The World's Greatest

Last updated

"The World's Greatest"
R. Kelly - The World's Greatest.jpg
Single by R. Kelly
from the album Ali: Original Soundtrack and Loveland (Bonus Disc)
B-side "I Decided"
ReleasedNovember 13, 2001 (2001-11-13)
Length4:37
Label
Songwriter(s) Robert Kelly
Producer(s) R. Kelly
R. Kelly singles chronology
"We Thuggin'"
(2001)
"The World's Greatest"
(2001)
"Honey"
(2002)

"The World's Greatest" is a song written and performed by American R&B singer R. Kelly. The song was originally featured on the soundtrack to the film Ali , [1] and also appeared on bootleg copies of Kelly's unreleased album, Loveland, which later became a bonus disc to Chocolate Factory . [2] Released as a single in November 2001, "The World's Greatest" became a hit in Europe, reaching number two in the Netherlands, number four in the United Kingdom, and the top 20 in nine other European countries. In the United States, it peaked at number 34 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Contents

Chart performance

The song reached number 31 on the Billboard R&B chart. [3] In the UK, it peaked at number four. [4]

Music video

The music video was directed by Bille Woodruff. Kelly is a boxer in this video, playing the part of Muhammad Ali, as this song was originally a tribute to him. There is no color in the video except for red, the hue of Kelly's boxing clothes.

Track listings

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Germany (BVMI) [44] Gold250,000
Sweden (GLF) [45] Gold15,000^
United Kingdom (BPI) [46] Platinum600,000

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref.
United StatesNovember 13, 2001 Interscope [47]
November 20, 2001 Contemporary hit radio [48]
AustraliaFebruary 11, 2002CD Jive [49]
United KingdomFebruary 18, 2002
  • CD
  • cassette
[50]
JapanApril 24, 2002CD Sony Music Japan [51]

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