Most Influential Artists 2000s

See photos of the 10 most influential artists of the past decade.

Jay-Z - Rapper, entrepreneur and overall trendsetter, Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter reigned supreme from 2000 through 2009. Coming out of an early retirement, Jay came back stronger than ever, releasing albums and spreading his worldwide influence through touring.

1 / 10

Jay-Z - Rapper, entrepreneur and overall trendsetter, Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter reigned supreme from 2000 through 2009. Coming out of an early retirement, Jay came back stronger than ever, releasing albums and spreading his worldwide influence through touring.

Beyonce - No female had more influence on R&B than the one and only Beyonce. From her breakthrough role in "Dreamgirls" to her string of #1 hits, Beyonce set the tone for all singers to follow.

2 / 10

Beyonce - No female had more influence on R&B than the one and only Beyonce. From her breakthrough role in "Dreamgirls" to her string of #1 hits, Beyonce set the tone for all singers to follow.

Lil' Wayne - Mastering the game with his unique rhyme skill, Lil Wayne showed rappers how to saturate the market with product and a nonstop work ethic. The New Orleans rapper dominated toward the end of the decade.

3 / 10

Lil' Wayne - Mastering the game with his unique rhyme skill, Lil Wayne showed rappers how to saturate the market with product and a nonstop work ethic. The New Orleans rapper dominated toward the end of the decade.

Usher - Before Chris Brown, Omarion and Justin Timberlake, there was Usher, and he continued to show R&B singers how to do it this decade. Releasing the powerful "Confessions" album, Usher remained strong despite hardships in his relationships with women.

4 / 10

Usher - Before Chris Brown, Omarion and Justin Timberlake, there was Usher, and he continued to show R&B singers how to do it this decade. Releasing the powerful "Confessions" album, Usher remained strong despite hardships in his relationships with women.

50 Cent - There wasn't a bigger debut artist post-2000 than 50 Cent. The self-proclaimed "bad guy" rejuvenated the art of gangster rap, using conflict to entertain fans and propel his career. Hey, it worked for him and others after.

5 / 10

50 Cent - There wasn't a bigger debut artist post-2000 than 50 Cent. The self-proclaimed "bad guy" rejuvenated the art of gangster rap, using conflict to entertain fans and propel his career. Hey, it worked for him and others after.

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R. Kelly - Despite the accusations against him, R&B singer R. Kelly was able to make some of the decade's best music. His sound is often duplicated.

6 / 10

R. Kelly - Despite the accusations against him, R&B singer R. Kelly was able to make some of the decade's best music. His sound is often duplicated.

Diddy - The music mogul/entertainer showed everyone else how to get money. Diddy used his success in rap music to jumpstart an acting career, successful television shows and clothing and fragrance lines. Needles to say, everyone tries to do what he did.

7 / 10

Diddy - The music mogul/entertainer showed everyone else how to get money. Diddy used his success in rap music to jumpstart an acting career, successful television shows and clothing and fragrance lines. Needles to say, everyone tries to do what he did.

T-Pain - Hate him or love him, T-Pain changed the sound of rap and R&B by reintroducing the Auto-Tune. Often criticized, his sound worked so well that it became the formula for hit records afterward.

8 / 10

T-Pain - Hate him or love him, T-Pain changed the sound of rap and R&B by reintroducing the Auto-Tune. Often criticized, his sound worked so well that it became the formula for hit records afterward.

Pharrell Williams - Pharrell Williams of the Neptunes is known for his hit-making potential. By adding his signature production, a catchy hook and his vocal flavor, Pharrell set the standard for producers who tried to mimick his success.

9 / 10

Pharrell Williams - Pharrell Williams of the Neptunes is known for his hit-making potential. By adding his signature production, a catchy hook and his vocal flavor, Pharrell set the standard for producers who tried to mimick his success.

Kanye West - The always outspoken, overconfident Kanye West took his original artistry to new levels in this decade. The producer-turned-rapper became a paparazzi favorite by showing others how to use the media to his advantage (and sometimes disadvantage).

10 / 10

Kanye West - The always outspoken, overconfident Kanye West took his original artistry to new levels in this decade. The producer-turned-rapper became a paparazzi favorite by showing others how to use the media to his advantage (and sometimes disadvantage).