One of the most anticipated tours of the year hits the Greensboro Coliseum and features two of the industries biggest artists, Jay-Z and R. Kelly. This will be the first time the two artists will be on tour together promoting their second album entitled “Unfinished Business,” which is scheduled to be released Oct. 26, 2004.

“Big Chips” and “Don’t Let Me Die” are two singles that were chosen from the upcoming album to be released and are currently receiving radio air time. Since the two have already released an album together, the public has been restless and is anticipating their upcoming tour.

“I can’t wait to see the two in concert this weekend,” says Crystal Arrington a senior print journalism major. “I was kind of upset that the two didn’t go on tour the first time, but I understood because of the problems R. Kelly was facing, so I’m happy I get a chance to see them this weekend.”

The hype of the two finally getting together for a tour arose during Jay-Z’s last performance at Madison Square Garden. The fans were given a little taste of the two together rocking the stage and leaving the fans in a frenzy. After the concert, the talk began of the two doing an upcoming album and finally going on tour.

“I’m excited about them coming and I’ve been waiting my whole life for this event to come,” says Alicia Andrews a senior professional theatre major. “I even went out and got my hair and nails done to look nice for them as well, hopefully I’ll get a chance to go backstage to see Jay-Z and take him from Beyonce.”

Being considered one of the greatest rappers of all-time is an honor that lies with Shawn Carter aka Jay-Z. He has released 10 consecutive multi-platinum albums since 1996 and has sold over 33 million units. He has also been nominated for Grammy, Billboard Music, and Radio Music Awards.

During this year alone, Jay-Z has already obtained 4 MTV Video Music Awards for his video “99 Problems,” and he was also honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by Prince Charles at the 1st annual Prince’s Trust Urban Music Festival. He received the ASCAP’s Golden Note award for excellence in songwriting and has also received two American Music Award nominations for his last solo album the Black Album.

In addition to his success in the rap industry, Jay-Z has also been successful from a business aspect. He has multiple businesses including the 40/40 restaurant, Roc-A-Fella records, Roc-A-Wear and also Roc-A-Fella films. He also is responsible for the Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund for high school students in Brooklyn, New York. He also has an annual toy drive as well.

The name “King of R&B” sits well with R. Kelly and really fits him the best. Just look at his resume. He has sold over 30 million albums worldwide and in 1997 he posted a record year in recording three Grammy Awards for his inspirational song “I believe I Can Fly.”

In addition to the Grammy Awards, he has won Billboard Music Awards in categories such as Hot 100 and R&B in 1994, 1996, 1999, 2001 and 2003. In 2004, he won seven awards for R&B/Hip Hop at the 5th annual Billboard Awards. In addition to that, R. Kelly also received three BMI Awards for Urban producer, Song and most performed song of the year for “Bump, Bump, Bump,” and “Ignition.”

With his latest album Happy People/U Saved Me being a success, it is safe to say that there is no other king of R&B than the “Pied Piper.” With hits such as “Happy People” and “U Saved Me” being played on radios and popular music channels daily, it shows the versatility of R. Kelly and how he isn’t just strictly an R&B artist, but that he can also be a successful gospel artist as well.

• Julius McKinley