In today’s musical climate, nostalgia is present in much of the new music being released. In October 2024, newcomer BigXthaPlug made headlines by releasing his “Take Care” album, which samples many of the most iconic records, including 1979’s “And the Beat Goes On” by The Whispers for his track “Mmhmm.” Many of his peers are also tapping into the throwback sounds, though some aren’t going back as far.
In recent years, artists have gravitated to the sounds of the early and mid-2000s to produce new hits. Stars such as Megan Thee Stallion, Saweetie, and even Nicki Minaj have tapped into the classics of the past two decades. Even R&B acts such as Lucky Daye have gotten in on the sampling fun, introducing their audience to tracks they may not have been familiar with.
Megan Thee Stallion feat. Flo Milli – “Roc Steady” (2024)
Megan Thee Stallion unveiled “MEGAN: ACT II” in October 2024, and on it was a familiar-sounding club banger titled “Roc Steady.” Bringing along Flo Milli, the ladies rap over Ciara’s iconic “Goodies” beat. Her 2004 breakout single is three times platinum in the U.S., and Meg may soon receive her own platinum plaque for her remake of this early 2000s staple.
Jack Harlow – First Class (2022)
Rapper Jack Harlow attracted fans’ attention when he unveiled “First Class” in 2022. The song was about living in the lap of luxury, inspired by Fergie’s similar tune, “Glamorous.” Fergie’s 2006 soft-girl-era anthem earned her a platinum plaque, while Harlow’s rendition went double platinum, thanks to the infectious beat. The pair even performed their merging records at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards.
“Saweetie – “Tap In” (2020)
A longtime Too Short fan thanks to her upbringing in the Bay Area, Saweetie’s 2020 club hit, “Tap In,” gives listeners a new spin on one of Short’s biggest records. His 2006 track, “Blow The Whistle,” peaked at number 21 on the Billboard U.S. Hot Rap Songs chart. Saweetie’s version achieved platinum status on this track that’s new but sounds like a 2000s throwback, perfect for your ‘modern Y2k aesthetic’ Spotify playlist.
Mahalia feat. Ella Mai – “What You Did” (2019)
U.K. singers Mahalia and Ella Mai teamed up for the heartfelt single “What You Did.” The 2019 record sampled Cam’ron’s 2002 iconic hit, “Oh Boy.” This soulful R&B spin used Cam’s chorus against the women’s smooth vocals. Furthermore, Cam’ron’s Grammy-nominated single sampled 1976’s “I’m Going Down” by Rose Royce.
Nicki Minaj – “Red Ruby Da Sleeze” (2023)
Nicki Minaj scored another platinum hit with her March 2023 banger, “Red Ruby Da Sleeze,” released on Pink Friday 2. The record borrows the beat from Lumidee’s 2003 party starter, “Never Leave You (Uh Oooh, Uh Oooh).” Minaj’s spin on this international hit peaked at number four on Billboard’s U.S. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The handclaps in Nicki’s track harken to Flamenco, and she layers with trap drums for added 2000s flavor.
Lucky Daye – “Over” (2021)
Musiq Soulchild’s 2002 cut, “Halfcrazy,” from his sophomore album, “Juslisen,” inspired Daye’s 2021 record, “Over.” Much like its inspiration, Daye explores themes of heartbreak in this Grammy-nominated melody, which would go on to become platinum. Daye’s record has the beats and movements of 2000s classics, and the artist apparently wanted the melody to be ‘simple.’ With a trap drum beat and the “Halfcrazy” sample, you can easily imagine yourself playing this out of your Razor flip phone.
Latto – There She Goes (2024)
Latto stuck to her southern roots on her August 2024 album, “Sugar Honey Iced Tea.” Among the samples used was Mike Jones’ 2005 Houston anthem, “Back Then” for Latto’s “There She Goes.” Like Jones, Latto reminisced on her humble beginnings “back then” and how life had changed for the better. Even the music video, with Latto’s star necklace, collared bikini top, and pin-straight hair are 2000s style throwbacks.
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