Jennifer Lopez is one of those rare cases of a triple threat. She can sing, dance, and act. Having started as a Fly Girl on the show In Living Color, Lopez moved into the acting realm, getting her big break in Selena. From there, she did more films and scored a record deal. Many actors have challenges when trying to be taken seriously as a singer. However, the success of Lopez's debut album showed that wouldn't be a problem for her.
Several of Lopez's songs have topped the charts and went on to become iconic moments in pop culture. As a recording artist, Lopez more than left her mark. She helped other Latin people see themselves in her work and became a role model for her community. Her success signifies a form of representation that is very meaningful in mainstream America.
Here are Lopez's eight biggest hits songs, according to Billboard.
8 I'm Real (Murder Remix)
When releasing her sophomore album, "J.Lo," the album version of this song was released as a single. When the remix arrived later, it was a surprise, because it sounds nothing like the original. The chemistry between Lopez and Ja Rule made this song a huge hit, going to number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The video received major airplay on MTV as well, becoming an iconic example of early-2000s visuals. Lopez and Ja Rule even performed the song together at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards.
7 On The Floor
After Lopez's 2005 album Rebirth was released, her career went into a slump. Her projects weren't reaching the same levels of success of her previous efforts. However, when she signed on to be a judge of American Idol in 2011, her profile was raised and a comeback was in the process. This song was the pinnacle of that comeback, with Lopez's collaboration with Pitbull becoming one of the most successful singles of her career. It contains a sample of the 1982 song "Llorando se fue" by Los Kjarkas.
6 Ain't It Funny (Murder Remix)
In 2002, Lopez released her remix album "J To Tha L-O! The Remixes" and this song served as the lead single. Hot off the heels of the success of the "I'm Real" remix, Lopez and Ja Rule teamed up again. Caddillac Tah is also featured on this song, with background vocals from Ashanti. Ashanti also co-wrote the song and it became another number one song. The original "Ain't It Funny," like "I'm Real," was also released as a single. However, this remix overshadowed it and became much more popular.
5 If You Had My Love
This was Lopez's debut single from her first album "On the 6." It introduced the world to Lopez as a recording artist, with the public having gotten to know her previously as an actress. Lopez had previously starred in films such as Selena and Out of Sight. It can be difficult for successful, established actors to make their way into music. However, Lopez managed to accomplish this goal and became a triple threat. In addition to singing and acting, her dancing skills were on full display in the music video. The internet concept and late 90s visual style helped ensure this song would be a huge hit.
4 I'm Gonna Be Alright (Track Masters Remix)
This was yet another single from Lopez's remix album. While the original had a pop/R&B sound, this remix took it into more hip-hop territory. The Track Masters were the masterminds behind this remix, using a sample from Luniz's "I Got 5 on It," which borrowed from the song "Why You Treat Me So Bad" by Club Nouveau. Lopez shares the song with Nas, who also appears with Lopez in the video. The video, shot in the Bronx, was another peek at Lopez's early life in New York. She previously paid respect to her hometown in the video for "Feelin' So Good."
3 Love Don't Cost A Thing
When Lopez was ready to release her second album, "J.Lo," the public was curious to see how she would re-introduce herself to the world after a successful debut. This first single would prove she had avoided the dreaded sophomore slump. The song was released at the height of her relationship with P. Diddy, with many alleging that the song's lyrics were directed at him. The video became a major hit on MTV, showing Lopez leaving an expensive house and lavish lifestyle behind. It also featured an appearance from Lopez's future ex-husband, Cris Judd, as one of the background dancers.
2 All I Have
This song was released as the second single from Lopez's third studio album, "This Is Me... Then." It had the very difficult task of following the album's first single "Jenny From The Block." However, it managed to still be a very big hit. The song was huge on radio and the video received a lot of airplay on MTV. The chemistry between LL Cool J and Lopez was praised by critics. The song samples "Very Special" by Debra Laws and "Stutter" by Joe. The single was released in December 2002 and the video added a special touch by taking place during the holidays.
1 Waiting For Tonight
This song is one of the highlights of Lopez's debut album. Originally recorded by the girl group 3rd Party, Lopez's version of the song was released as the third single from her album "On the 6." It's a dance song that became a huge hit for Lopez, setting in motion her string of dance hits. The Hex Hector remix version of the song also gained a lot of recognition, even getting its own video. The music video to this song takes place during a New Years party in the jungle. It was released as 1999 was winding down and Y2K conspiracy theories were running rampant. The timely video and catchy song helped make this one of Lopez's classics.