2005 was pivotal for hip-hop and R&B, bringing unforgettable hits that still resonate today. It was the year Kanye West and Jamie Foxx dominated airwaves with “Gold Digger,” Mariah Carey made a triumphant comeback with “We Belong Together,” and T.I. cemented his reign in the South with “U Don’t Know Me.”
The crunk era was in full effect, Houston’s chopped-and-screwed slow-motion movement gained national attention, and Auto-Tune began its takeover, thanks to T-Pain’s “I’m Sprung.”
Beyond music, 2005 was a year of cultural and global shifts. YouTube was launched, changing how we consumed media. Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, sparking national discussions on disaster response, inequality, Lil Wayne’s Da Drought series (“Georgia Bush” is a must-listen reaction to Katrina), and a good Kanye moment.
George W. Bush was starting his second term, and the world was obsessed with MySpace, flip phones, and the early days of social media.
Amid all this, hip-hop and R&B provided the soundtrack to our lives. Here’s a countdown of the 20 songs that defined the year.
When 2005 Had the Aux: The Year’s Best Hip-Hop Jams
20. T-Pain – “I’m Sprung”
Album: Rappa Ternt Sanga
Release Date: August 9, 2005
Achievements: Peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100
T-Pain’s debut single introduced the world to his signature Auto-Tune style, setting the stage for a new era in R&B. The song’s smooth melody and heartfelt lyrics processed through Auto-Tune created controversey. Jay-Z weighed in with “D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune).” From 808’s and Heartbreaks to Future’s warble flow and Young Thug doing whatever the fuck Young Thug wants, T-Pain’s innovative approach to pitch correction changed music for better or worse.
RELATED: Explore T-Pain’s Biggest Hits
19. Ne-Yo – “So Sick”
Album: In My Own Words
Release Date: November 22, 2005
Achievements: #1 on the Billboard Hot 100
Ne-Yo broke into the industry with this emotional breakup anthem. The song’s relatable lyrics and sleek production made it one of the biggest R&B hits of the year, establishing Ne-Yo as a premier songwriter and artist.
18. John Legend – “Ordinary People”
Album: Get Lifted
Release Date: April 7, 2005
Achievements: Won Best Male R&B Vocal Performance at the 2006 Grammys
A timeless ballad, “Ordinary People” showcased John Legend’s raw vocal ability over a simple piano melody. The song’s honest take on relationships set it apart in an era of heavily produced R&B.
17. Bobby Valentino – “Slow Down”
Album: Bobby Valentino
Release Date: February 2005
Achievements: Peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100
With its sultry production and Valentino’s smooth delivery, “Slow Down” became a defining slow jam of the mid-2000s. The song’s infectious melody made it a staple on radio and R&B playlists.
16. Chris Brown – “Run It!” (feat. Juelz Santana)
Album: Chris Brown
Release Date: June 30, 2005
Achievements: #1 on the Billboard Hot 100
Chris Brown’s debut single was an energetic, dance-heavy track that made him an instant star. With production by Scott Storch and a guest verse from Juelz Santana, “Run It!” was a club smash.
15. Keyshia Cole – “I Should Have Cheated”
Album: The Way It Is
Release Date: August 3, 2005
Achievements: Peaked at #4 on Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Keyshia Cole’s heartfelt delivery and raw lyrics made “I Should Have Cheated” a powerful anthem about trust and betrayal. The song resonated deeply with fans, solidifying Cole as a rising R&B star.
14. Young Jeezy – “Soul Survivor” (feat. Akon)
Album: Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101
Release Date: July 26, 2005
Achievements: Peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100
A gritty street anthem, “Soul Survivor” painted a vivid picture of hustler life. Jeezy’s raw delivery and Akon’s haunting hook made it one of the most impactful songs of the year.
13. Mariah Carey – “We Belong Together”
Album: The Emancipation of Mimi
Release Date: March 29, 2005
Achievements: #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 weeks; Grammy-winning hit
Mariah Carey’s biggest comeback moment, “We Belong Together” dominated 2005. The emotional ballad showcased her vocal range and became one of the best-selling songs of the decade.
12. Mario – “Let Me Love You”
Album: Turning Point
Release Date: November 16, 2004 (peaked in 2005)
Achievements: #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for nine weeks
Written by Ne-Yo and produced by Scott Storch, “Let Me Love You” was a smooth and heartfelt track that dominated the airwaves. Its success helped solidify Mario’s place in the R&B world.
11. Ciara – “Oh” (feat. Ludacris)
Album: Goodies
Release Date: March 5, 2005
Achievements: Peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100
A hypnotic, bass-heavy track featuring Ludacris, “Oh” further established Ciara as the “Princess of Crunk&B.” The song’s atmospheric beat and sultry vocals made it a club essential.
See where Ciara’s videos rank among the greatest R&B music video choreography.
And find more of Ludacris’ best collaborations.
10. Amerie – “1 Thing”
Album: Touch
Release Date: January 18, 2005
Achievements: Peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100
With its go-go-inspired beat and infectious energy, “1 Thing” was one of the most unique R&B tracks of the year. The song’s distinctive rhythm made it a dancefloor favorite and a standout hit for Amerie. Watch the video:
9. Paul Wall – “Sittin’ Sidewayz” (feat. Big Pokey)
Album: The People’s Champ
Release Date: March 8, 2005
Achievements: Peaked at #34 on the Billboard Hot 100
A defining track for Houston’s chopped-and-screwed movement, “Sittin’ Sidewayz” put Paul Wall on the map with its laid-back flow and trunk-rattling beat.
8. Lil Wayne – “Fireman”
Album: Tha Carter II
Release Date: October 27, 2005
Achievements: Peaked at #32 on the Billboard Hot 100
“Fireman” marked Lil Wayne’s transition from a regional star to a mainstream force. With its hard-hitting beat and confident delivery, the song signaled the beginning of Wayne’s legendary mixtape run.
7. Three 6 Mafia – “Stay Fly” (feat. Young Buck, 8Ball & MJG)
Album: Most Known Unknown
Release Date: July 26, 2005
Achievements: Peaked at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100
This Southern rap anthem brought Memphis to the mainstream, with its hypnotic beat and anthemic hook making it one of Three 6 Mafia’s most iconic songs. Explore Three 6 further in: Juicy J Discography: Crunk & Trap History
6. Mike Jones – “Back Then”
Album: Who Is Mike Jones?
Release Date: April 19, 2005
Achievements: Peaked at #22 on the Billboard Hot 100
A classic underdog story, “Back Then” resonated with anyone who ever felt overlooked. Mike Jones’ catchy delivery and unforgettable hook made the song a Houston staple.
5. T.I. – “U Don’t Know Me”
Album: Urban Legend
Release Date: January 4, 2005
Achievements: Peaked at #23 on the Billboard Hot 100
A declaration of self-made success, “U Don’t Know Me” reinforced T.I.’s claim as the “King of the South.” The aggressive delivery and booming beat made it one of his most memorable hits.
4. Missy Elliott – “Lose Control” (feat. Ciara & Fatman Scoop)
Album: The Cookbook
Release Date: May 27, 2005
Achievements: Peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100
A high-energy banger, “Lose Control” blended futuristic production with classic dance elements. Missy Elliott’s creativity was on full display, making this a club favorite.
3. The Game – “Hate It or Love It” (feat. 50 Cent)
Album: The Documentary
Release Date: January 28, 2005
Achievements: Peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100
A nostalgic yet gritty anthem, “Hate It or Love It” reflected The Game’s rise in the rap world while 50 Cent’s hook cemented its mainstream appeal.
2. 50 Cent – “Candy Shop” (feat. Olivia)
Album: The Massacre
Release Date: February 8, 2005
Achievements: #1 on the Billboard Hot 100
Blending seductive lyrics with hard-hitting production, “Candy Shop” became one of 50 Cent’s many chart-topping hits.
1. Kanye West – “Gold Digger” (feat. Jamie Foxx)
Album: Late Registration
Release Date: July 5, 2005
Achievements: #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 10 weeks
A cultural phenomenon, “Gold Digger” was a massive hit, blending humor, sharp storytelling, and a Ray Charles sample into one of Kanye’s most memorable tracks. (Let’s pretend Kanye disappeared around 2014).
“Hate It or Love It,” 2005’s Classics Are Here to Stay
Looking back, 2005 wasn’t just a great year for music—it was a defining moment for hip-hop and R&B. The explosive energy of “Lose Control,” the undeniable swagger of “U Don’t Know Me,” and the infectious groove of Amerie’s “1 Thing” showcased the diversity of sounds that ruled the charts. Southern rap was taking over, R&B was blending hip-hop influences, and artists were pushing the boundaries of production and style.
Meanwhile, the world was evolving—YouTube had just launched, MySpace was shaping online culture, and the way we consumed music was shifting toward digital downloads and ringtones. But even with all those changes, these songs from 2005 remain just as impactful today.
Which of these tracks still makes your playlist? And what other 2005 hit do you think deserved a spot on this list? Check out a a list of 20 classic hip-hop songs from 1995.
