Kanye West is the latest urban-music superman, joining the likes of Dr. Dre, D'angelo and R. Kelly as a writer, producer and performer who can do no wrong. (Well, in R. Kelly's case…) His breakthrough album The College Dropout pretty much ruled both urban radio and the most recent Grammys. The follow-up, the brand-new Late Registration, moved over 850,000 units during its first week of release, and spawned a No. 1 hit with its second single, "Gold Digger." Who says calling the President a racist on national television is bad for your career?

Now it's time to see if West can own the stage as well as the airwaves. The phrase "good live hip-hop" is something of an oxymoron, but even if Jesus' favorite egomaniac can't bring it, we all know fellow Chicago resident Common can. (Kanye produced his killer latest album, Be.) Also on the bill are up and coming R&B singer Keyshia Cole, and American Idol winner and subsequent platinum recording artist Fantasia.

Kanye West, w/Common/Keyshia Cole/Fantasia, Wednesday, Oct. 12, USF Sun Dome, Tampa. 7:30 p.m.; $39.50.

This article appears in Oct 5-11, 2005.