Music is powerful. I can remember exact moments and situations when I hear certain songs. I always write to music, ironic because it seems my whole life is written to music. Music can make me laugh, cry, and fall in love. I miss people to music. I live some of the best times of my life to music. I never go through a heartbreak alone because music is always there for me. I’m trying to keep it short, so here are 12 underrated throwback songs. I could go on and on, but I chose 12 for the appreciation value. I hope these songs bring back all the feels. Love.

1. Official Girl – Cassie Feat. Lil Wayne

Album: N/A

Year: 2008

This was the second semester of my freshman year in high school. I remember fantasizing about all my crushes to this song. High school was great for me, and the beginning of it was spectacular. There were so many hot girls and only one me. Ha, my favorite line is when Wayne says “Shorty say she wanna be my official, bang bang, I ain’t talking no pistol.” GOAT!

2. Rodeo - Juvenile

Album: Reality Check

Year: 2006

I know Juvy is from New Orleans, but this song reminds me of North Carolina so much. Summers in North Carolina especially, back when things weren’t so complicated and I didn’t feel so old.

3. Po’ Folks – Nappy Roots Feat. Anthony Hamilton

Album: Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz

Year: 2002

I always credit my brother for putting me on to rap. I first heard this song when I lived in Warwick, New York and it reminds me of times where I used to play basketball and have a crush on this girl who lived up the street name Lexi who was a year old than me, in the 5th grade. When the first strum of guitar comes in, it almost always brings a tear to my eyes. I used to watch wrestling and play Pokémon without a worry in the world. Good times man, good times. Life has always been good.

4. Put It On Me – Ja Rule Feat. Lil’ Mo and Vita

Album: Rule 3:36

Year: 2000

People always give Ja shit, but I really like his songs. Always have. He has hits on hits on hits. I used to hear this on Z100 all the time. This is my wedding song and I’m going to dedicate it to my soul mate one day, God willing.

5. Cater 2 U – Destiny’s Child

Album: 2004

Year: Destiny Fulfilled

My cousin had an official copy of Destiny Fulfilled and I ripped a copy off of her on my family’s desktop computer at my big bro’s high school graduation party. This was my favorite song off the album next to T-shirt. 11 years later, where my Cater 2 U girls at?!

6. Walked Out of Heaven – Jagged Edge

Album: Hard

Year: 2003

This came out the first year my family moved back to North Carolina in 2003. I was in the fifth grade when Walked Out of Heaven hit the airwaves and I fell in love with the song the moment I heard it. I didn’t know what the lyrics meant or the message the song was conveying, but it sounded good, and that was enough for me back then.

7. Put That Woman First - Jaheim

Album: Still Ghetto

Year: 2002

Honestly, this is the only Jaheim song I listen to besides My Place by Nelly where he’s featured. It’s so flame though, they don’t make music like this now-a-days. Not even Jaheim make music like this!

8. Let Me Love You - Mario

Album: Turning Point

Year: 2004

Okay, maybe this isn’t an underrated throwback song, but I feel most people haven’t heard it in a while so it made the list. My lil’ cousin had this CD and I got it from him. Again, the family coming through. My favorite track from Turning Point was this and Nikes Fresh Out the Box. Mario, I am going to need you to start making hits like this again, fool.

9. You Should Be My Girl – Sammie Feat. Sean Paul

Album: Sammie

Year: 2006

7th grade at Holly Ridge Middle School. This was my Official Girl, but for middle school. Sean Paul killed his verse too. I remember after I heard his verse I started pronouncing the world girl like guul. I was too cool, man you couldn’t tell me nothing.

10. I Love You – Cheri Dennis Feat. Jim Jones and Yung Joc

Album: In And Out of Love

Year: 2007

This is perhaps the most slept on song on this list. I’m not a big Jim Jones fan, but he killed his part. This beat makes me feel so good. (I may or may not have rapped over this in my spare time.)

11. Your Body – Pretty Ricky

Album: Bluestars

Year: 2005

What would a throwback list be without Pretty Ricky? This here was my whole seventh grade year, back when I thought I knew how to grind. Fun fact: I still don’t . Back when I was stunting through the city trying to find a lady who’s beautiful and has booty, too. Fun fact: I’m still searching. Shake my head.

12. I Should’ve Cheated – Keyshia Cole

Album: The Way It Is

Year: 2005

Keyshia Cole another one of them that needs to make music again. She’s got too much of a voice to quit. This was my first song I heard by Keyshia when I used to watch BET after school. How many of us can relate? Lmao.

I hope you enjoyed this list, and repost if you want to remind others as well. RDL4EVER OUT!