THEN AND NOW: The biggest R&B and rap stars of the 2000s

Barnaby LaneMay 20, 2023, 17:49 IST

50 Cent, Beyoncé, and Ja Rule were all huge stars in the '00s.Getty/Jeff Kravitz; Getty/Frank Micelotta; Getty/James Devaney

The 2000s were a huge decade for R&B and rap music, with both genres at the forefront of popular music.
Nelly, 50 Cent, and Ashanti were among the most popular artists at the time.

Nelly burst onto the scene aged 25 in 2000 with his debut album "Country Grammar."

Nelly In 2000.Getty/Raymond Boyd

Now 48, he's still making music.

The only thing different about Nelly today is he's ditched his signature bandana.Steve Jennings/WireImage

50 Cent had two chart-topping albums in the '00s.

50 Cent performs in California in May 2003.Getty/Tim Mosenfelder

These days he's taken a step back from making music but still performs all over the world.

50 Cent performs onstage in New York.Getty/Michael Kovac

Beyoncé was a huge star in the '00s.

Beyoncé in 2007.James Devaney/WireImage

Her career has only gone from strength to strength since.

Beyoncé on her Renaissance World Tour.Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Parkwood

Ja Rule was rap music's kingpin at the start of the '00s.

Ja ruled the world in the early '00s.REUTERS/Gary Hershorn

Now, he's working mostly on his business ventures.

Ja Rule in 2022.Getty/Chynna Keys; Getty/Theo Wargo

Eminem was the highest-selling artist of the '00s.

AP Photo/Suzanne Plunkett

He doesn't sell quite as many records now, but he's still topping the charts.

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / Getty Images

Ne-Yo's 2006 debut album "In My Own Words" was a smash in the US.

Ne-Yo's music is synonymous with the '00s.Getty/Kevin Winter

Now, he's still releasing music, as well as working as a producer.

Different decade, same hat.Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / Getty Images

Ashanti gave us some classic tracks in '00s.

Ashanti in 2002.Kevin Winter/ImageDirect

She's now a successful actress.

Ashanti tested positive for COVID-19.Jonathan Bachman / Getty Images

Usher was a huge star in both the '90s and '00s.

Peace up, A-Town down.Carlo Allegri/Getty Images

He's still a huge star today.

Usher hasn't aged one bit.Getty Images

Chris Brown released his eponymous debut album in 2005.

Tilting his hat sideways was Brown's signature look in the '00s.Getty/Jeffrey Mayer

He's no longer baby-faced, but he's still enjoying just as much success.

Chris Brown.Getty/Earl Gibson III

Jennifer Lopez is often overlooked when it comes to her musical achievements.

J.Lo in 2000.Getty/George De Sota

She's still releasing music now but is also a hugely successful actress.

What can't J.Lo do?(Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival)

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