"The World's Greatest" is a song written and performed by American R&B singer R. Kelly. The song originally appeared on the soundtrack to the film Ali and also appeared on bootleg copies of Kelly's unreleased album, Loveland, which later became a bonus disc to Chocolate Factory. 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.
Chart performance The song reached number 31 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart. In the United Kingdom, it peaked at number four.
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
Australian CD single "The World's Greatest" (radio edit) "The World's Greatest" (album version) "The World's Greatest" (instrumental) "I Decided"
European CD single "The World's Greatest" (radio edit) – 3:56 "The World's Greatest" (album version) – 4:36
UK CD single "The World's Greatest" (radio edit) – 3:56 "The World's Greatest" (album version) – 4:36 "I Decided" – 4:12
UK cassette single "The World's Greatest" (album version) – 4:36 "I Decided" – 4:12
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (2002)Peakposition Australia (ARIA) N.B. The High Point number in the NAT column represents the release's peak on the national chart. 104Canada CHR (Nielsen BDS)19Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)8Romania (Romanian Top 100)100
Year-end charts Chart (2002)PositionBelgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)51Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)83Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)30France (SNEP)87Germany (Media Control)48Ireland (IRMA)35Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)7Netherlands (Single Top 100)27Sweden (Hitlistan)22Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)60UK Singles (OCC)62US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)93US Rhythmic Top 40 (Billboard)81
Certifications
Release history RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)United StatesNovember 13, 2001InterscopeNovember 20, 2001Contemporary hit radioAustraliaFebruary 11, 2002CDJiveUnited KingdomFebruary 18, 2002JapanApril 24, 2002CDSony Music Japan
References