The 20 Songs That Made Christina Milian Who She Is
Christina Milian burst onto the scene with undeniable charisma, quickly establishing herself as a triple threat. Her early 2000s run was marked by irresistible pop and R&B hits like “AM to PM” and the Grammy-nominated mega-smash “Dip It Low,” showcasing her ability to dominate the charts both in the US and internationally. Yet, despite a strong start and significant commercial peaks including the Kim Possible theme song, her music career faced hurdles of label changes and shifting musical identities, preventing her from fully realizing her pop star potential. Christina has always been in the mix—even when the spotlight didn’t fully stay on her. Here’s a look back at 20 songs that defined her journey and kept her in our playlists, clubs, and hearts.
“Between Me & You” – Ja Rule feat. Christina Milian (2000)
Milian’s introduction to mainstream listeners came on Ja Rule’s Rule 3:36 lead single. Her voice on the hook made the song a Billboard Top 20 hit and turned Christina into the girl everyone wanted to know more about. It was the moment she stepped into the music industry’s spotlight.
“Play” – Jennifer Lopez (2001)
Before fully launching as a solo artist, Christina proved her pen game by co-writing J.Lo’s “Play.” The song became a global smash, showing that even as a teenager, Milian could craft hits for pop royalty. It put her on the map not just as a performer but as a songwriter to watch.
“AM to PM” (2001)
Her official debut single was a high-energy teen-pop anthem that captured early 2000s TRL culture. The track broke into the Billboard Hot 100 and soared even higher internationally, introducing Christina as a solo star with her own flair.
“When You Look at Me” (2002)
This single may not have dominated U.S. radio, but overseas it became a sensation. The track cemented Milian’s global appeal, especially in Europe, where her image as a stylish, fun-loving pop star resonated with a massive audience.
“Get Away” (2001 – The Wood soundtrack)
One of her earliest soundtrack placements, “Get Away” expanded Milian’s reach into Hollywood. It gave her exposure outside of albums and radio, hinting at her eventual pivot into acting while reinforcing her as a voice fit for both film and music.
“It’s All Gravy” – Romeo feat. Christina Milian (2002)
Partnering with UK rapper Romeo, Milian once again tapped into international markets. The single cracked the UK charts, showing her ability to collaborate across genres and keep her profile strong even when U.S. attention dipped.
“Dip It Low” (2004)
This was the turning point. “Dip It Low” wasn’t just a hit—it was a rebrand. Christina shed the bubblegum pop image and reintroduced herself as a sultry, confident R&B star. The single went Top 5 on Billboard Hot 100, earned a Grammy nomination, and remains her signature song. (However we miss the street remix with Shawnna).
“Whatever U Want” feat. Joe Budden (2004)
Following “Dip It Low,” Milian kept the momentum with this sleek R&B/hip-hop crossover. Pairing her with Joe Budden gave her street credibility and further separated her from her earlier teen-pop sound, proving she could thrive in both the pop and urban worlds.
“So Amazin’” (2006)
The title track from her third album marked her full dive into urban R&B. It was a departure from glossy pop, embracing a grittier sound that aligned her with the mid-2000s wave of hip-hop-infused R&B. Though not a commercial smash, it represented her determination to evolve.
“Say I” feat. Young Jeezy (2006)
This single encapsulated Christina’s pivot. With Jeezy providing a co-sign, “Say I” embraced the Southern hip-hop energy dominating the charts at the time. It reintroduced Milian to a new audience and kept her name circulating in an era where the sound of R&B was changing.
“Say I (Remix)” feat. Cam’ron & Jim Jones (2006)
The remix was a smart move that connected her with the Dipset movement, a dominant force in hip-hop culture. It proved Milian wasn’t just dabbling in hip-hop—she was being welcomed into those circles.
“Believer” (2005 – Pulse soundtrack)
Soundtrack work continued to highlight her versatility. On “Believer,” Milian leaned into a cinematic, dramatic sound that broadened her catalog. It kept her name present even as her label situation became uncertain.
“Us Against the World” (2009)
A fan-favorite ballad, this single presented a softer, more vulnerable Christina. Though it didn’t become a chart-topping hit, it remains one of her most beloved tracks, reflecting the emotional depth she often didn’t get credit for in her singles.
“Shawty Is a 10” – The-Dream feat. Fabolous (2007)
While not her record, the impact of this song on Milian’s career is undeniable. As The-Dream’s breakout hit, it tied her name to the rising producer-songwriter movement that reshaped R&B. Her proximity to this moment kept her influence alive behind the scenes.
“Hello” – Christina Milian feat. Lil Wayne (2013)
Her association with Young Money brought her back into the cultural conversation. “Hello” showcased her ability to adapt to the new decade’s sound, while the Lil Wayne feature fueled media buzz about both her artistry and personal life.
“Rebel” (2015)
After years of label shifts and industry challenges, “Rebel” felt like a reintroduction. It was a declaration of independence, both musically and personally, and reminded fans of her ability to blend confidence with heartfelt delivery.
“Like Me” feat. Snoop Dogg (2015)
Pairing with Snoop Dogg proved Milian still had the ability to pull heavyweight collaborators. The record was a playful reminder of her versatility, and a nod to her California roots as she aligned with a West Coast legend.
“Liar” (2015)
The stripped-down honesty of “Liar” gave fans something more intimate. It was a raw, emotional track that showcased a side of Milian often hidden beneath glossy production, adding depth to her discography.
“Do It” feat. Lil Wayne (2015)
Years after “Hello” Christina and Weezy linked again—this time for a modern R&B/hip-hop cut. The song served as proof that Milian could still adapt to contemporary trends while keeping her signature tone intact.
“AM to PM (2020 TikTok Resurgence)”
Two decades later, Milian’s debut single found a second life on TikTok, introducing her early work to Gen Z. It’s a testament to her staying power—proof that Christina Milian’s voice still resonates across eras and platforms.
Though her stateside album sales often fell short of her singles’ potential, Christina Milian’s international appeal and string of UK Top 10 hits are a testament to her global star power. The sharp shift in direction with the release of her third album, So Amazin’, marked a commercial dip and led to her parting ways with Island Def Jam. Despite this turbulence, Milian’s work ethic—including her uncredited songwriting for massive hits like Jennifer Lopez’s “Play”—ensures her contribution to early millennium pop and R&B is both noteworthy and enduring.