10 Essential The-Dream Tracks

Terius Nash, better known by his stage name The-Dream, is one of the most acclaimed R&B acts in the industry. Since 2007, he has released seven studio albums, written and produced for countless other artists, and taken home four Grammy awards.

Even though he has had quite the decorated career, his personal life has been rocky since he lost his mother at the tender age of 15. Yet through the ups and downs, tragedies and failed marriages, The-Dream has harnessed adversity to craft some of his most powerful and uplifting music.

The-Dream got his start in the industry working alongside Chicago's R&B mega producer Laney Stewart in 2001. Some of his first major credits as a songwriter are for B2K and most notably Britney Spears' hit "Me Against The Music" from her album In The Zone. Soon he would working with Stewart's brother Chris "Tricky" Stewart, which led to his credit for Rihanna's infinitely successful hit song "Umbrella" which won a Grammy for Song Of The Year.

By 2007, The-Dream was ready to go make a run at his solo career and subsequently signed with Def Jam Recordings and began work on his debut album Love Hate. The rest of his story is history, and we are going to do the best to cover his rich musical heritage in just 10 tracks.

The-Dream's debut album Love Hate was a grand affair and hosted some of his most notable and successful songs. One of his first big hits from the album "Falsetto" sets the tone early on in The-Dream's career and introduces the world to his silky-smooth, breathtaking vocal ability. The track peaked at No. 3 on the US R&B charts and features one of the most memorable and difficult hooks to sing. "Falsetto" helped to establish The-Dream as a formidable force in the industry and set him apart from his peers.

Another monster hit from The Dream's debut album is his collaboration with Trap Or Die rapper Young Jeezy. Though it seems like the two might be an unlikely pair, they both killed this track and likely ushered in the "Steal your girl movement" with it. Again, The-Dream laces the track with his velvety vocals and finesses around the not so respectable topic of taking another man's woman with mesmerizing ease.

The-Dream has a baffling way with censorship and has the ability to flip an explicit song into a more mainstream radio friendly hit without compromising quality or creativity. "Shawty Is A 10" aka "Shawty Is Da Sh*t" is the perfect example of that duality the singer possesses. Both the censored and uncensored version of the song are certified hits, but in a way, the censored version almost prevails, as the catchy hook "Shawty right there is a 10, a 10" bores an earworm into the listener's head.

This track was a certified hit and has racked up nearly 30 million views on Youtube to date.

The-Dream's sophomore album Love vs. Money did more than solidify his status as an R&B superstar, it showcased his ability to craft hit, after hit, after hit. The album debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard and featured a slew of incredibly successful singles, including "Rockin' That Thang" (Rockin' That Sh**),  track that listens just as well uncensored as it does censored.

The video is golden too, literally.

The Dream's sophomore album had hits for days. "Walkin' On The Moon" qualifies as a hit. Kanye West isn't the only artist to appear in the music video -- keep an eye out for Draya Michele.

If there is a song that truly personifies The-Dream's self-proclaimed moniker as the "radio killer," it's definitely "F.I.L.A." The track appeared on his 2010 Love King album and once again proved the singer's hit-making chops. This track is pretty self-explanatory, so take a listen/trip down memory lane and possibly fall in love again.

Though he is often remembered for his love songs, The-Dream has put out numerous X-rated bangers that are just as noteworthy. "Pussy" feat. Big Sean and Pusha T, from his 2013 album IV Play, is probably one of the best examples.

The-Dream maintains his inimitable croon all while infusing the delicate vocals with ultra sultry lines like "Now keep that booty rolling like that, keep that pussy popping like that, Imma keep these bands. Got my left hand on that booty, got my right hand on that pussy."

In addition to his major albums, The-Dream has released several exceptional EPs including his 2015 Crown EP. Check out the visual for the T.I.-assisted track "That's My Shit."

The-Dream has been making a minor comeback as of late. He released his Love You To Death EP at the end of 2016 and has been on a mini-tour for the project in addition to his major contributions to some of 2016's biggest projects including Beyonce's Lemonade and the Fifty Shades Darker soundtrack. "Code Blue" sounds a lot like The-Dream we know and love, with a new and improved mantra added to to his signature vocals.

This is definitely a testament to his versatility and talent and being that it is one of his newest tracks, it is essential to get acclimated with his new direction.

There is almost no better way to end this list than with the grand finale track "Ferris Wheel," which appeared on The-Dream's most recent release On his Love You To Death EP, in which he takes us on a convoluted journey through modern romance while experimenting with an entirely new sound.

This track is a great venue to show how the singer is making an effort to expand his sound while also staying true to his roots.