The World's Greatest

For the TV program, see World's Greatest (TV program).

"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.

"The World's Greatest"
Single by R. Kelly
from the album Ali: Original Soundtrack and Loveland (Bonus Disc)
B-side	"I Decided"
Released	November 13, 2001 (2001-11-13)
Length	4:37
Label	Interscope (US) Jive (worldwide)
Songwriter(s)	Robert Kelly
Producer(s)	R. Kelly
R. Kelly singles chronology
"We Thuggin'" (2001) "The World's Greatest" (2001) "Honey" (2002)

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

Australian CD single[5] "The World's Greatest" (radio edit) "The World's Greatest" (album version) "The World's Greatest" (instrumental) "I Decided" European CD single[6] "The World's Greatest" (radio edit) – 3:56 "The World's Greatest" (album version) – 4:36

UK CD single[7] "The World's Greatest" (radio edit) – 3:56 "The World's Greatest" (album version) – 4:36 "I Decided" – 4:12 UK cassette single[8] "The World's Greatest" (album version) – 4:36 "I Decided" – 4:12

Charts

Weekly charts Chart (2002) Peak position Australian Urban (ARIA)[9] 25 Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[10] 20 Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[11] 9 Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)[12] 16 Canada CHR (Nielsen BDS)[13] 19 Denmark (Tracklisten)[14] 12 Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[15] 8 France (SNEP)[16] 13 Germany (GfK)[17] 5 Ireland (IRMA)[18] 6 Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[19] 2 Netherlands (Single Top 100)[20] 2 New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[21] 41 Norway (VG-lista)[22] 13 Romania (Romanian Top 100)[23] 100 Scotland (OCC)[24] 6 Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[25] 7 Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[26] 11 UK Singles (OCC)[4] 4 UK Indie (OCC)[27] 1 UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC)[28] 1 US Billboard Hot 100[29] 34 US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[3] 31 US Pop Airplay (Billboard)[30] 24 US Rhythmic (Billboard)[31] 20

Year-end charts Chart (2002) Position Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[32] 51 Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)[33] 83 Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[34] 30 France (SNEP)[35] 87 Germany (Media Control)[36] 48 Ireland (IRMA)[37] 35 Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[38] 7 Netherlands (Single Top 100)[39] 27 Sweden (Hitlistan)[40] 22 Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[41] 60 UK Singles (OCC)[42] 62 US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)[43] 93 US Rhythmic Top 40 (Billboard)[44] 81

Certifications

Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
Germany (BVMI)[45]	Gold	250,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[46]	Gold	7,500*
Sweden (GLF)[47]	Gold	15,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[48]	Platinum	600,000‡
* Sales figures based on certification alone. ^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. ‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Region	Date	Format(s)	Label(s)	Ref.
United States	November 13, 2001	Rhythmic contemporary urban radio	Interscope	[49]
	November 20, 2001	Contemporary hit radio		[50]
Australia	February 11, 2002	CD	Jive	[51]
United Kingdom	February 18, 2002	CD cassette		[52]
Japan	April 24, 2002	CD	Sony Music Japan	[53]