We find ourselves in a musical era where social media simplifies tracking our beloved artists from the past. Their presence isn't solely reliant on new releases; rather, we can easily stay updated on their journeys over the years.

However, amidst the influx of new artists vying for attention, maintaining awareness becomes challenging. While mainstream artists often have an advantage, some of the most exceptional R&B music over the past decades has emerged from artists who may no longer dominate the airwaves.

To fill in these gaps and keep you informed, we've compiled details on male R&B singers who debuted in the 2000s (from 2000 to 2009).

If you've ever wondered about the whereabouts of your favorite artists, we're here to help.

Here's the 1st of 2 parts into a glimpse into the current status of some notable male R&B singers from the 2000s:

Anthony David

This singer originally made a name for himself in the early 00’s when he linked up with India Arie and wrote on her “Acoustic Soul” album. His third album “Acey Ducey” gained most prominence, and he has released six albums to date including “The Powerful Now” in 2016. In 2023, he linked up with friend Algebra Blessett for a rendition of the Lady Antebellum song “Need You Now”.

Avant

Avant released his debut album “My Thoughts” in 2000 and in the past two decades has become one of the biggest hitmakers in R&B music. Hit songs like “Separated”, “My First Love”, “Makin Good Love”, “Read Your Mind”, “4 Minutes” and “You & I” have turned him into a household name. He most recently released his 9th album “Can We Fall in Love” in 2020.

Bilal

A disciple of the neo-soul movement that began in the mid 90’s, Bilal emerged in 2001 with his debut album “1st Born Second”. He went on to become a part of the Soulquarians collective and has released five albums to date. His latest album “In Another Life” arrived in 2015, and his new EP “Voyage-19” came in 2020.

Bobby V.

The singer was originally a part of the 90’s group Mista and found solo success as Bobby Valentino with his self titled debut album in 2005. He has been one of the most successful R&B artists in the 2000’s continuing to make hits through the years via songs like “Slow Down”, “Tell Me”, “Anonymous”, and “Words”. He has released six albums to date (not including the “Peach Moon” EP) with the latest being Electrik from 2018. He also released the new single “Reply” in 2021. In 2022, he formed the super group RSVP along with Ray-J, Sammie & Pleasure P.

Chris Brown

Chris Brown ushered in a new generation of R&B music when he emerged in the middle of the 2000’s decade. He’s gone on to become a global superstar and prolific hit maker with success that few artists can match. His latest album and 9th overall “Indigo” came out in 2019. He returned in 2022 with the new single “Iffy”. In 2023, he released his eleventh studio album “11:11”.

Craig David

This import from the UK made a major impact in the U.S. R&B scene with his debut album “Born to do it” and hit singles “7 Days”, “Fill Me In” and “Walking Away”. He’s continued to be very active in releasing new music over the past two decades with the latest album “22” arriving in 2022. He’s also been very successful as a DJ with his TS5 set.

Digital Black

One of the original members of the R&B group Playa, Black has released a few solo projects to date including “Memoirs of a R&B Thug”, “The Autobiography of Benjamin Bush”, and “The R & Street Mixtape”. He is currently a part of Dru Hill.

Dwele

Many got their first exposure to Dwele when he joined fellow Detroit natives Slum Village on their hit single “Tainted”. He made a name for himself on his debut album “Subject” from 2003, and also the massive Kanye West collaborations which followed. He has released five albums to date, but none since “Greater Than One” in 2012.

Eric Roberson

A pioneer of the independent artist movement in R&B, Eric Roberson has gone on to be one of the most successful the genre has to offer. He has also become one of the most in demand live performers for his entertaining shows. His first album “The Esoteric Movement” arrived in 2001, and he’s released many projects since then including his latest “Hear From Here” in 2020. His impactful single “Lessons” arrived in 2021, and his album of the same name came out in 2022.

Glenn Lewis

The singer was originally compared to Stevie Wonder for the similarities in their vocal prowess. The Toronto native made a name for himself once he arrived in Philly and linked up with production team Dre & Vidal to release the debut album “World Outside My Window” and hit single “Don’t You Forget It”. After that, he had a shelved album called “Back for More” and another shelved album called “Remember Me”. He finally came back in 2013 with the official sophomore album “Moment of Truth”. He also sang the vocals on the DJ Jazzy Jeff project “Chasing Goosebumps” in 2017 with The PlayList retreat. There has not been any recent news about his next album, but he did release holiday themed music in 2023.

Houston

Singer Houston arrived in 2005 with his debut album “It’s Already Written” and singles “I Like That” and “Aint Nothing Wrong”. Unfortunately he had a suicide attempt shortly after the album’s release, and he hasn’t been heard from in the music industry since.

J. Holiday

J. Holiday became an immediate star upon the release of his debut album “Back of my Lac” in 2007 with the smash hit single “Bed”. Although he hasn’t been able to match the success of that single, he’s been very consistent at releasing good music over the years and has given us three albums to date. He released his latest album “Time” in 2022.

Jaheim

A discovery of the legendary DJ Kay Gee who signed the singer to his Divine Mill label in the early 2000’s. Jaheim immediately drew comparisons to Teddy Pendergrass for his vocal tone. He has been one of the most successful artists of his generation, scoring massive hits like “Just in Case”, “Anything”, “Put That Woman First”, “Aint Leavin Without You” and “Finding My Way Back”. He has released seven albums to date and the most recent was “Struggle Love” from 2016.

Jamie Hawkins

The son of prominent Gospel singers and also the musical director for acts like Boyz II Men, Jamie Hawkins stepped out as a solo artist in the early 2000’s with the single “Lost My Mind”. He was signed to Elektra Records under Mona Scott’s Monami Entertainment imprint. Unfortunately the album was shelved and he hasn’t really been heard from since.

Jarvis

The singer was originally signed to So So Def in the early 2000’s and had the single “Radio”. Unfortunately an album never followed, and he resurfaced in 2012 on Capitol Records with the single “Make a Little Room”. He hasn’t really been heard from since.

Javier

Javier Colon impressed upon the release of his first two albums “Javier” and “Left of Center”. Both came via Capitol Records but unfortunately he never got the attention he deserved and quickly fell out of the scene. He made a major resurgence in 2011 when he made an appearance on Season 1 of The Voice and won the contest. His album “Come Through For You” followed, and he also released “Gravity” in 2016.

John Legend

Singer John Legend has been of the most successful artists of his generation since being introduced by Kanye West in the mid 2000’s. He’s become a celebrity due to his crossover pop success from hit singles like “Ordinary People”, “Green Light”, “All of Me”, and “Love Me Now”. He continues to be very prolific with releasing new music, and his latest album “Legend” dropped in 2022.

Johnta Austin

This legendary songwriter will always be known for the hits he was able to pen for other artists. His solo career however nearly took off in the late 2000’s with the album “Ocean Drive” which was eventually shelved. He finally did release his debut album “Love, Sex & Religion” in 2019. He also gave us the “Pandemic” EP in 2020.

Justin Timberlake

N Sync front man JT crossed into the R&B realm when he tapped producers like Timbaland and The Neptunes to help craft his debut solo album “Justified”. He’s stayed in that lane through the years with albums like “FutureSex/LoveSounds” and “The 20/20 Experience”. His most recent album “Man of the Woods” came out in 2018. He made a return to new music in 2023 with the Nelly Furtado and Timbaland assisted single “Keep Going Up” in 2023.

Lathun

Motown signee Lathun is known for his debut album “Fortunate” from 2002. He unfortunately faded from the music scene shortly after.

Latif

Corey “Latif” Williams arrived with his Motown debut album “Love in the First” in 2003. He’s continued to release albums and be a songwriter behind the scenes over the years. He also formed the new group Lo Boii in recent years.

Lloyd

The prince of Irv Gotti’s Murder Inc label has gone on to become one of the most successful R&B artists in his generation. He originally broke out with hits like “Southside” and “You”, and took things to another level with the hit “Dedication to My Ex (Miss That)”. Most recently, he released the album “Tru” in 2018, and his latest single “Slow Wine Bass Line” came out in 2020.