For the 99s and 2000s: A Compilation of the Biggest Rap Bangers Released at the Turn of the Century

The Y2K era brought us a plethora of rap songs that resonate with listeners even today.

These hits not only showcased the artists' incredible talent and creativity, but they also captured the essence of a transformative time in music history.

From iconic anthems such as OutKast's "Hey Ya!" to Kanye West's "Jesus Walks," the Y2K rap songs below will undoubtedly make an impact on rap culture for years to come.

“Hey Ya!” by OutKast was one of the 2000s' greatest hits. It is an undeniably catchy earworm, its addictive melody and snappy hook have been filling dancefloors for the best part of the last twenty years.

The hip-hop duo André 3000 and Big Boi had already established themselves in the Atlanta music scene when “Hey Ya!" was released.

What you may not have known is that rapper André 3000 previously revealed that "Hey Ya!" isn't the club banger we thought it was. Instead, it's a sad ballad about love.

The song illustrates a narrative that's familiar to many — being in a relationship that is not progressing and just getting by for the sake of tradition.

"Hot in Here" by Nelly is about a woman and her partner in a club where the temperature is very high, and the suggestion is to take off all their clothes. The single was inspired by Chuck Brown and The Soul Searchers' "Bustin Loose," which was released in 1978.

Needless to say, ladies' night was never the same after this song dropped.

According to Nelly, this was one of the last songs he created for Nellyville. Along with "Hot in Here," the summer smash hit "Dilemma" was also featured on the 2002 album.

"It's Going Down" by Yung Joc was a popular rap song and the lead single from his debut album, New Joc City. The 2006 bop quickly climbed up the charts and became an anthem for party-going hip-hop enthusiasts.

Ye has always been known to be a socially conscious celebrity. He dropped "Jesus Walks" in 2003 as part of his debut studio album, The College Dropout.

"Jesus Walks" speaks about society, racism, and war within ourselves. It condemns what rappers at the time typically talked about — sex, drugs, and money.

The song holds significant cultural and artistic significance. Through the use of spiritual metaphors, "Jesus Walks" encourages listeners to reflect on their journeys through life.

By presenting faith as a source of strength and salvation, West ultimately conveyed the importance of connecting with a higher power in the face of adversity.

West sang a gospel version as part of his Sunday Service project, which he started in January 2019 at his Calabasas, Calif. home.