The 2000s were a pivotal decade for rap, introducing fresh sounds, unforgettable beats, and a new wave of artists dropping hits that would go down in history as timeless anthems. Certain songs rose to the top, dominating the charts and becoming cultural staples that continue to echo today. But what happens when an artist only manages to land that one unforgettable hit and then fades into the background?
These are the one-hit wonders of the 2000s. While these songs did leave an indelible mark on the rap scene, they unfortunately left their artists without a lasting legacy as well. In this list, we’re looking back at eight iconic rap songs from the 2000s that became huge hits but turned their artists into one-hit wonders.
"A Bay Bay" by Hurricane Chris
"A Bay Bay" is the debut single of American rapper Hurricane Chris. It was released in April 2007 and became a popular hit in the South and a popular club anthem. It also gained widespread attention in the hip-hop community, mainly due to its catchy hook featuring the phrase "Ay Bay Bay" and its signature dance move of clapping one's hands. While the song did help Hurricane Chris gain attention in the rap scene, he did not have another hit that reached the same level of popularity.
"Tipsy" by J-Kwon
American rapper J-Kwon's debut single "Tipsy" was released in January 2004 by So So Def Recordings and Arista Records. This rap song became his biggest and only hit, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 around the time of its release. It's a party anthem known for its catchy chorus, "Everybody in the club gettin' tipsy," and it really resonated with listeners who were heavily involved in the club scene.
"Chicken Noodle Soup" by DJ Webstar and Young B
Released in September 2006, "Chicken Noodle Soup" is a rap song that became popular in the dance and hip-hop communities, particularly in the New York City area, and became a viral sensation. It's known for its catchy hook, "Chicken noodle soup, with a soda on the side," and the fun dance move associated with it. However, while "Chicken Noodle Soup" sparked a dance craze and achieved significant success, it was DJ Webstar and Young B's only major track, making it a one-hit wonder.
"Ice Cream Paint Job" by Dorrough
"Ice Cream Paint Job" is an iconic rap track that was released in April 2009. It's from Dallas rapper Dorrough's debut album, Dorrough Music (2009). Like other rap songs on this list, it became a popular club anthem, especially in the Southern U.S., due to its catchy beat. The song's lyrics revolve around the theme of luxury, flashy cars, and a lavish lifestyle.
The upbeat, club-friendly nature of the song helped it become a hit, charting on the Billboard Hot 100 and gaining radio play. But unfortunately, Dorrough could not achieve the same level of mainstream success with later tracks, cementing this song as a one-hit wonder.
Below, we shared four other rap songs from the 2000s that were one-hit wonders:
- "Laffy Taffy" by D4L
- “This Is Why I'm Hot” by Mims
- "Throw Some D's" by Rich Boy
- "Party Like A Rock Star" by Shop Boyz