Hip-hop has officially been a part of music for 50 years. This week, leading up to the 50th anniversary of a party featuring DJ Kool Herc held in the Bronx on August 11, 1973, we’ll devote each Coffee Break to a different decade of hip-hop music. Today is the ‘00s.

The 2000s were a turning point in hip-hop, accompanied by the rise of technology at the time. The widespread availability of music via digital downloads and the emergence of music streaming gave rappers a new way to distribute their music and connect with their audiences. As pop music was also on the rise, many pop elements snuck their way into hip-hop in the form of more catchy lyrics and melodies.

For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, which 2000s-era hip-hop songs do you want to hear?

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs Played
Outkast - Ms. Jackson
Atmosphere - Always Coming Back Home To You
Lupe Fiasco - Kick, Push
Missy Elliott - Get Ur Freak On
M.I.A. - Paper Planes
Nas - Hip Hop Is Dead feat. Will.i.am
50 Cent - In da Club
Common - The People