It's been a while since we left behind music with that sweet spot between crisp bubblegum pop production, hip hop beats and soulful vocals. Modern alternative R&B from the likes of SZA, Kali Uchis, Jorja Smith or Solange has a distinctly mature feel to it, leaning to neo-soul and electronic music for inspiration instead, and while it's an expected maturation of the genre and absolutely incredible, we kinda miss the fun, almost cheesy, attitude of female-led early- and mid-2000s R&B.

So, here in the year 2019, we decided to cherrypick a list of our favourite, perhaps forgotten, but definitely awesome turn-of-the-century R&B pop hits from some of the leading ladies of our time. And okay, full disclosure, we've also snuck in a few late '90s bangers because just try and stop us.

Have a laugh at the terrible quality of video production we used to enjoy, pour one out for the empowering ladies who paved the way for the singers you enjoy now, and make sure you turn up the volume!

And here's a playlist of all the songs if you're looking for a full jam sesh:

Amerie - 1 Thing

TLC - Unpretty

Christina Milian - Dip It Low

Eve - Tambourine

Cassie - Me & U

Aaliyah - Try Again

Jennifer Lopez - Play

Ashanti - Rock Wit U (Aww Baby)

Beyonce - Check On It

Missy Elliott - Pass That Dutch 

Lauryn Hill - Doo-Wop (That Thing)

Tamia - So Into You

Mya - Take Me There

Ciara - Goodies

Kelly Rowland - Stole

Kelis - Caught Out There

3LW - No More (Baby I'ma Do Right)

JoJo - Baby It's You

Tweet - Oops (Oh My) 

Mariah Carey - Heartbreaker