About the Tour: The Double Up Tour was a concert tour by American R&B singer R. Kelly, launched in 2005. The tour was in support of his double album "Double Up", which was released on May 10, 2005.
Tour Dates: The tour kicked off on May 13, 2005, and ran through December 2005, with over 70 shows across the United States and internationally.
Setlist: The setlist for the Double Up Tour typically included a mix of R. Kelly's old and new hits, such as:
Tour Stages: The tour featured an elaborate stage setup with a catwalk, pyrotechnics, and state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems. The stage was designed to accommodate R. Kelly's energetic performances and allowed him to interact with the audience.
Merchandise: As with any concert tour, merchandise was available for purchase at the venues, featuring R. Kelly's tour logo and album artwork. Fans could buy T-shirts, posters, CDs, and other souvenirs to commemorate the event.
Special Guests: Some shows on the Double Up Tour featured special guests, including:
Tour Highlights: The Double Up Tour received positive reviews for R. Kelly's high-energy performances and impressive vocal range. The tour also marked a significant comeback for R. Kelly after a few years of personal and professional challenges.
Box Office: The tour was a commercial success, grossing over $20 million in ticket sales in the United States alone.
Trivia:
The Double Up Tour was a concert tour by American R&B singer R. Kelly, in support of his eighth studio album, "Double Up". The tour took place in 2007 and visited several cities in the United States.
Here are some key details about the tour:
The Double Up Tour was a commercial success, with many shows selling out quickly. It helped to promote R. Kelly's album and solidify his reputation as a dynamic live performer.
The "Double Up" Tour was a massive 2007 arena trek headlined by to support his chart-topping sixth studio album, Double Up. 🎤 Tour Lineup & Background
Promoted as one of the biggest R&B tours of that era, it featured a star-studded package of opening acts: Keyshia Cole (touring her platinum album Just Like You) J. Holiday (riding the wave of his hit single "Bed")
Ne-Yo (initially part of the lineup but abruptly dropped a week into the tour due to promoter contract disputes) 🎪 Concert Production & Reception
Critics and attendees noted that the shows were an over-the-top spectacle full of eccentricities and visual chaos:
The Vibe: Reviewers described the concert as a mix of thrilling, hilarious, and bizarre moments.
Stage Design: The set was packed with smoke, fireworks, flash pots, boxing props, and rhinestone-encrusted thrones.
The Performance: R. Kelly's microphone frequently suffered from technical issues, leaving fans questioning whether he was lip-syncing or relying heavily on guide tracks. Ne-Yo Dropped From R. Kelly Tour - Billboard
When discussing the landscape of R&B in the mid-2000s, few names commanded the industry like Robert Sylvester Kelly. At the peak of his commercial power, following the release of his fifth studio album, Double Up, in 2007, Kelly launched what would become one of the most controversial road shows in music history. The R. Kelly Double Up Tour was designed to celebrate a "split personality" concept—balancing the sultry, romantic crooner of Trapped in the Closet with the raw, bass-thumping "pimp" persona of tracks like I’m a Flirt (Remix).
While the tour was a box office success, generating millions of dollars in revenue across North America, it also served as the beginning of the end for the singer's public invincibility. This article takes an in-depth look at the setlists, the scandals, the opening acts, and the long-term legacy of the R. Kelly Double Up Tour.
In the mid-2000s, R. Kelly was untouchable. Despite a mountain of personal and legal controversies earlier in the decade (including the infamous 2002 child pornography charges, of which he was acquitted in 2008), the Pied Piper of R&B had done what seemed impossible: he won back the mainstream. Fueled by the massive success of his Double Up album—featuring the inescapable “I’m a Flirt (Remix)” with T.I. and T-Pain—Kelly launched the Double Up Tour in the fall of 2007.
For fans at the time, it was a celebration of longevity. For modern observers looking back, it was a deeply uncomfortable document of ego, unchecked power, and foreshadowing.
Who would enjoy it: Die-hard R. Kelly fans from the ‘90s–2000s who love his full theatricality and don’t mind bathroom-break skits.
Who should skip: People with low tolerance for late starts, overly long shows, or the explicit “Trapped” chapters performed live.
Note: This review reflects the tour’s artistic and logistical reception in 2007–2008. It does not address R. Kelly’s later criminal convictions and serious legal findings, which have justifiably overshadowed his musical legacy.
The Double Up Tour was a major 37-city arena tour by that ran from late 2007 through early 2008. Launched to support his ninth studio album, Double Up, the tour was significant as his first arena run in over a year and featured high-profile supporting acts like Ne-Yo, Keyshia Cole, and J. Holiday. Tour Overview and Production
Launch Date: The tour kicked off on November 14, 2007, in Columbus, GA.
Production: The show utilized massive visual technology, including 60 G-Lux LED frames, multiple SoftLED curtains, and high-end video distribution systems across three major LED screens to create an immersive visual "pixel space".
Itinerary Highlights: Major stops included the Phillips Arena in Atlanta, Staples Center in Los Angeles, and the United Center in Chicago. Performance and Setlist
R. Kelly's performances during this tour were noted for their theatricality and heavy focus on his sexually explicit material. A typical setlist often featured a blend of new hits and older classics:
Newer Tracks: "The Champ," "Tryin' to Get A Number," "I'm a Flirt," "Real Talk," and "Freaky in the Club".
Classic Hits: "Bump N' Grind," "Ignition," "Your Body's Callin'," and "Happy People".
Theatrical Elements: Critics noted Kelly's "Singing Comedian" persona, where he would use props like t-shirt bazookas or perform extended, sexually suggestive comedic bits during songs like "The Zoo". Critical and Commercial Context R. Kelly: Double Up Album Review | Pitchfork
The Double Up Tour, launched in late 2007, was a significant moment in R&B history that showcased the genre's peak commercial power while foreshadowing the deep legal and ethical controversies that would eventually dismantle ’s career.
The tour and its eponymous album represent a complex intersection of musical dominance and a public persona increasingly at odds with reality. A Commercial Peak r kelly double up tour
The tour followed the massive success of the Double Up album, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200. It was a star-studded production that featured some of the era's biggest R&B names as opening acts:
Keyshia Cole, who was riding the wave of her platinum album Just Like You. Ne-Yo, fresh off his hit-laden release Because of You. J. Holiday, who had recently topped charts with "Bed".
For many fans, the tour was a celebration of what was then considered "peak R&B," with Kelly pulling out all the stops to deliver a high-budget, theatrical arena show. The "Separate the Art from the Artist" Paradox
The Double Up era was defined by a jarring duality. While Kelly was performing hits like "I'm a Flirt" and "Same Girl," he was simultaneously awaiting trial for child pornography charges. Critics noted that his music during this time did little to tone down his "loverman" persona; instead, he often made oblique references to his legal battles, creating a "perverted confessional" quality to his work.
This tour was perhaps the last time Kelly enjoyed widespread, mainstream support without the heavy moral scrutiny that would follow years later. It solidified a "separate the man from the music" mantra among his fanbase that would persist for over a decade. Legacy and Shift in Perspective
Today, the Double Up Tour is often viewed through the lens of hindsight provided by the #MuteRKelly movement and documentaries like Surviving R. Kelly. What was once seen as a triumphant arena tour is now frequently analyzed as part of a period where the music industry and public discourse largely overlooked serious allegations to maintain a profitable star's momentum.
If you are interested in more recent developments regarding his legacy, you might find the 2019 Surviving R. Kelly documentary or the full legal timeline helpful.
Are there specific aspects of the performances or setlists from that tour you’d like me to look into? R Kelly, Double Up | Music | The Guardian
Double Up Tour was a major 2007 concert tour headlined by to promote his eighth studio album,
. The tour is primarily remembered for its star-studded lineup of opening acts, including Ne-Yo, Keyshia Cole, and J. Holiday. Getty Images Tour Overview & Dates
The tour kicked off in late 2007 and visited major arenas across the United States. A notable performance occurred on November 15, 2007
, at the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, which featured the full roster of supporting artists. Getty Images Performers & Setlist Highlights The tour focused heavily on R&B hits of the mid-2000s. Headliner: R. Kelly performed tracks from his
album, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, including "Same Girl" and "I'm a Flirt (Remix)". Supporting Acts: Performed hits such as "Because of You". Keyshia Cole: Joined the tour following the success of her second album, Just Like You J. Holiday: Performed his chart-topping single "Bed". Getty Images Legal & Financial Context
While the tour was a commercial success, it was later cited in legal proceedings. In the case of R. Kelly Double-Up Tour v. Defendants
, a plaintiff alleged that partnership opportunities offered during the tour were part of a fraudulent "scam," claiming that interests in the concerts were sold when no such legal partnership existed. GovInfo (.gov) Legacy & Memorabilia
The tour remains a point of interest for collectors of vintage streetwear. Authentic tour merchandise, particularly the "Double Up Tour" graphic t-shirts
featuring Kelly and sometimes Keyshia Cole, are common items on resale markets like or more information on the legal cases involving the tour's promoters?
Double Up Tour (2007) stands as a significant yet controversial chapter in R&B history, marking a period where R. Kelly’s commercial dominance began to clash sharply with mounting legal scrutiny and internal industry friction . Launched to support his eighth studio album,
, the tour was designed as a high-production showcase of his "King of R&B" status but quickly became defined by its off-stage drama. The Tour Concept and Lineup
The tour featured a powerhouse lineup intended to represent the peak of 2007 R&B and hip-hop. Headliner: R. Kelly, performing hits from such as "I'm a Flirt (Remix)" and "Same Girl". Supporting Acts: The tour initially featured Keyshia Cole J. Holiday Aesthetic:
Concert merchandise from the era highlights a "Y2K rap tee" aesthetic, often featuring the headliner alongside his supporting cast. The Ne-Yo Controversy
The most enduring legacy of the Double Up Tour is the legal battle involving singer Ne-Yo. Just two shows into the 25-stop tour, Ne-Yo was abruptly fired. The Lawsuit:
Ne-Yo's management filed a lawsuit alleging breach of contract, claiming he was owed $735,000 of a $785,000 agreement. The Allegation:
The suit famously alleged that an "unknown representative" of R. Kelly urged the promoter to terminate Ne-Yo because the audience and critics were reacting more favorably to Ne-Yo’s performance than to Kelly’s.
The dismissal became a major industry talking point, fueling rumors of professional jealousy and highlighting the volatile nature of the tour’s management. Historical Context
At the time of the tour, R. Kelly was navigating a complex public image. While
debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, he was simultaneously awaiting trial for child pornography charges (of which he was acquitted in 2008). The tour represented a final moment of mainstream touring "normalcy" before his later legal convictions fundamentally altered his legacy and led to his eventual life imprisonment.
Today, the Double Up Tour is viewed less for its musical setlist and more as a precursor to the systemic issues that would eventually lead to the "Surviving R. Kelly" era, serving as a reminder of the era's complicated relationship between celebrity talent and personal conduct. Ne-Yo lawsuit R Kelly Double Up - eBay
The Infamous R. Kelly Double Up Tour: A Look Back at the Controversy and Music
In the late 1990s, R. Kelly was on top of the music world. The R&B singer, songwriter, and producer had already achieved massive success with hits like "I Believe I Can Fly" and "Your Body's Callin'." But it was his 1998 "Double Up Tour" that would cement his status as a live performance powerhouse and spark a wave of controversy that would follow him for years to come.
The Tour
The "Double Up Tour" was a major production that featured R. Kelly performing with a live band and a troupe of talented backup singers and dancers. The show was a high-energy spectacle that included elaborate choreography, pyrotechnics, and even a few surprises. The tour kicked off in April 1998 and hit cities across the United States, Europe, and Asia.
The tour was a massive commercial success, with many shows selling out quickly. Fans were drawn to R. Kelly's electrifying stage presence, as well as his ability to get the crowd on their feet and dancing. The tour's setlist featured a mix of R. Kelly's biggest hits, as well as some new material from his then-latest album, "R.".
The Controversy
However, the "Double Up Tour" was not without controversy. R. Kelly had already faced criticism in the mid-1990s for his lyrics and music videos, which some perceived as explicit and misogynistic. But it was during the "Double Up Tour" that his live performances became the subject of intense scrutiny.
Many critics and fans accused R. Kelly of using the tour to showcase his signature blend of sex and spirituality, which some saw as tawdry and disrespectful. The show's choreography and costumes were also criticized for being overly provocative. Some cities even threatened to ban the tour due to concerns about its explicit content.
The Girls
But the most serious controversy surrounding the "Double Up Tour" involved allegations of R. Kelly's relationships with underage girls. In 1994, R. Kelly had married Aaliyah, a 15-year-old singer who was then his protégée. The marriage was later annulled, but it sparked a wave of allegations that R. Kelly was involved with underage girls.
During the "Double Up Tour," several girls came forward to accuse R. Kelly of exploiting them and using his fame and power to manipulate them into having sex with him. The allegations sparked a police investigation, which ultimately led to R. Kelly's arrest in 2002 on charges of child pornography and enticement of a minor.
The Legacy
Despite the controversy, the "Double Up Tour" remains a significant moment in R. Kelly's career. The tour showcased his incredible talent and charisma as a live performer, and it helped to cement his status as one of the most successful R&B artists of the 1990s.
However, the controversy surrounding the tour also marked a turning point in R. Kelly's career. The allegations of misconduct and abuse that emerged during and after the tour damaged his reputation and led to a series of high-profile lawsuits and investigations.
In 2019, R. Kelly was arrested and charged with 11 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, in connection with alleged incidents involving underage girls. The charges were part of a larger pattern of allegations that have followed R. Kelly for decades.
The Music
Despite the controversy, R. Kelly's music remains popular to this day. His hits like "I Believe I Can Fly," "Ignition (Remix)," and "I Need Love" continue to get played on radios and streaming platforms around the world.
The "Double Up Tour" may have been a defining moment in R. Kelly's career, but it was also a moment that highlighted the complexities and contradictions of his artistry. R. Kelly's music has always been marked by a blend of sensuality, spirituality, and emotional intensity, which has sometimes put him at odds with critics and fans.
Conclusion
The R. Kelly "Double Up Tour" was a pivotal moment in the career of one of the most successful R&B artists of all time. The tour showcased R. Kelly's incredible talent and charisma as a live performer, but it also sparked a wave of controversy that would follow him for years to come.
Today, R. Kelly's legacy is complicated and multifaceted. While his music remains popular, his personal life and conduct have been the subject of intense scrutiny and criticism. The "Double Up Tour" may have been a moment of triumph for R. Kelly, but it also marked a turning point in his career and a moment of reckoning that would have far-reaching consequences.
Setlist
The setlist for the "Double Up Tour" featured a mix of R. Kelly's biggest hits and some new material from his then-latest album, "R.". Some of the songs that were included in the tour's setlist include:
Tour Dates
The "Double Up Tour" kicked off in April 1998 and hit cities across the United States, Europe, and Asia. Some of the tour dates included:
Merchandise
The "Double Up Tour" also featured a line of merchandise, including T-shirts, posters, and CDs. The merchandise was sold at each tour stop and helped to promote the tour and R. Kelly's brand.
Critical Reception
The "Double Up Tour" received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised R. Kelly's energy and charisma as a live performer, while others criticized the tour's explicit content and allegations of misconduct.
Impact
The "Double Up Tour" had a significant impact on R. Kelly's career and the music industry as a whole. The tour's success helped to establish R. Kelly as a major force in R&B, and it paved the way for future tours and live performances.
However, the controversy surrounding the tour also had a lasting impact on R. Kelly's reputation and legacy. The allegations of misconduct and abuse that emerged during and after the tour have followed R. Kelly for decades and have had a lasting impact on his career and personal life.
In conclusion, the R. Kelly "Double Up Tour" was a pivotal moment in the career of one of the most successful R&B artists of all time. The tour showcased R. Kelly's incredible talent and charisma as a live performer, but it also sparked a wave of controversy that would follow him for years to come. Today, R. Kelly's legacy is complicated and multifaceted, and the "Double Up Tour" remains a significant moment in his career and a reminder of the complexities and contradictions of his artistry.
The R. Kelly Double Up Tour was a major North American concert series launched in late 2007 to support his eighth studio album, Double Up. Spanning approximately 40 cities, the tour was a high-production spectacle that featured some of the most prominent R&B stars of the era. Tour Lineup and Itinerary
The tour featured a powerhouse lineup of R&B talent, including Keyshia Cole, Ne-Yo, and J. Holiday. It officially kicked off on November 14, 2007, at the Columbus Civic Center in Columbus, Georgia. Major tour stops included: Atlanta, GA: Phillips Arena (Nov 15) Philadelphia, PA: Wachovia Center (Nov 21) New York, NY: Nassau Coliseum (Nov 23) Dallas, TX: American Airlines Arena (Dec 1) Los Angeles, CA: Staples Center (Dec 14) Chicago, IL: United Center (Dec 21) Miami, FL: American Airlines Arena (Dec 31) Production and Stage Design
The Double Up Tour was noted for its advanced technical setup, designed to handle complex video and lighting effects. The production utilized Live Design technology such as:
High-Resolution LED Screens: Three Lighthouse LED screens and 60 G-Lux low-resolution frames were used to distribute video content across the stage.
Lighting Systems: The rig included 25 Showguns and 18 DL.2 digital lights, managed by a Control Freak Systems package to create a seamless "combined pixel space". Typical Setlist and Themes
Performances often balanced new hits from the Double Up album with Kelly's extensive catalog of "bump 'n' grind" classics and ballads.
New Hits: "The Champ," "I'm a Flirt (Remix)," and "Same Girl". About the Tour: The Double Up Tour was
Classics: "Ignition (Remix)," "Bump N' Grind," "Your Body's Callin'," and "Happy People".
Theatrics: The show incorporated elements of his "Trapped in the Closet" series, reflecting the singer's focus on dramatic, narrative-driven performances during this period. Cultural and Legal Context
The tour took place during a tumultuous time in the singer's career. Although the Double Up album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, the tour preceded his 2008 child pornography trial, in which he was eventually acquitted. Despite the legal scrutiny, the tour saw significant commercial success and high attendance in major markets.
Double Up Tour was a major 2007 arena concert tour headlined by to support his eighth studio album,
. Spanning approximately nine weeks across 38 cities, the tour was marketed as a high-production "four-hour extravaganza" featuring some of the era's top R&B talent. Tour Overview & Lineup Headline Artist : R. Kelly. Supporting Acts : The tour featured a heavy-hitting R&B lineup including Keyshia Cole J. Holiday , and initially Production Scale
: The show utilized over 150 production personnel, 12 production vehicles, and featured four distinct set changes per performance. Ne-Yo Controversy : Shortly after the tour began, Ne-Yo was removed from the lineup
. He later filed a lawsuit against the promoters, alleging he was fired because his performance was better received by fans and critics than the headliner's. Typical Setlist (Average) Performances typically focused on a mix of hits from the album and Kelly's extensive back catalog: High-Energy Tracks
: "The Champ," "I'm a Flirt," "Ignition (Remix)," "Fiesta (Remix)". R&B Classics
: "Bump N' Grind," "Your Body's Callin'," "It Seems Like You're Ready," "Feelin' on Yo Booty". New Material
: "Real Talk," "Freaky in the Club," "Tryin' to Get a Number". Key Tour Dates & Locations The tour officially kicked off on November 14, 2007 , in Columbus, Georgia. Notable stops included: East Coast Philips Arena (Atlanta), Wachovia Center (Philadelphia), Prudential Center (Newark), and Nassau Coliseum (New York) (Birmingham), American Airlines Arena (Dallas), and Toyota Center West Coast Staples Center (Los Angeles), Mandalay Bay (Las Vegas), and Oracle Arena United Center (Chicago) and Target Center (Minneapolis) Cultural & Legal Context At the time of the tour, R. Kelly was facing 21 counts of child pornography charges
. His legal team had to secure specific court permission for him to travel across state lines to perform. Despite these controversies, the tour initially saw strong ticket sales, though critics noted a shift in his performance style toward more comedic and "absurdist" elements, such as his "Trapped in the Closet" series. Further Exploration Learn about the legal fallout from the Ne-Yo lawsuit regarding his removal from the tour. Review the full list of original tour dates and venues as announced in late 2007. Pitchfork review of the Double Up album
for insights into the musical direction that influenced the tour's stage show. vs. the earlier Best of Both Worlds Tour with Jay-Z?
Ne-Yo sues after being dropped from R. Kelly tour | CBC News
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Concert announcement (excited) R. Kelly — Double Up Tour. Live tonight! Don’t miss the hits from Double Up and more. Get your tickets now and be there for an unforgettable show. #RKelly #DoubleUpTour
Review/recap (after show) Saw R. Kelly on the Double Up Tour — vocals on point, energy high, and a perfect blend of classics and newer tracks. Best live performance I’ve seen this year. 🎤🔥
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The Double Up Tour, launched in November 2007, was a nationwide concert series headlined by
to support his eighth studio album, Double Up. The tour featured a star-studded lineup including Keyshia Cole , , and J. Holiday . Tour Overview and Schedule
The tour began on November 14, 2007, in Columbus, Georgia, and spanned roughly six weeks across major U.S. cities. Launch Date: November 14, 2007 Key Locations: Atlanta, GA ( Phillips Arena ) - November 15 Philadelphia, PA ( Wachovia Center ) - November 21 New York, NY ( Nassau Center ) - November 23 Dallas, TX ( American Airlines Arena ) - December 1 Los Angeles, CA ( Staples Center ) - December 14 Chicago, IL ( United Center ) - December 22 Jacksonville, FL ( Veteran Memorial ) - December 30 Production and Performance
The performances were noted for their high-energy, "freaky" atmosphere and elaborate stage production.
Visual Spectacle: Stages often featured dramatic special effects such as fireworks, flash pots, billows of smoke, and even boxing props.
Theatrical Elements: Kelly frequently utilized rhinestone-encrusted thrones and multiple costume changes, often introduced by video segments to allow for transitions.
Setlist Variety: Shows typically included a mix of current hits like "I'm a Flirt (Remix)" and "Same Girl," alongside classic staples such as "Bump N' Grind" and "Ignition". Critical Reception and Controversies
While many fans praised the show's theatricality, the tour faced scrutiny regarding technical execution and R. Kelly's public image at the time.
Technical Issues: Some reviews noted "schizophrenic" microphone audio, leading to questions about the use of lip-syncing or pre-recorded tracks during high-energy segments.
Protests and Tension: The tour took place while R. Kelly faced significant legal allegations. Outside some venues, such as in Greensboro, demonstrators protested his presence, though he remained supported by a passionate fanbase inside.
Comparison to Past Tours: The tour followed the high-profile but disastrous Best of Both Worlds Tour (2004) with Jay-Z, which ended prematurely due to personal and professional disputes between the two artists.
For better or worse, the R. Kelly Double Up Tour defined late-2000s urban fashion. Kelly wore customized throwback jerseys (Chicago Bulls, of course), oversized True Religion jeans, and the infamous "Leprechaun boots" (tan suede Timbalands). Merchandise booths sold out of "Double Up" dog tags and "Team Kells" bandanas. Today, these items are rare collector’s pieces, often selling for hundreds of dollars on eBay as relics of a pre-#MuteRKelly era.
Musically, the tour was a victory lap. Kelly’s catalog from 1992–2007 is objectively one of the greatest in R&B history, and the setlist reflected that. He opened with the bombastic “The Champ” (a Double Up track sampling the Rocky theme) before immediately pivoting to classics.
Highlights included:
The Double Up tracks—particularly “Same Girl” (where he dueted with a pre-recorded Usher on screens) and “Rock Star”—landed well, though they lacked the timelessness of his 90s work.