For many of us, 6 p.m. meant watching uninterrupted 106 & Park segments so the next day we could talk about the lit performances. Don’t debate me. 106 & Park remains the best music video countdown show in the history of countdowns. To commemorate an old show, check out some of our favorite performances.
The videos are listed in no particular order.
1. Ja Rule feat. Ashanti – “Always On Time”
Ja Rule may be on everyone’s one s*** list right now, but there was a time when people loved the dynamic duo of Ja Rule and Ashanti. Ja Rule enters like he just pulled up to a club or something. This performance happened at the peak of rap and r&b combinations, and it captured a nostalgic musical era we’ll never forget, and always reference to.
2. Ciara – “My Goodies”
It’s 2004 and Ciara is easily the hottest R&B new girl on the scene. In this New Year's Eve performance, Ciara channels her inner Janet and rips the stage with her killer moves. Most importantly though, can we acknowledge how much her hair is slaying?
3. Brooke Valentine feat. Big Boi – “Girlfight”
Brooke Valentine had debuted with one of the most rowdiest songs ever (outside from the classic Ruff Ryder’s Anthem) and showed up on stage with a mob of dudes with baggy jeans, dancing to a whole routine!
4. Alicia Keys – “You Don’t Know My Name”
Young Alicia Keys is giving us dreamy vibes with the live band singing in the background. This is an angelic performance for sure.
5. Keyshia Cole, Lil’ Kim, Missy Elliott – “Let It Go”
This was lowkey every girl’s emancipation song, and our blatant excuse to throw petty shade at little boys. I was totally here for this performance, especially for the part when Lil’ Kim came out.
6. Lil’ Boosie & Trill Entertainment – “Wipe Me Down”
"Gas tank on E, but all drinks on me" has got to be one of the realest lines ever. But seriously, FOXX performed the ultimate turn up protocol song, with swag and bling, that will never go out of style. At Blavity, we’ll forever favor the turn up that comes with this song.
7. Jadakiss, Styles P, Eve – “We Gon’ Make It Remix”
So, for those who may not understand, this is a “feel good” declaration song for most New Yorkers. This performance has everything from velvet jumpsuits to Ruff Ryder crop tops. Needless to say, but this song’s disposition and outlook makes it automatically the anthem.
8. Destiny’s Child – “Soldier”
Although Michelle fell in 0.2 seconds, this 106 & Park performance was still solid because it marked one of the last Destiny’s Child moments, and basically the end of the girl group era.
9. Ray J feat. Lil’ Kim – “Wait A Minute”
Before Love & Hip Hop was a “music” platform, Ray J actually did this music thing for a bit. I’m obviously biased and included another song with Lil’ Kim in it—because she is Queen. And to the people in the audience singing as loud as God could hear them…y’all were truly priceless.
10. The Game feat. 50 Cent – “How We Do”
Their relationship may be tainted and perceived by an ancient “beef,” but when these two hit the stage together, it was undeniably a good and legendary time. I mean, we all wanted to be as cool and hardcore as 50 and Game on any given day. Their fan base was something really serious too!
11. B2K – “Uh Huh”
Every pre-teen’s dream on layaway was to see this group perform and get an autograph on an old B2K poster. Can we really be mad at this boy-crazy performance for making the list?
We want to hear from y’all. What are some of your favorite performances from this untouchable era?
