Jay-Z and R. Kelly’s
collaboration album Unfinished Business is expected to debut at #1 on
Billboard’s Top 200 charts.
The album moved
over 280,000 units during its first week in stores. The pair’s highly
touted collaboration enjoyed extra publicity, due to a very public falling out
between the two men on their Best of Both Worlds tour.
Jay-Z said the
album’s success would only worsen Kelly’s behavior.
"It makes
it seem like you can act any old way and still have a No. 1 album," Jay-Z
told the New York Times of the album claiming the #1 spot.
Kelly still maintains
that he had valid reason not to perform. The singer alleges that as he was approaching
the stage, someone in Jay-Z’s entourage pepper sprayed him, resulting
in a trip to the hospital. His lawyers filed a criminal complaint against the
attacker, who has yet-to-be identified.
"Jay-Z refuses
to acknowledge that there were good reasons for R. Kelly to be concerned about
his security," R. Kelly’s spokesperson Allan Mayer said. "He
was ready and willing to perform."
The promoter removed
Kelly from the remaining tour dates in New York. It is not clear if the entire
tour will continue. A statement is expected to be released today.