The best music videos released by Black artists in the 2000s (2024)

YouTube

Beyoncé’s 2005 music video for "Check On It" is everything and more. It was intended for the Pink Panther soundtrack (starring Bey and Steve Martin), so it makes sense why the video is set in Barbie’s dreamhouse. There is pink everywhere, from clothes to makeup to props.

YouTube

Kelis’ "Milkshake" is a classic, and when we hear it, it instantly transports us to some ice-cream wonderland. Apparently, creative minds think alike because the video is exactly that. There are shots of whipped cream, blenders, and milk bubbles galore. And we can’t forget the clips of the boys pulling up to get in.

YouTube

Like its name, Rihanna’s "Disturbia" music video shows the Grammy-award-winning artist in several artistically pleasing shots — merging dance and pop with horror and fantasy.

YouTube

This Mariah Carey music video is cliché but as iconic as it gets. It tells the story of a woman about to get married to her new partner despite having constant thoughts of her ex. Walking down the aisle, she sees her true love (Wentworth Miller from Prison Break) and runs off into the sunset with him.

YouTube

"Dilemma" is a 2002 R&B song performed by Nelly and Kelly Rowland. The music video is a story of young love we all hope to experience at some point.

YouTube

"Family Affair" is one of Mary J Blige’s most recognizable songs, and no matter how many times you listen, there’s no getting tired of this jam. It’s all about letting loose, having fun, and living your best life. The video is the perfect depiction — set in a club with drinks pouring and bodies moving.

YouTube

John Legend’s "Ordinary People" is a black-and-white visual of Legend sitting in front of a grand piano while families fight and reconcile in front of him. The music video is representative of the song’s lyrics: “Maybe another fight, maybe we won’t survive. But maybe we’ll grow; we never know, baby, you and I.”

YouTube

This music video and song have been iconic for 20-plus years since its release in 2003. Everything about it is memorable, from the beat to the looks to the choreography.

YouTube

We’re not sure if it’s Usher’s slick dance moves or the flashing lights and hype party vibes that keep us returning to this video, but either way, it’s a visual treat. It encapsulates the song’s lyrics and theme about turning up in the club with your homies.

YouTube

Ciara was right when she said the beat to this song is so outrageous it makes you want to dance. Every time the camera cut in this music video, it was to someone else doing the 1, 2 step. We can’t think of a better direction for a song that birthed an unforgettable dance trend.

YouTube

Everybody knows Jay-Z and Beyoncé's song "'03 Bonnie & Clyde" — a rap song from Jay’s perspective about his love and support of his girl. In the video, Bey and Jay are the modern-day Bonnie and Clyde, running from the authorities in flashy cars and fancy clothes.

YouTube

Released in July 2000, two months after the hit CBS show Survivor hit the air, Destiny’s Child released their No. 2 hit single of the same name. The video follows three castaways stranded on an island fighting for their survival. The theme is fitting, given the drama the musical group faced at the time.

YouTube

This video is everything you’d expect it to be. There's dynamic imagery and enhanced effects, including rain, water, and, of course, a bunch of umbrellas.

YouTube

"Gold Digger" is one of Kanye’s biggest songs, yet the Jamie Foxx appearance and background vocals take this video to the next level for us.

YouTube

Chris Brown’s debut single, "Run It!" has always made us feel like we were in the middle of a big dance battle, and thankfully, the music video is exactly that — allowing us to dance along whenever we’d like.

YouTube

We know Beyoncé’s music is all about self-empowerment and liberation. It’s why the music video to her No. 1 hit single, "Irreplaceable," features her as a woman scorned kicking her cheating partner to the curb. “I can have another you in a minute; matter of fact, he’ll be here in a minute,” she sings.

YouTube

Mariah Carey’s album The Emancipation of Mimi is full of no-skip tracks. From "We Belong Together" to "Like That" to "Obsessed" — a song about the town’s it girl being harassed by an “obsessed” fan. The music video features a look-a-like of the rapper Eminem, whom the song is rumored to be about. He responded with his own diss track, "The Warning," in 2009. The drama, the drama!

YouTube

Keyshia Cole’s discography is full of classic singles and music videos, but her 2005 single "I Should Have Cheated" is one of her best. It tells the story of a woman finding out her partner was unfaithful despite her loyalty. The video takes viewers on an emotional journey with captivating visuals and acting.

YouTube

This 2002 song by Nelly is every sneakerhead’s favorite track, and the video is even better. It takes place exactly where you’d expect — in the middle of a massive shoe store.

YouTube

With an early 2000s Chris Brown music video, you can expect a few things: a fire beat, smooth choreography, and impressive graphics. His '09 single, "I Can Transform Ya," incorporates all that, plus rap star Lil Wayne.