Our top 10 Jagged Edge songs list looks at the body of work of an American music group best known for its R&B influence. Jagged Edge was incepted in the mid-’90s, signing to Jermaine Dupri’s label So So Def Records. The record label has been home to artists such as Bow Wow, Usher, TLC, and Kris Kross. Over the years, Jagged Edge has identified itself as a force to reckon with in the R&B scene.
Jagged Edge’s Career Beginnings and Breakthrough
Jagged Edge’s career beginnings were marked by immediate success. Its first release, “The Way That You Talk,” catapulted the group to mainstream success after the song peaked at number sixty-five on the Billboard Hot 100. Jagged Edge released a follow-up track to its debut release, “I Gotta Be.”
The song also catapulted Jagged Edge to mainstream success, peaking at number twenty-three on the Billboard Hot 100. “The Way That You Talk” and “I Gotta Be” were later featured on the Jagged Edge’s 1997 debut LP, A Jagged Era. A Jagged Era saw Jagged Edge reach both mainstream and commercial success. The album received a Gold certification after its sales soared above the five hundred thousand mark in the US. On the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, A Jagged Era peaked at number nineteen. On the Billboard 200, the album managed to rise to number one hundred and four.
Jagged Edge’s Album Releases over the Years
After the success of its debut LP, Jagged Edge hit the studio once more in 1999, focusing on releasing a sophomore album, J.E. Heartbreak. The band’s sophomore LP has its title reference the successful single “N.E. Heart Break” by group New Edition. Jagged Edge received its first Platinum certification by RIAA after the album sold more than a million copies in the US.
J.E. Heartbreak topped the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, peaking at number eight on the Billboard 200. Some of the best Jagged Edge songs from the LP include “He Can’t Love U,” “Promise,” and “Let’s Get Married.” With the floodgates of success open for the R&B group, releasing more music was more of a necessity than a want.
Hence, a third LP, Jagged Little Thrill, was issued in 2001. The album’s title was a small tweak of the 1995 Alanis Morissette LP Jagged Little Pill. Once more, Jagged Edge saw another of its album, Platinum-certified by RIAA. Jagged Little Pill outperformed Jagged Edge’s sophomore LP on the Billboard 200, peaking at number three. The album also peaked at number one on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. “Goodbye” and “Where the Party At” are some of the best Jagged Edge songs from the LP.
Jagged Edge scored yet another number one on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart with its fourth LP, Hard. Hard also managed a peak position of number three on the Billboard 200. Issued in 2003, Hard is home to some of the best Jagged Edge songs, including “What’s It Like” and “Walked Outta Heaven.” However, the album’s sales failed to replicate Jagged Little Pill’s. Hard only managed a Gold certification in the US.
In 2006, Jagged Edge released the group’s eponymous studio album. With sales of over a hundred thousand copies during the first week of its release, Jagged Edge proved to be a superb release. The album charted at number two on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and fourth on the Billboard 200. Musical gems from the album include “So Amazing,” “Season’s Change,” and “Good Luck Charm.”
Jagged Edge’s sixth studio album Baby Makin’ Project was issued in 2007. The album was a success having it managed the third spot on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. On the Billboard 200, Baby Makin’ Project reached position eight. Jagged Edge’s collaborative hit with Ashanti, “Put a Little Umph in It,” is the most reputable hit from the LP.
In 2011, Jagged Edge issued its seventh studio album, The Remedy. The Remedy saw the group appreciate a blend of old and new R&B sonic vibes. Unfortunately, the album failed to catapult Jagged Edge back to the group’s usual success levels. The Remedy only managed to peak at the thirty-fifth spot on the Billboard 200. Some of the best Jagged Edge songs from the album include “Baby,” “My Girl,” and “Lay You Down.”
Jagged Edge returned in 2014 with a sequel to its sophomore LP, J.E. Heartbreak 2. J.E. Heartbreak 2 tried to rekindle Jagged Edge’s success, only rising to the third spot on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The album also rose to the twenty-eighth spot on the Billboard 200. J.E. Heartbreak 2 is home to the brilliant song “Hope.”
Jagged Edge later released two LPs, Layover in 2017 and A Jagged Love Story in 2020. However, none of the albums could rejuvenate Jagged Edge to its successful ways. Layover is the group’s last charting LP on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, peaking at number forty-four.
Jagged Edge’s Other Musical Pursuits
The R&B group has also been featured in songs by other artists. Over the years, Jagged Edge has released collaborative hits with artists such as TQ, Playaz Circle, Daz Dillinger, Styles P, Pimp C, David Banner, Tony Yayo, Twista, and Ludacris.
Jagged Edge’s Accolades and Legacy
Jagged Edge’s music career hasn’t gone down unnoticed. The R&B group has been nominated three times for the American Music Awards in the Favorite Soul/R&B Band/Duo/Group category. Similarly, the BET Awards have recognized Jagged Edge as one of a reputable ensemble, nominating it three times for the Best Group award.
Jagged Edge’s collaborative hit with Nelly “Where the Party At” was nominated for the 2002 Grammy Award for the Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. The R&B group has also won two Soul Train Music Awards, receiving several other nominations. Here we present the ten best Jagged Edge songs of all time.
#10 – Put a Little Umph in It ft. Ashanti
Opening our top 10 Jagged Edge songs list is the splendid hit “Put a Little Umph in It.” The song finds this romantic R&B quartet teaming up with the Grammy Award-winning R&B female star Ashanti. “Put a Little Umph in It” was the first single released towards Jagged Edge’s sixth LP, Baby Makin’ Project.
The song finds the quartet in awe of some lady whose sensual moves and deeds leave the men craving more. This especially happens when the lady spells out her love while spicing her words with a little oomph. “Put a Little Umph in It” managed to rise to the thirteenth spot on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles. The song also peaked at number forty-nine on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
#9- What’s It Like
Becoming a “real man” in a relationship means taking more responsibility and commitments that come with the title. Jagged Edge tells it better in their hit “What’s It Like.” The song finds the R&B group showcasing the change that comes with embracing a “real man.”
From trashing all “childish” conduct and taking a more positive attitude, there is much required to be a man in love. However, the singer wonders what the new journey in love will feel like after making this commitment-demanding choice. “What’s It Like” is one of the musical gems from the R&B group’s fourth LP, Hard. The song peaked at the eighty-fifth spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
#8- Good Luck Charm
In 2006, Jagged Edge released its eponymous fifth LP. The album is home to our eighth-best Jagged Edge song, “Good Luck Charm.” This R&B hit finds Jagged Edge describing a lady as the character’s “Good Luck Charm.” The lyrics showcase the R&B group’s lyrical prowess in penning some alluring romantic songs.
“Good Luck Charm” brings out the best of Jagged Edge’s vocal diversity. The song peaked at number thirteen on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. “Good Luck Charm” also rose to number seventy-three on the Billboard Hot 100.
#7- Goodbye
Post Malone isn’t the only one who felt like a goodbye was worthwhile in a relationship that wasn’t working. Jagged Edge still had a similar feeling while releasing the 2001 hit “Goodbye.” The song is featured on the R&B group’s third studio album, Jagged Little Thrill.
However, in Jagged Edge’s case, the subject character knows that he is to blame for the relationship not working. “Goodbye” ’s lyrical theme makes it feel like a transition song before Jagged Edge’s “What’s It Like.” The song managed to rise to fifty-eight on the Billboard Hot 100. Jagged Edge’s version of “Goodbye” has been covered by the Smooth Jazz All-Stars and sampled in Bandit Gang Marco’s “Love Love Love.”
#6- He Can’t Love U
Number six on our top 10 Jagged Edge songs list is the striking hit “He Can’t Love U.” The song is one of the best Jagged Edge songs from Jagged Edge’s sophomore LP, J.E. Heartbreak. The song features lyrical themes similar to the Canadian singer Shawn Mendes’ “Treat You Better.”
“He Can’t Love U” finds the singer promising better love to a woman who seems to be receiving little to no love from another man. The song managed to rise to the third spot on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. “He Can’t Love U” also managed to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number fifteen. Jacquees is among the artists who have interpolated this ballad.
#5- I Gotta Be
A Jagged Era is the R&B group’s debut album and home to our fifth hit on the ten best Jagged Edge songs, “I Gotta Be.” “I Gotta Be” takes us back to the incredible ’90s R&B tunes. The song was the follow-up to Jagged Edge’s 1997 debut single “The Way That You Talk.”
“I Gotta Be” managed to rise to the twenty-third spot on the Billboard Hot 100. The song spent sixteen weeks on the chart. “I Gotta Be” was sampled in the hit “Gotta Be” by F.L.Y. Jagged Edge has released several remix versions of the song.
#4- Let’s Get Married
Number four on our top 10 Jagged Edge songs list is the cheery hit “Let’s Get Married.” The song is one of the best Jagged Edge songs from the sophomore LP J.E. Heartbreak. “Let’s Get Married” is among the best-selling songs by Jagged Edge in Australia after receiving a Platinum certification.
The song finds Jagged Edge singing about marriage. With the two lovers having walked through the journey of love together, it is the man’s wish that they get married since they are not getting any younger. “Let’s Get Married” is one of the award-winning songs by Jagged Edge, priding itself as the Best R&B Soul Single as crowned at the 2001 Soul Train Music Awards. The song peaked at number eleven on the Billboard Hot 100.
#3- Walked Outta Heaven
“Walked Outta Heaven” is one of the best Jagged Edge songs from the 2003 LP Hard. The twins Brandon and Brian Casey of Jagged Edge penned the song alongside legendary songwriter Bryan-Michael Cox. Cox is one of the most influential R&B songwriters, credited for his successful works with Usher, Mary J. Blige, Toni Braxton, and Mariah Carey.
The lyrics to the song allude to the singer’s pursuit for forgiveness after realizing that he was to blame for his relationship getting sour. “Walked Outta Heaven” peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100. Rapper Scarface released a remix to the song, with the instrumental to the remix version sampling the hit “Be Real Black for Me” by Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway.
#2 – Promise
Placing “Promise” at the second spot on our top 10 Jagged Edge songs might feel quite off for some. However, our number one pick beat “Promise” in most parameters. However, “Promise” is the most streamed song by Jagged Edge on YouTube. The song finds the singer taking an oath not to repeat his mistakes.
This comes after realizing that his woman was a gem not to be thrown away by whatever chance. “Promise” is the best Jagged Edge song from the 2001 LP, Jagged Little Thrill. The song managed position one on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, peaking at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100.
#1- Where the Party At ft. Nelly
The R&B stars Jagged Edge and Nelly had a moment of their life in 2001 after releasing one of the best R&B songs of the year. “Where the Party At” is an alluring musical gem from Jagged Edge’s 2001 LP, Jagged Little Thrill. The song finds Jagged Edge and Nelly giving the world some of their best vocals.
“Where the Party At” alludes to the singer’s stylish party vibes. The song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. On the Billboard Hot 100, the songs managed to rise to number three. “Where the Party At” received a nomination for the 2002 Grammy Award for the Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.
This was the first time the award was being issued. Jagged Edge lost the award to Eve and Gwen Stefani, credit to their collaborative hit “Let Me Blow Your Mind. Other songs that had been nominated for the award include “Livin’ It Up” by Ja Rule featuring Case, “W” by Mystic featuring Planet Asia, and “Area Codes” by Ludacris featuring Nate Dogg.
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