The first lady of Crunk and R&B is coming to NIU homecoming weekend. Ciara and Twista will play the Convocation Center at 8 p.m. Thursday.

The Homecoming Jam has been host to urban, hip hop groups the last three years, including Young Buck, Lloyd Banks and Lil’ Scrappy and Ludacris.

The promoter of the Convocation Center works to bring in such acts for Homecoming weekend, said Kevin Selover, marketing manager for the Convocation Center.

“We’re open to just about anything. We can adapt and change with just about anything that’s out there,” Selover said. “Ciara is more of a pop and Twista is more of a rap act. So it’s a good combo with both of them.”

Ciara’s debut album, “Goodies,” includes her hit song, “Goodies.” The double platinum album also features hits, “1,2 Step,” and “Oh.”

Chicago rapper Twista recently released “The Day After,” and had a No. 1 single in 2004 titled “Slow Jamz,” off the album “Kamikaze.”

Rebecca Roberts, a junior elementary education major, said she was not sure Ciara was a good act to bring for Homecoming weekend.

“I don’t think her music appeals to everybody,” Roberts said. “The only song of hers I really like is ‘Goodies,’ but that’s kind of old.”

Junior math education major Ken Borre said he is not familiar with Ciara’s music but thinks the Convo Center brings in some diverse acts.

“I would love to see the Convo bring in some bigger acts ala Pearl Jam or even, dare I say, the Rolling Stones,” Borre said. “In past years, I enjoyed Incubus, which was quite the rocking, colorful show, and Bob Dylan was certainly a treat, especially on Halloween.”

Tickets are available at the Convo Center box office or at Ticketmaster outlets.

Tickets are $29.50 for students and $35.50 for the general public.