The early 2000s saw artists building on the rich musical lineage set forth by the formidable stars of the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s by blending African sounds with American hip-hop and R&B, as well as music from across the Black diaspora like reggae and calypso, to form something fresh yet familiar. From the soulful boy-band stylings of Plantashun Boiz’s “You and I” to 2Face Idibia’s solo single “African Queen,” which fused Nigerian slang with slick R&B, to D’banj’s “Tongolo,” which added danceable rhythms to pidgin lyrics, it was an era of innovation. The launch of producer and entrepreneur Don Jazzy’s Mo’ Hits Records signified the growing commercial potential of Afrobeats, and the label would unleash a new set of stars who’d make indelible marks on the genre—like Wande Coal and his forever hit “Bumper to Bumper” in 2008. Here, you’ll find these hits and essentials from Timaya, R2Bees, P-Square, and more stars who perfected Afrobeats’ dexterous blend of influences.