released in 2004 and features guest vocals from R. Kelly. It became a commercial success, reaching the top 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's music video features Cassidy and R. Kelly in various settings, including a hotel room and a casino.
87. Breathe by Blu Cantrell
This song was released in 2003 and features guest vocals from Sean Paul. It became a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries, including the US and UK. The song's music video features Blu Cantrell in various settings, including a nightclub and a hotel room.
88. Hollaback Girl by Gwen Stefani
This song was released in 2005 and became a commercial success, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's music video features Gwen Stefani leading a cheerleading squad and performing various dance routines.
89. Me & You by Cassie
This song was released in 2006 and became a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's music video features Cassie in various settings, including a dance studio and a rooftop.
90. What's It Gonna Be?! by Busta Rhymes
This song was released in 1999 and features guest vocals from Janet Jackson. It became a commercial success, reaching the top 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's music video features Busta Rhymes and Janet Jackson in a futuristic setting with various special effects.
91. More Than A Woman by Aaliyah
This song was released posthumously, as Aaliyah had tragically died in a plane crash shortly before its release. It became a hit and is considered one of her signature songs.
92. I'm Sprung by T-Pain
This was T-Pain's debut single and became a surprise hit. The song's success launched his career and introduced the world to his signature use of autotune.
93. Freak Me by Silk
This song was a huge hit in the 90s and is considered one of the most iconic slow jams of that era. It was originally written and recorded by Keith Sweat, but Silk's version became more popular.
94. Roses by OutKast
This song is from OutKast's album "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below" and was a hit in 2004. The music video, which features a marching band, has become iconic and was even parodied in an episode of "Family Guy."
95. Bootylicious by Destiny's Child
This song was released in 2001 and became an instant hit. The title was inspired by a comment made by Stevie Nicks, who referred to the group as "bootylicious" after hearing the song's chorus.
96. Glamorous by Fergie
This song was released in 2007 and became a hit. It features Ludacris and is about the glamourous lifestyle that Fergie and Ludacris lead.
97. Jumpin' Jumpin' by Destiny's Child
This song was released in 2000 and became a hit. It's about going out to a club and having a good time with friends.
98. Lighters Up by Lil' Kim
This song was released in 2005 and became a hit. It was inspired by Lil' Kim's experiences growing up in Brooklyn and the struggles she faced there.
99. I'm Still In Love With You by Sean Paul
This song features vocals from Sasha and was a hit in 2004. The music video, which features Sean Paul and Sasha in various romantic settings, was also a hit on MTV.
100. Body On Me by Nelly
This song was released in 2008 and features Akon and Ashanti. It's about being attracted to someone and wanting to get closer to them.
In conclusion, R&B music can be a great addition to any wedding playlist. Its ability to create a romantic and nostalgic atmosphere makes it a popular choice for couples looking to add some soulful tunes to their special day.
From classic hits of the 90s and 00s to modern R&B tracks, there's a wide variety of songs to choose from that can cater to all tastes and preferences.
Our team has over 14 years of experience in DJing at weddings and we know exactly what it takes to create a memorable wedding playlist that reflects the unique style and personality of each couple. With our expertise, we can help you curate the perfect R&B wedding playlist that will have you and your guests dancing the night away.
So, whether you're a fan of classic R&B hits or prefer modern soulful tracks, consider adding some R&B music to your wedding playlist. Trust us, it will be a decision you won't regret.
For more wedding inspiration and ideas, be sure to follow us on Instagram (@arrowhouseeventsdj) for updates and tips on how to make your special day even more memorable.
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