5 albums from 2000 that remind us we’re officially grown, grown.

Editor’s observe: The next article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the creator’s personal. Learn extra opinions on theGrio.

I’m positive there are individuals who research such issues, however this time warped life that I dwell is wild and desires some examination. For example, I can nonetheless vividly keep in mind what my life was like again within the 2000s, however I see movies now and I’m curious as to why so many movies are blurry, why the garments had been so blurry and what precisely was a Smilez and Southstar? Is that what my life was actually like? 

(Simply kidding, Smilez and Southstar had a licensed hit with “Inform Me.” Struggle your mothers, fam.)

Anywho, a lot of what makes me who I’m at present occurred manner again yonder. It’s not that I can’t transfer on from the time, however I’m undoubtedly a type of individuals who thinks all the things that occurred in my youth is best than what is occurring now, even when a strong 90 % of that’s unfaithful. Shoot, I nonetheless keep in mind paying $75 a month for a cellular phone service JUST to inform folks to not name me earlier than 9pm. Whew, Chile…the ghetto. 

A method I maintain getting reminded of this time lengthy, way back is that a lot of the music that I nonetheless hearken to at present with regularity will flip 25 on this 12 months of our lord two thousand and twenty-five. And so I’d prefer to share this checklist of albums hitting 1 / 4 of a century that take me again to the nice ol’ days in the event you don’t thoughts. Thanks. 

1. D’Angelo “Voodoo”

Whereas the video for “Untitled (How Does It Really feel)” was simply one of many high 10 advertising campaigns of all time, the album itself remains to be a pure masterpiece of funk, rock and, nicely, unbridled Blackness. It’s good from entrance to again and twice on Sundays. From “Chickengrease” to “The Line” to… oh what’s the purpose, you’ll be able to’t begin this album and skip round, you need to pay attention all over. The purpose is that an album that I assumed would change the world in 2000 is now 25 years outdated and I’m undecided this album, by itself, modified the world nevertheless it undoubtedly has been a safety blanket for me since. 

2. Erykah Badu “Mama’s Gun” 

I don’t must say it however I’m going to say it anyway, when Erykah Badu dropped “Mama’s Gun” in 2000 it was good. In 2025, “Mama’s Gun” remains to be good. There may be not one single solitary unperfect factor about this album, from “Penitentiary Philosophy” to “Inexperienced Eyes,” which, for my cash, is likely one of the most relatable-content songs of all time. Without end ever. It’s doable that you just see what I did there.

3. Jill Scott “Who’s Jill Scott? Phrases and Sounds,Vol.1”

Child, after I say an album hit like a bomb???? Jill Scott’s debut album was EVERYWHERE. You could possibly not escape “A Lengthy Stroll” on the streets of Atlanta bumping from the automobiles of alleged drug sellers and poets alike. There was simply one thing further particular about her voice and the music that made it inescapable. I’m nonetheless rocking “It’s Love” prefer it got here out yesterday as a result of I’m from DC (now) and that go-go tribute made my complete 12 months. In 2000. Whew. 

4. Outkast “Stankonia” 

I’m undecided there may be something left to say about Outkast that hasn’t already been stated, written about, awarded or flatout appreciated. However as an individual who was on the Outkast practice from the primary day doable…a southern child who felt seen… I’ve loved and grown due to the music of Outkast. They gave me a license to take pleasure in and recognize sounds that I didn’t notice had been mine from the start. “Stankonia” leveled that up in myriad methods, “B.O.B.” being essentially the most outstanding. However “So Contemporary, So Clear,” to “Ms. Jackson,” I imply, the entire large songs from “Stankonia” aren’t simply in my rotation at present, however the world’s. 

5. Ghostface Killah “Supreme Clientele”

Full disclosure, I used to be by no means the most important Wu Tang Clan fan. That has since modified and I’ve apologized to the hip-hop Gods profusely, however I used to be ALWAYS a fan of Ghostface Killah. His voice was simply totally different. Who may have foreseen within the late 90s that Ghostface would have been the one to really carry the mantle for the Clan in 2000 however that’s precisely what he did when “Supreme Clientele” dropped and even essentially the most ardent Wu Tang hater needed to recognize the physique of labor. “Cherchez LaGhost” was IN EVERY CLUB at midnight. The album made 2000 really feel recent and in 2025, it nonetheless takes me again there. 

In reality, all of those albums take me again to there if you recognize what I imply. So in the event you too had been turning up and never in diapers again within the early 2000s, do your self a favor and throw one among these classics on at present. These artists’ royalty streams will thanks, and so will your soul.

Panama Jackson is a columnist at theGrio and host of the award-winning podcast, “Expensive Tradition” on theGrio Black Podcast Community. He writes very Black issues, drinks very brown liquors, and is fairly fly for a light-weight man. His largest accomplishment so far coincides together with his Blackest accomplishment so far in that he acquired a cellphone name from Oprah Winfrey after she learn one among his items (largest) however he didn’t reply the cellphone as a result of the caller ID stated “Unknown” (Blackest).