R&B/Soul Number Ones: '00s

This playlist recaptures the glossy, flossy, playful and exuberant tone of R&B at the dawn of the new millennium. It features hits by women who assert their right to be independent, and men who get sick from heartbreak over longing for them. These tunes may be familiar but with crunk, garage and Midwest U.S. pop on cue, their sonic range may surprise you.