20 iconic songs written by The-Dream

By the time Rihanna released her third album, Good Girl Gone Bad, in 2007, she had elevated her image and sound. She worked with The-Dream on a few of the album tracks, including lead single “Umbrella.” Lyrically, the track is about a person supporting and comforting their partner during good and bad times. The “umbrella” is a metaphor for being covered.

In 2010, Justin Bieber released his debut album, My World 2.0, led by his smash single “Baby.” The song tells the story of a teenage boy who went through a breakup but still wants to be with his partner. The song became a top-five hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

In 2008, Beyoncé released her third solo album, I Am… Sasha Fierce. The album garnered a whopping nine singles, including the smash, “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It).” It was an anthem for women celebrating their single status, as she sang about breaking up with her man and enjoying life on her own. “Single Ladies” won Song of the Year, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, and Best R&B Song at the 52nd Grammys.

In 2010, Ciara released her fourth studio album, Basic Instinct, which spawned lead single “Ride.” The-Dream teamed up with frequent collaborator Tricky Stewart on the penning and production of “Ride,” a sensual and seductive track that could easily be about riding a beat or riding during intimacy. 

R&B singer J. Holiday debuted on the music scene in 2007 with his album Back of My Lac'. The album’s breakout single, “Bed,” helped introduce Holiday as a new voice in R&B. It’s a seductive track about fulfilling sexual desires, which is evident from the first verse as Holiday sings, “Girl, change into that Victoria’s Secret thing that I like / Alright, okay, tonight you’re having me your way.”

Beyoncé elevates her sound and shows appreciation to artists who paved the way. This was evident when she teamed up with The-Dream on her 2011 single, “Love On Top.” While the production was reminiscent of ‘80s R&B, the song is about being so enamored with the love of your life despite relationships being hard at times.

In 2008, Mariah Carey released her 12th album, Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel. Carey worked with Tricky Stewart and The-Dream on the album’s lead single, “Obsessed.” Carey was tired of people telling lies about her relationship status, so the single was about identifying people constantly worrying about who she dates.

In 2008, Jamie Foxx released his third album, Intuition, led by the single, “Just Like Me.” The song is about a man finding out about his partner’s infidelities, even though he was the one cheating first. He stresses how he and his partner are very similar since they both stepped out on the relationship.

After the success of Chris Brown’s self-titled debut album in 2006, he released his sophomore album, Exclusive, the following year. Brown joined forces with The-Dream on one of the album's standout tracks, “You.” The song finds Chris singing about not being over how his girl broke up with him, and wants to get her back.

In 2009, Fabolous released his third album, Loso’s Way, which was led by “Throw It In The Bag.” The song is about a person spending money on whatever they want and not caring about the price tag. The song reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Rap songs.

In 2009, Rihanna released her fourth album, Rated R. She worked with The-Dream and Tricky Stewart on the album’s second single, “Hard.” Joined by Jeezy, the track has Rihanna being confident in who she is and combating any haters against her success. 

The-Dream came onto the scene in 2007 with Love/Hate. The album’s third single, “I Luv Your Girl,” was produced by frequent collaborator Tricky Stewart. It tells the story of a guy eyeing a girl in the club while making her man jealous. In the third verse, he sings, “Usually you won’t see me hate on another dude / But my heart got me up in here willing to separate you from ya boo.”

Mary J. Blige has worked with a number of songwriters and producers throughout her career. Her 2007 album Growing Pains garnered three singles, including “Just Fine,” the lead track. While Blige is notorious for singing about relationship woes and life struggles, “Just Fine” brought more positivity. She relays winning in life and doing what she wants to do.

Although The-Dream is known for penning songs for R&B and hip-hop artists, he’s also written hit records for pop artists. In 2008, he worked with Jesse McCartney on “Leavin.’” Jesse is interested in a woman who already has a boyfriend, but he wants to be her partner instead. 

In 2011, Jay-Z and Kanye West released their collaborative album Watch the Throne. It garnered seven singles, including "No Church in the Wild." The two rappers teamed up with The-Dream and Frank Ocean. The song reflects themes of religious faith, morals, and honor.

The working relationship between The-Dream and Beyoncé continuously produces magic. In Queen Bey’s single “Flawless,” she highlights the importance of having self-confidence and self-love. It's no wonder she had fans singing her popular phrase, “I woke up like this!”

In 2008, Usher released his eighth studio album, Here I Stand. Penned by The-Dream, "Trading Places,” the album's final single, highlights role reversal in a relationship. Usher wants his partner to reciprocate the same love and appreciation. 

The world was introduced to The-Dream in 2007 with “Shawty Is a 10.” It proves to be one of his more simple songs lyrically. The single has The-Dream describing a girl he once knew at a younger age and how she's beautifully blossomed as an adult. 

In 2013, A$AP Rocky released his debut album Long. Live. ASAP. that featured the single "Fashion Killa." The song easily appeals to women who adorn themselves with stylish looks and luxury designer brands. 

Some artists release music that is reflective of the current world. Solange did just that with A Seat at the Table, her third album, which highlights and celebrates Black culture and identity. She teamed up with The-Dream and BJ the Chicago Kid on the Black empowerment anthem "F.U.B.U.," which details the oppression Black people continuously face.