Chingy and his “Brand New Kicks” will come to the Convocation Center Friday.

The St. Louis-based rapper will perform as part of the NIU’s fourth annual Homecoming Jam. Opening acts include R&B singer/actor Tyrese and rapper Chamillionaire.

Tickets which have been on sale since Sept. 15 are still available. Students may purchase a limit of two tickets for $29.50 with a presented NIU Student ID. General public tickets are $34.50. Gold Circle tickets are limited at $45.

Doors open at 7 p.m. with the first performer scheduled to take the stage at 8 p.m.

“Our homecoming shows have brought some of the best musical acts in the nation,” said Kevis Selover, assistant director of marketing at the Convo. “This year is no exception.”

The evening’s originally-slated opener, Jibbs, was replaced by Tyrese after a scheduling conflict.

Last year’s Homecoming Jam featured Ciara and Chicago’s Twista. About 2,000 fans attended the concert.

Headlining performer Chingy has released three full-length albums. His debut “Jackpot” was released in 2003 and featured both Snoop Dogg and Ludacris. The twice platinum album was followed by 2004’s “Powerballin” which went platinum. Last month’s “Hoodstar” includes songs such as “Pullin’ Me Back,” “Dem Jeans,” and “Nike Aurr’s & Crispy Tees.”

Multitalented Tyrese plans on releasing his next album “Alter Ego” later this year. Tyrese has starred in such films as “Four Brothers,” “2 Fast 2 Furious” and “Baby Boy.” The actor will also appear in next year’s big screen adaptation of “Transformers.”

Chamillionaire recently wont MTV’s “Best Rap Video” award.

Adrian Finiak is a music critic for the Northern Star.