Jump to content

R. Kelly

Page semi-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For the album, see R. Kelly (album).

R. Kelly
Kelly in 2017
Born
Robert Sylvester Kelly

(1967-01-08) January 8, 1967 (age 57)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Other names
  • Pied Piper
  • Kellz
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • rapper
  • record producer
  • actor
Years active1989–2019
Works
Spouses
  • ​
    ​
    (m. 1994; ann. 1995)​
  • ​
    ​
    (m. 1996; div. 2009)​
Children3
AwardsFull list
Musical career
Genres
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • piano
  • keyboards
  • guitar
Labels
Criminal information
Criminal statusImprisoned
Criminal charge
Penalty31 years imprisonment[2][3]
Websiter-kelly.com

Robert Sylvester Kelly (born January 8, 1967) is an American former singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is credited with prolific commercial success in R&B, hip hop, and pop music recordings, earning nicknames such as "the King of R&B", "the King of Pop-Soul",[4][5] and "the Pied Piper of R&B".[6] Kelly's career ended in 2019 following his arrest and subsequent convictions on federal racketeering and sex trafficking charges involving sexual abuse of minors.

Born on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, Kelly began performing in the subway under the Chicago "L" tracks, and regularly busked at the "L" stop on the Red Line's Jackson station in the Loop. During his recording career, Kelly released 18 studio albums which yielded a number of hit singles, including "I Believe I Can Fly", "Bump N' Grind", "Your Body's Callin'", "Fiesta (Remix)", "Ignition (Remix)", "Step in the Name of Love (Remix)", "If I Could Turn Back the Hands of Time", "The World's Greatest", "I'm a Flirt (Remix)", and the hip hopera Trapped in the Closet. In 1998, he won three Grammy Awards for "I Believe I Can Fly".[7] Alongside his recording career, Kelly's songwriting and production work was credited on albums by Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Justin Bieber, Janet Jackson, Chris Brown, Aaliyah, Usher, Ciara, Toni Braxton, Luther Vandross, and Mary J. Blige. Kelly received a Grammy Award nomination for his contributions to Jackson's 1995 single, "You Are Not Alone", which earned a Guinness World Record as the first song to debut atop the Billboard Hot 100 in the chart's history.[7] Kelly's 1998 collaboration with Dion, "I'm Your Angel", did so once more.

Kelly sold over 75 million albums and singles worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time,[8][9] and the most successful R&B male artist of the 1990s. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has recognized Kelly as one of the best-selling artists in the United States with 40 million albums sold.[10] In 2011, Kelly was named the most successful R&B artist of the last 25 years by Billboard. Kelly won Grammy Awards, BET Awards, Soul Train Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and American Music Awards.

Kelly had long been the subject of accusations of sexual abuse, including that of minors, dating back to the 1990s. Following leaked video recordings, Kelly was prosecuted on child pornography charges in 2002, leading to a controversial trial that ended with his acquittal in 2008 on all charges. The 2019 documentary Surviving R. Kelly re-examined Kelly's alleged sexual misconduct with minors, prompting RCA Records to terminate his contract. Renewed interest in the allegations resulted in additional investigations by law enforcement beginning in 2019, which led to multiple indictments and Kelly's arrest. In 2021 and 2022, he was convicted on multiple charges involving child sexual abuse. As of 2024, he is serving a 31-year combined sentence at FCI Butner Medium I in North Carolina.

Early life

Robert Sylvester Kelly was born on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois,[11] on January 8, 1967,[12] at Chicago Lying-In Hospital (now University of Chicago Medical Center) in the city's Hyde Park neighborhood. He has five siblings (three of whom are half):[13] two older sisters[14] and brother, along with a younger brother and sister.[15][16] His mother, Joanne, was a schoolteacher and devout Baptist.[17] She was born in Arkansas.[13] The identity of his father, who was absent from Kelly's life and later raised two children,[14] is not known.[17] His family lived in the Ida B. Wells Homes public housing project in the Black Metropolis–Bronzeville District of Chicago's Douglas neighborhood, also on the city's south side.[18] Around the time he was five years old, Kelly's mother married his stepfather, Lucious, who reportedly worked for an airline.[13] Kelly began singing in the church choir at age eight.[15]

Trauma and abuse

Kelly described having a girlfriend, Lulu, at age eight, in his autobiography. He stated that their last play date turned tragic when, after fighting with older children over a play area by a creek, she was pushed into the water, swept downstream by a fast-moving current, and drowned. Kelly called Lulu his first musical inspiration.[19]

Kelly said members of his household would act differently when his mother and grandparents were not home.[20][17] This included highly provocative dress and behavior. Kelly stated that when he was eight, an adult woman in the household coerced him into photographing her while having intercourse with an adult male partner.[21]

From age 8 to 14, he was often sexually abused by an older female family member.[13][22] Kelly's younger brother, Carey, stated that he suffered from years of sexual abuse at the hands of his older sister, Theresa, who was entrusted with babysitting her siblings.[23][24] Carey stated that although their older brother, Bruce, was spared and allowed to play outside, both he and Kelly were punished at separate times indoors by Theresa, who refused to acknowledge the abuse when confronted years later.[23][24]

Explaining why he never told anyone, Kelly wrote in the 2012 autobiography Soulacoaster: The Diary of Me that he was "too afraid and too ashamed".[19] Around age 10, Kelly was also sexually abused by an older male who was a friend of the family.[13] In his autobiography, Kelly describes being shot in the shoulder at age 13 by boys who were attempting to steal his bike,[19] although a family friend claims his mother disputed this, stating that the gunshot was self-inflicted during a suicide attempt.[13]

Turn toward music

As a teenager, Kelly began performing in public at Chicago "L" stations on the Red Line (CTA)

In September 1980, Kelly entered Kenwood Academy in the city's Hyde Park-Kenwood district, where he met music teacher Lena McLin, who encouraged Kelly to perform Stevie Wonder's "Ribbon in the Sky" in the high school talent show.[25] A shy Kelly put on sunglasses, was escorted onto the stage, performed the song, and was awarded first prize.[17][26][27] McLin encouraged Kelly to leave the high school basketball team and concentrate on music. She said he was furious at first, but after his performance in the talent show, he changed his mind.[28] Kelly was diagnosed with dyslexia,[29] which left him unable to read or write.[30][22] Kelly dropped out of high school after attending Kenwood Academy for one year.[31] He began performing in the subway under the Chicago "L" tracks.[31] He regularly busked at the "L" stop on the Red Line's Jackson station in the Loop.[13]

In his youth, Kelly played basketball with Illinois state champion basketball player Ben Wilson[13] and later sang "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" at Wilson's funeral.[32]

Career

During his recording career, Kelly sold over 75 million records worldwide, making him the most commercially successful male R&B artist of the 1990s and one of the world's best-selling music artists.[33][34] He won three Grammys for his song "I Believe I Can Fly", and was also nominated for his song "You Are Not Alone" recorded by Michael Jackson.[35] Critics dubbed him "the King of R&B"[36][37][38] while he billed himself the "Pied Piper of R&B".[39]

1989–1994: Born into the 90's and 12 Play

Main articles: Public Announcement, Born into the 90's, and 12 Play

MGM (Musically Gifted Men or Mentally Gifted Men)[13] was formed in 1989 with Robert Kelly, Marc McWilliams, Vincent Walker and Shawn Brooks. In 1990, MGM were offered a contract with an independent label, Tavdash Records.[40] Shortly after, they recorded and released one single, "Why You Wanna Play Me."[41] Kelly gained national recognition when MGM participated on the talent TV show Big Break, hosted by Natalie Cole.[42] MGM performed "All My Love", which would become a demo for Kelly's song "She's Got That Vibe."[43] The group went on to win the $100,000 grand prize in 1991 before they disbanded.[44][45]

In 1991, Kelly signed with Jive Records.[41] Kelly's debut album, Born into the 90's, was released in early 1992 (credited as R. Kelly and Public Announcement). The album, released during the new jack swing period of the early 1990s, yielded the R&B hits "She's Got That Vibe", "Honey Love", "Dedicated", and "Slow Dance (Hey Mr. DJ)", with Kelly singing lead vocals.[46] During late 1992, Kelly and Public Announcement embarked on a tour entitled "60653" after the zip code of their Chicago neighborhood.[15] This would be the only album co-credited with Public Announcement. Kelly separated from the group in 1993.[17]

"When I create a song for myself or another artist, I see the entire thing— what the song should be like, how it should be produced, how the video should look, the image of the artist for the single— it's a package deal."

— R. Kelly (1994)[47]

Kelly's first solo album, 12 Play, was released on November 9, 1993, and yielded the singer's first number-one hit, "Bump N' Grind", which spent a record-breaking 12 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart. Subsequent hit singles: "Your Body's Callin'" (U.S. Hot 100: #13, U.S. R&B: #2) and "Sex Me" (U.S. Hot 100: #20, U.S. R&B: #8). Both singles sold 500,000 copies in the United States and were certified Gold by the RIAA.[46] In 1994, 12 Play was certified Gold by the RIAA, eventually going six times platinum.[48]

In 1994, Kelly established himself as a leading producer by producing songs for various artists, including Aaliyah, Janet Jackson, and Changing Faces.[49] He co-headlined a tour with Salt-N-Pepa and headlined the Budweiser Superfest tour.[50][47]

1995–1996 R. Kelly and "I Believe I Can Fly"

Main articles: R. Kelly (album) and I Believe I Can Fly

In 1995, Kelly garnered his first Grammy nominations; two for writing, producing, and composing Michael Jackson's last number-one hit, "You Are Not Alone".[35][51]

Kelly's success continued with the November 14, 1995, release of R. Kelly, his eponymous second studio album. Critics praised him for his departure from salacious bedroom songs to embracing vulnerability. New York Times contributor Stephen Holden described Kelly as "The reigning king of pop-soul sex talks a lot tougher than Barry White, the father of such fluffed-up pillow talks and along with Marvin Gaye and Donny Hathaway, [both] major influences for Kelly."[52] In December 1995, Professor Michael Eric Dyson critiqued Kelly's self-titled album "R. Kelly" for VIBE. Dyson described Kelly's growth from the 12 Play album: "Kelly reshapes his personal turmoil to artistic benefit" and noted that Kelly is "reborn before our very own ears".[53]

The album reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart, becoming Kelly's first number one album on the chart, and reached number one on the R&B album charts; his second. The R. Kelly album spawned three platinum hit singles: "You Remind Me of Something" (U.S. Hot 100: #4, U.S. R&B: #1), "I Can't Sleep Baby (If I)" (U.S. Hot 100: #5, U.S. R&B: #1), and "Down Low (Nobody Has To Know)" (U.S. Hot 100: #4, U.S. R&B: #1); a duet with Ronald Isley. Kelly's self-titled album sold four million copies, receiving 4× platinum certification from the RIAA.[48] He promoted the album with a 50-city "Down Low Top Secret Tour" with LL Cool J, Xscape, and Solo.[54]

On November 26, 1996, Kelly released "I Believe I Can Fly", an inspirational song originally released on the soundtrack for the film Space Jam. "I Believe I Can Fly" reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, and No. 1 on the UK charts for three weeks and won three Grammy Awards in 1998.[35][46] In that same year, he contributed to "Freak Tonight" for the A Thin Line Between Love and Hate soundtrack.

1997–2001: Basketball, R., TP-2.COM, and Rockland Records

Main articles: Rockland Records, R. (R. Kelly album), and TP-2.com

In 1997, Kelly signed a contract to play professional basketball with the Atlantic City Seagulls of the USBL.[55] He wore the number 12 in honor of his album 12 Play.[56] Kelly said "I love basketball enough to not totally let go of my music, but just put it to the side for a minute and fulfill some dreams of mine that I've had for a long time."[57] Kelly's USBL contract contained a clause that would allow him to fulfill a music obligation when necessary. "If Whitney Houston needs a song written", said Ken Gross, the Seagulls owner who signed Kelly, "he would be able to leave the team to do that and come back". "It wasn't a gimmick", Gross continued, "he's a ballplayer. He can play."[58]

In the same year, Kelly collaborated with American rapper The Notorious B.I.G. for the song "Fuck You Tonight" on the posthumous album Life After Death.[59]

In 1998, he launched his own label, Rockland Records, in a distribution deal with Jimmy Iovine's Interscope Records. The label's roster included artists Sparkle, Boo & Gotti, Talent, Vegas Cats, Lady, Frankie, Secret Weapon, and Rebecca F.[60][61] That May, Sparkle, Rockland's first signed artist, released her eponymous debut album. In addition to producing and writing the project, Kelly made vocal contribution to the hit duet "Be Careful", which became a serious factor as to why the album was certified platinum in December 2000.[62]

On November 17, 1998, Kelly released his fourth studio and first double album, R. Musically, the album spans different genres from pop (Celine Dion), street rap (Nas and Jay-Z) to Blues ("Suicide"). Dave Hoekstra of the Los Angeles Times described the album as "easily the most ambitious project of his career".[63] In the summer of 1999, he wrote and produced a majority of the soundtrack to the Martin Lawrence and Eddie Murphy film, Life, which features tracks from K-Ci & JoJo, Maxwell, Mýa, and Destiny's Child, among others. The soundtrack was also released on the Rockland imprint.[64]

In early 2000, Kelly received multiple awards reflecting his status as an established R&B superstar. In January 2000, he won Favorite Male Soul/R&B Artist at the American Music Awards and, in February, was nominated for several Grammy Awards, including Best Male R&B Vocal Performance ("When a Woman's Fed Up"), Best R&B Album (R.), and Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group ("Satisfy You") with P. Diddy.[35][65]

On November 7, 2000, he released his fifth studio album, TP-2.com, a project aligned with his breakthrough album, 12 Play. Unlike R., all songs on TP-2.com were written, arranged, and produced by Kelly. AllMusic's Jason Birchmeier gave TP-2.com 4 stars and stated: "Kelly knows how to take proven formulas and funnel them through his own stylistic aesthetic, which usually means slowing down the tempo, laying on lush choruses of strings and background vocals, taming down the lyrics for radio, and catering his pitch primarily to wistful women.[66]

In 2001, Kelly won the Outstanding Achievement Award at the Music of Black Origin or MOBO Awards and Billboard magazine ranked TP-2.com number 94 on the magazine's Top 200 Albums of the Decade.[67] Kelly's song, "The World's Greatest", from the soundtrack to the 2001 autobiographical film, Ali, was a hit.[68]

2002–2003: The Best of Both Worlds and Chocolate Factory

Main articles: The Best of Both Worlds (Jay-Z and R. Kelly album) and Chocolate Factory

On January 24, 2002, at a press conference announcing the completion of Kelly and Jay-Z's first collaborative album, The Best of Both Worlds, celebrities such as Johnnie Cochran, Russell Simmons, Luther Vandross, and Sean Combs praised the album, with Jay-Z stating that he hoped the collaboration represents "more unity for black people on a whole".[69] MTV's Shaheem Reid wrote: "And if Jay and Kelly can put their egos to the side long enough to wrap up and promote their album, then their labels—Def Jam and Jive, respectively—can surely figure out a way to join forces and make cheddar together."[69]

On February 8, 2002, Kelly performed at the opening ceremony of the 2002 Winter Olympics, a week after a news scandal broke of a sex tape that appeared to show Kelly with an underage girl.[70][71]

Following a leak of the joint album on February 22, 2002, Roc-A-Fella and Jive moved the release date one week earlier in an effort to curtail piracy.[72] Jay-Z expressed frustration about the album leak to MTV News, describing the event as both a "gift" and a "curse."[72] Upon release on March 19, 2002, The Best of Both Worlds sold 285,000 copies in its opening week and debuted at number two on the Billboard 200.[73] It was a critical and commercial disappointment.[74]

In May 2002, six months prior to the scheduled release of Kelly's sixth studio album, Loveland, a bootleg copy containing 15 tracks had been leaked.[75] In response, Kelly began work on the album now known as Chocolate Factory, opting to release Loveland as a deluxe edition bonus disc.[76] In October of that year, Kelly released "Ignition (Remix)", the lead single from his upcoming album. It would spend 42 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number two.[77][78]

On February 18, 2003, Kelly released Chocolate Factory, which debuted as the number one album on the Billboard 200.[79] It sold 532,000 copies in its first week.[80] The album was met with critical acclaim,[81] and supported by two more singles. "Snake", the albums second single, was followed by "Step in the Name of Love (Remix)", which charted for 70 weeks, reaching number one on the R&B/Hip-hop airplay charts.[82] Later that year, in September, Kelly's first greatest hits album, The R. in R&B Collection, Vol. 1, was released which included "Thoia Thoing" and two other previously unreleased songs.[83]

2004–2005: Unfinished Business, Happy People/U Saved Me and TP.3 Reloaded

Main articles: Unfinished Business (Jay-Z and R. Kelly album), Happy People/U Saved Me, and TP.3 Reloaded

Between mid-2003 and early 2004, Kelly began work on a double CD album, one with "happy" tracks and another with "inspirational" tracks. The double album, Happy People/U Saved Me, was released on August 24, 2004. It debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, with first week sales of 264,000 copies.[84] Both of the album's titled tracks respectively performed underwhelmingly; "Happy People" charted at number twenty-nine on the Adult R&B song chart while "U Saved Me" peaked at number fifty-two on the Billboard Hot 100.[85][86]

Two months later, Kelly and Jay-Z reunited to release their second collaborative album, Unfinished Business. The album received criticism and, as with the pair's previous collaboration, it was also a commercial failure, despite debuting at number one on the Billboard 200. Album promotion and its Best of Both Worlds tour were both plagued by tension between the stars, with Kelly reportedly showing up late or not at all to gigs.[87] Kelly complained that the touring lights were not directed towards him and allegedly assaulted the tour's lighting director.[87]

Jay-Z eventually removed Kelly halfway through the tour, after a member of Jay-Z's entourage pepper sprayed Kelly[88] on October 29, 2004.[89] Tyran "Ty Ty" Smith was charged with assault, but took a plea deal for disorderly conduct.[89] Kelly bounced back commercially after appearing on Ja Rule's single, "Wonderful" alongside Ashanti. In November 2004, "Wonderful" charted at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the UK Singles Chart.[90][91] The single was certified gold by the RIAA in May 2005.[92]

After finishing Happy People/U Saved Me and Unfinished Business in 2004,[93] Kelly released TP.3 Reloaded in July 2005.[94] It became Kelly's fifth consecutive number-one album in his career. TP.3 Reloaded was heavily cross-promoted alongside the first five chapters of Kelly's musical serial, the "hip hopera" Trapped in the Closet.[95]

2006–2009: Double Up and Untitled, Africa

Main articles: Double Up (R. Kelly album) and Untitled (R. Kelly album)

In December 2006, Kelly built momentum for his eighth solo studio album, Double Up, after guest-appearing on Bow Wow's "I'm a Flirt".[96] Three months later, Kelly's remix of "I'm a Flirt" was released, but instead of Bow Wow, it featured T.I. and T-Pain. On May 29, 2007, the album was released. It became Kelly's sixth and final album in his career to chart at number one on the Billboard 200.[97] Kelly's other singles from Double Up titled "Same Girl" was a duet of Kelly and Usher,[98] while "Rise Up" was a tribute to the victims of the Virginia Tech shooting that occurred earlier that year in April, a month before the album was released.[99] The song was previously released as a digital download on May 15, 2007. Proceeds were donated to the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund to help family members of the victims of the shootings.[100]

Kelly began his Double Up tour with Ne-Yo, Keyshia Cole and J. Holiday opening for him. One week into the tour, promoter Leonard Rowe had Ne-Yo removed from the tour because of a contract dispute. However, Ne-Yo alleges that the reason for the dropout was because Ne-Yo believes he received a better response from critics and fans.[101] Ne-Yo won a lawsuit that he filed against Rowe Entertainment in 2008.[102] Kelly was not mentioned in the lawsuit. In December 2007, Kelly failed to appear at another preliminary court hearing on his case due to his tour bus being held up in Utah.[103] The judge threatened to revoke Kelly's bond, but eventually decided against it. In 2008, Kelly released a rap track titled "I'm a Beast" in which he coarsely attacked his detractors, yet did not name the subjects of the song.[104]

In 2008, before and after being acquitted on charges of producing child sexual abuse material, Billboard reported that Kelly had plans to release his newest album titled 12 Play: Fourth Quarter in the summer of that year but the album was postponed. Billboard named Kelly among the most successful artists ever for its 50th Anniversary List.[105] In the spring, the promotional single "Hair Braider", peaked at No. 56 on Billboard's R&B chart. On July 28, the entire album leaked online, causing the title to be scrapped.[106]

In February 2009, Kelly announced that he was working on a new album called Untitled[107] with a projected release date of September 29, but it had been delayed to December.[108] In June 2009, he released his first mixtape, The "Demo" Tape, presented by DJ Skee and DJ Drama.[109]

Kelly headlined the Arise African Fashion Awards in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 20, 2009.[110] He performed in Cape Town, followed by Nigeria as part of the annual ThisDay music and fashion festival in July. That same month, he released "Number One", featuring singer-songwriter Keri Hilson. Then, on December 1, Kelly's untitled ninth solo album was released.[111] It charted on the Billboard 200 at number four.[112][113] More singles from the album include "Echo", "Supaman High" and "Be My #2". In January 2010, Kelly performed in Kampala, Uganda. "I'm very excited about my first visit to Africa, I've dreamed about this for a long time and it's finally here", Kelly said in a statement. "It will be one of the highlights of not only my career but my life. I can't wait to perform in front of my fans in Africa—who have been some of the best in the world."[114]

2010–2012: Epic, Love Letter, throat surgery, and Write Me Back

Main articles: Epic (R. Kelly album), Love Letter (R. Kelly album), and Write Me Back

Kelly performed at the 2010 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony on June 11, 2010.[115] In an interview in the September 2010 issue of XXL magazine, Kelly said he was working on three new albums (Epic, Love Letter, and Zodiac) which he described as "remixing himself".[116] Epic, a compilation filled with powerful ballads including "The World's Greatest" and "Sign of a Victory", only saw a European release on September 21, 2010.[117] However, it is also available for streaming worldwide.[118]

In November 2010, Kelly collaborated with several African musicians forming a supergroup known as One8. The group featured 2Face from Nigeria, Ali Kiba from Tanzania, Congolese singer Fally Ipupa, 4X4 from Ghana, hip-hop artist Movaizhaleine from Gabon, Zambia's JK, Ugandan hip-hop star Navio and Kenya's Amani, the only female in the group. The first release from the group was "Hands Across the World" written and produced by Kelly.[119][120]

Kelly's tenth album Love Letter, released on December 14, 2010, included 15 songs, one of which was Kelly singing "You Are Not Alone", a track Kelly originally wrote for Michael Jackson. The first single "When a Woman Loves" was nominated for a Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards.[35]

R. Kelly in 2011

At the 2011 Pre-Grammy Gala in Los Angeles, Kelly performed a medley of hits, and, in March 2011, Kelly was named the No. 1 R&B artist of the last 25 years by Billboard.[121][122]

On July 19, 2011, Kelly was admitted to the Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago to undergo emergency throat surgery to drain an abscess on one of his tonsils, and was released on July 21, 2011.[123] He canceled his performance at the Reggae Sumfest in Jamaica that was scheduled for the following Friday. Johnny Gourzong, Sumfest Productions executive director, commented, "We are truly going to miss his presence on the festival."[124][125] On September 23, 2011, Variety confirmed that Kelly had signed on to write original music for the Sparkle soundtrack.[126]

In 2011, Kelly worked with writer David Ritz on an autobiography entitled Soulacoaster: The Diary of Me, which was later released in the summer of 2012.[127] On October 7, 2011, after Sony's RCA Music Group announced the consolidation of Jive, Arista and J Records into RCA Records,[128][129] Kelly was set to release music under the RCA brand.[130][131]

Following his throat surgery, Kelly released "Shut Up" to generally favorable reviews: Spin magazine said, "Kelly taking aim at the haters who said "he's washed up, he's lost it." He hasn't. Dude's voice is in prime smooth R&B form".[132] On December 21, 2011, Kelly made a live appearance on The X Factor and gave his first performance after the surgery. Kelly revealed to Rolling Stone that he felt like he was "just starting out" and how the performance was a "wake up call" for him.[133]

In 2012, Kelly made a series of announcements including a follow-up to the Love Letter album titled Write Me Back, which was released on June 26 to little fanfare,[134] as well as a third installment of Trapped in the Closet[135] and The Single Ladies Tour featuring R&B singer, Tamia.[136][137][138] In February 2012, Kelly performed "I Look to You", a song he wrote for Whitney Houston, at Houston's homegoing.[139]

2013–2017: Black Panties, The Buffet, and 12 Nights of Christmas

Main articles: Black Panties, The Buffet (R. Kelly album), and 12 Nights of Christmas

During 2013, Kelly continued his "The Single Ladies Tour". He performed at music festivals across North America, including Bonnaroo, Pitchfork, and Macy's Music Festival. On June 30, 2013, R. Kelly performed live at BET Awards Show singing hits as well as his new track "My Story" featuring Atlanta rapper 2 Chainz. The song was the lead single for Kelly's twelfth studio album Black Panties.[140] released on December 10, 2013.[141] Writing for New York magazine, David Marchese stated that Black Panties "was like a dare to the world: After all that he'd been accused of, after avoiding conviction, could R. Kelly still get away with making sex-obsessed music?"[30]

In 2013, Kelly collaborated with several artists including Celine Dion, Mariah Carey,[142] Mary J. Blige,[143] and Jennifer Hudson.[144] In an interview with Global Grind in November, he described follow up work with Celine Dion after their number one single "I'm Your Angel" from 1998.[145] Kelly worked with singer Mariah Carey for her album "The Art of Letting Go".[142]

Kelly co-wrote and sang on Lady Gaga's song "Do What U Want" from her 2013 album Artpop, performing the duet with her on Saturday Night Live on November 16, 2013,[146] and at the 2013 American Music Awards.[147][30] "Do What U Want" had since been removed from streaming services and re-releases of Gaga's Artpop album following sexual misconduct allegations against Kelly in early 2019.[148][149][150] He also collaborated with Birdman and Lil Wayne on "We Been On", a single from the Cash Money Records compilation, Rich Gang. He also appeared on Twista's first single on his new album "Dark Horse".[151][152] On November 17, 2013, Kelly and Justin Bieber debuted a collaboration entitled "PYD".[153][154]

Kelly was featured on the soundtrack album of the film The Best Man Holiday with his song "Christmas, I'll Be Steppin'".[155] Kelly stated his intention to tour with R&B singer Mary J. Blige on "The King & Queen Tour" prior to the Black Panties Tour while continuing to create segments of the hip hopera Trapped in the Closet.[156] In July 2014, Kelly announced that he was working on a house music album.[157]

In November 2015, Kelly released "Switch Up" featuring fellow Chicagoan Jeremih and Lil Wayne, followed by "Wake Up Everybody", "Marching Band" and "Backyard Party". The following month, the album containing those singles, The Buffet, was released. It charted poorly on the Billboard 200 at number sixteen with first-week sales of 39,000 album-equivalent copies.[158] During November 2015, R. Kelly released a song with Ty Dolla $ign called "Actress" off the album Free TC. The following year, after a two-and-a-half-year delay, Kelly presented his only Christmas album, also his fourteenth and final studio album in his career thus far, 12 Nights of Christmas, which was released on October 21, 2016.[159]

2017–2022: Guest appearances, "I Admit"

Main article: I Admit (R. Kelly song)
R. Kelly performing in 2017

On March 17, Pitbull released the song "Dedicated" off his album Climate Change and features guest appearances from American singers R. Kelly and Austin Mahone.

Kelly released the 19-minute-long "I Admit" on SoundCloud on July 23, 2018, as a response to his accusers.[160][161] The song does not contain any criminal admissions despite its title and chorus, which repeats the lyric "I admit it, I did it".[162][163] In "I Admit", Kelly denies allegations of domestic violence and pedophilia, asserting that they are matters of opinion.[163] Kelly also denounces Jim DeRogatis and repudiates his investigative report's claim of Kelly operating a "sex cult".[160] Addressing the Mute R. Kelly social media campaign, Kelly sings, "only God can mute me".[164][165]

The song was criticized by reviewers, who described it as an act of trolling.[166][167] Many outlets compared the song to that of his "Heaven I Need a Hug" extended version, Trapped in the Closet opera, "I Believe I Can Fly" concert remix, and O. J. Simpson's autobiographical novel If I Did It.[168][169] Andrea Kelly and Carey Killa Kelly (R. Kelly's ex-wife and brother, respectively) responded to "I Admit" with songs that contain additional allegations against R. Kelly.[170][171]

An album credited to Kelly titled I Admit It after and including the 19-minute song from 2018 was released on streaming services on December 9, 2022, but was taken down after it was not approved by Sony or R. Kelly's team. The album was credited to Sony's Legacy Recordings but actually uploaded by Real Talk Entertainment, who had released the album through a sub-label also named Legacy Recordings. This resulted in the credited distributor, Universal Music Group–owned Ingrooves, cutting ties with Real Talk Entertainment.[172]

Artistry

Musical style and influences

Kelly's music took root in R&B, hip hop and soul. He was influenced by listening to his mother, Joanne Kelly, sing. She played records by Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway and Marvin Gaye, inspirations for Kelly.[173][174][175] In reference to Hathaway, Kelly stated: "A guy like Donny Hathaway had a focused, sexual texture in his voice that I always wanted in mine. He had smooth, soulful tones, but he was spiritual at the same time.[173] In his autobiography, Kelly stated that he was heavily influenced by Marvin Gaye's R&B Lothario image. "I had to make a 'baby-makin'' album. If Marvin Gaye did it, I wanted to do it", Kelly said.[20]

While Kelly created a smooth, professional mixture of hip-hop beats, soulman crooning and funk, the most distinctive element of his music is its explicit sensuality. "Sex Me", "Bump n' Grind", "Your Body's Callin'", and "Feelin' on Yo Booty" are considered to be examples, as their productions were seductive enough to sell such blatant come-ons. Kelly's crossover appeal was also sustained by his development of a flair for pop balladry.[46]

Vocal style and lyrical themes

Writing for the New York Daily News in 1997, Nunyo Demasio stated "With a voice that easily shifts from booming baritone to seductive alto, Kelly has gained international celebrity by combining streetwise rhythms with sexually explicit lyrics."[57] Love and sex are the topics of the majority of Kelly's lyrical content, although he has written about a wide variety of themes such as inspiration and spirituality. Chicago Sun-Times reporters Jim DeRogatis and Abdon Pallasch observed about the contrasting themes: "... the image he liked to project was that of the "R&B Thug"... bringing the streetwise persona of the gangsta rapper into the more polite world of R&B."[176]

Kelly expressed that he writes from everyday experiences and prides himself on being versatile. Larry Khan, senior vice president of Jive's urban marketing and promotion, said that Kelly's musical compass is second to none.[177] DeRogatis and Pallasch reported that at concerts where Kelly would go from singing "Like a Real Freak" to "I Wish": "Many fans found these abrupt shifts between the transcendent and the venal, the inspirational and the X-rated jarring."[176]

Influence

Kelly is considered to be one of the most successful R&B artists since the mid-1980s.[122] He is also one of the bestselling music artists in the United States, with over 30 million albums sold, as well as only the fifth black artist to enter the top 50 of the same list.[10] Rolling Stone magazine called him "arguably the most important R&B figure of the 1990s and 2000s".[178] Music executive Barry Weiss described Kelly as "the modern-day Prince, although there's a bit of Marvin Gaye in him, and a bit of Irving Berlin".[179] R. Kelly has also been compared to artists like Sam Cooke and Bobby Brown.[179][180]

In addition to his solo and collaboration success, Kelly has also written and produced several hit songs, such as "Age Ain't Nothing but a Number" for Aaliyah, "Fortunate" for Maxwell, "You Are Not Alone" for Michael Jackson, "G.H.E.T.T.O.U.T." for Changing Faces, "Bump, Bump, Bump" for B2K, and many more.

Honors and awards

See also: List of awards and nominations received by R. Kelly

Kelly has received and been nominated for multiple awards, as a songwriter, producer, and singer. He won three Grammy Awards for his song "I Believe I Can Fly": Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, Best Rhythm and Blues Song, and Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or for Television.[35] After Kelly's federal conviction in New York, The Recording Academy stated in 2021 they wouldn't strip Kelly of his awards despite his "disturbing" actions.[181]

Kelly was given a key to the city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 2013 as "an artist whose music brings generations together".[182] On September 30, 2021, following his New York conviction of multiple sex crimes, the key was rescinded.[183][184]

Sexual abuse allegations

Main article: R. Kelly sexual abuse cases

Kelly has faced repeated accusations of sexual abuse for incidents dating from 1991 to 2018 and has been the subject of a long-term investigation by the Chicago Sun-Times since August 2000. He has been tried in multiple civil suits and criminal trials, starting in 1996 when Tiffany Hawkins alleged that, starting in 1991 when she was age 15, Kelly, aged 24, had sexual relations with her and encouraged her to entice underaged friends.[185][186] Following leaked video recordings, Kelly was prosecuted on child pornography charges in 2002,[187] leading to a controversial trial that ended with his acquittal in 2008 on all charges.[188] The 2019 documentary Surviving R. Kelly reexamined Kelly's alleged sexual misconduct with minors, prompting RCA Records to terminate his contract[189] and resulted in additional investigations by law enforcement beginning in 2019.[190] This culminated in a 2021 conviction for violations of the Mann Act and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, and a 2022 conviction for production of child pornography. As of 2023, he is serving a 31-year combined sentence at FCI Butner Medium I.[191] On July 30, 2024, multiple news outlets reported that Kelly, alongside his lawyer Jennifer Bonjean, had asked the Supreme Court to review his child pornography case, which could potentially drop 20 years off his sentence.[192]

Other court cases

Other than the federal sex abuse cases, Kelly has been involved in several high-profile criminal cases and lawsuits.

Criminal

  • August 13, 1997: Kelly was found guilty of battery and placed on unsupervised probation for one year in Lafayette, Louisiana as a result of a July 1996 brawl which involved the singer and his entourage. One of the victims needed a total of 110 facial stitches.[193]
  • April 8, 1998: Kelly was arrested in Chicago on three misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct, including one charge of violating noise ordinance for playing his music extremely loud from his car, during a test run. He was allegedly confrontational as he was arrested and placed into custody. The vehicle he was testing audio in was impounded and placed on a $500 daily recovery fee.[194] Prosecutors from the district attorney's office dropped the first two charges on May 7,[195] and the noise charge on July 22 that year.[196]
  • March 6, 2019: Kelly was taken to the Cook County Jail after failing to pay child support in the amount of $161,633 to his former wife, Andrea. Three days later, he was released after someone, whose identity was withheld, paid off the child support on his behalf. His lawyer says he could not discuss the payment due to a gag order.[197]

Civil suits

  • November 1, 2004: Kelly launched a $75 million lawsuit against former friend Jay-Z and several concert organizers and/or promoters for removing him from the Best of Both Worlds tour.[198] The lawsuit for breach of contract, which sought $75 million in damages ($60 million in punitive damages and $15 million for lost income) was a result of not being able to tour.[199]
  • January 2005: Jay-Z countersued the singer, claiming Kelly showed erratic behavior including being late or absent attendances, vacating deadlines, and continued demands or requests that led to several cancellations and resulted in loss of gross. Kelly's lawyers challenged it as "inaccurate smears of [Mr. Kelly] that are utterly irrelevant to the issues of the case" but confirmed the rapper's refusal to continue work with Kelly after the Madison Square Garden incident and thus broke the contract.[200] Jay-Z's counter suit was dismissed by a judge that May.[201][202]
  • November 2005: Kelly sued Jay-Z again, claiming that now Roc Nation executive Tyran "Ty Ty" Smith was awarded with the position of vice president at the artist and repertoire department of Def Jam Recordings (which Jay was president of at the time), as a result of the latter pepper-spraying Kelly on October 29, 2004.[203]

Personal life

Kelly's mother, Joanne, died from cancer in 1993.[204] He has given conflicting accounts of where he was during his mother's death.[22] His oldest daughter, JoAnn (b. 1998), was named after the singer's mother, but is also known as Buku Abi.[205]

In 1996, Kelly married Andrea Kelly (née Lee), his former backup dancer and mother of his three children, the aforementioned JoAnn, as well as Jaah (b. 2000), and Robert Jr. (b. 2002).[206][207] Andrea filed a restraining order against Kelly in September 2005 after a physical altercation, ultimately filing for divorce in 2006.[208] In January 2009, their divorce was finalized after 13 years of marriage.[209][210] In later years, Andrea accused Kelly of physical, verbal, and mental abuse, including in Surviving R. Kelly (2019).[211][212][213]

Kelly reportedly had a long relationship with gospel singer Deleon Richards in the 1990s. In 2005, a Chicago man was charged for attempting to extort Richards' husband, Gary Sheffield, by allegedly threatening to release a sex tape of Richards with an ex-boyfriend, reportedly Kelly.[214] In January 2006, the man was sentenced to 27 months in prison.[215]

Philanthropy

In April 2007, Kelly released the song "Rise Up" for Virginia Tech after the 2007 school shooting and donated the net proceeds to the families of the victims.[216] In 2010, he penned the song "Sign of a Victory" for the FIFA World Cup, with all proceeds benefiting African charities.[217] On April 6, 2011, he performed at a charity event in Chicago benefiting Clara's House, a facility designed to build employment, housing, health care, and education in the projects of Chicago.[218] In 2016, Kelly donated cases of water to the Flint water crisis.[219]

Discography

See also: R. Kelly discography, R. Kelly production discography, and R. Kelly videography

Solo studio albums

Collaborative studio albums

Tours

Kelly toured extensively as a live musician. His concert tours included:

Books

See also

References

  1. ^ "R. Kelly convicted of racketeering and sex trafficking by a federal jury in New York". CNN. September 27, 2021. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021.
  2. ^ "R. Kelly, already serving 30 years for sex trafficking, sentenced to 20 years in federal child porn case". CNN. February 23, 2023.
  3. ^ "U.S. prosecutors ask for 25 more years in prison for R. Kelly". NPR. Retrieved July 30, 2023.
  4. ^ Jet. Johnson Publishing Company. December 28, 1998 – January 4, 1999. p. 56. Retrieved October 27, 2014 – via Google Books.
  5. ^ Holden, Stephen (December 17, 1995). "Pop Briefs". The New York Times. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
  6. ^ "Who Is The Pied Piper? The Mysterious Fairytale That Inspired R. Kelly". Oxygen Official Site. January 11, 2019. Retrieved June 23, 2019.
  7. ^ a b "R. Kelly". National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. March 17, 2014. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  8. ^ "Spotify joins the growing chorus to #MuteRKelly". Asia Pacific Daily. May 11, 2018. Archived from the original on May 15, 2018. Retrieved May 14, 2018.
  9. ^ "Top 90's R&B/Hip-Hop Artists". December 25, 1999 – January 1, 2000. Retrieved January 25, 2012.
  10. ^ a b "Top Selling Artists - September 10, 2012". RIAA. Retrieved September 10, 2012.
  11. ^ "R. Kelly". Cook County Clerk. Archived from the original on April 14, 2016. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  12. ^ "R. Kelly: Singer, Songwriter (1967–)". Biography.com. A&E Networks. January 4, 2019. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved January 19, 2019.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i DeRogatis, Jim (June 4, 2019). Soulless: The Case Against R. Kelly. New York City: Abrams Books. ISBN 9781683357629.
  14. ^ a b "R Kelly's sisters from his father's side believe he was treated unfairly in sexual abuse trial". uk.style.yahoo.com. Retrieved July 6, 2022.
  15. ^ a b c d "Timeline of R. Kelly's life and career". Associated Press News. July 11, 2019. Archived from the original on March 16, 2020. Retrieved March 15, 2020.
  16. ^ "'It's hard, it's hurtful': R. Kelly's sisters speak out amid sex-trafficking trial". PIX11. August 25, 2021. Archived from the original on July 6, 2022. Retrieved July 6, 2022.
  17. ^ a b c d e DeRogatis, Jim. "Timeline: The Life And Career Of R. Kelly". WBEZ. Archived from the original on July 28, 2013. Retrieved March 15, 2020.
  18. ^ Layne, Anni (April 9, 1998). "R. Kelly Arrested In Chicago | Music News". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved December 10, 2013.
  19. ^ a b c Ofori-Atta, Akoto (June 28, 2012). "10 Things Revealed in R. Kelly's Memoir". theroot.com. Archived from the original on February 24, 2015. Retrieved March 5, 2015.
  20. ^ a b Soulacoaster: The Diary of Me. Hay House, Inc. 2012. ISBN 9781401931773. Retrieved October 13, 2014.
  21. ^ "10 Things Revealed in R. Kelly's Memoir". The Root. Archived from the original on February 24, 2015. Retrieved December 5, 2017.
  22. ^ a b c Heath, Chris (January 20, 2016). "The Confessions Of R. Kelly". GQ. Retrieved October 24, 2021.
  23. ^ a b "R. Kelly's Brother Says He and Singer Were Molested by Older Sister". Ebony. January 9, 2019. Retrieved October 24, 2021.
  24. ^ a b Biswas, Shuvrajit Das (January 3, 2020). "Who Is Theresa Kelly? Where Is She Now?". The Cinemaholic. Retrieved October 24, 2021.
  25. ^ Levin, Josh (June 13, 2008). "Long Live the Little Man Defense!". Slate. San Francisco. Archived from the original on June 18, 2008. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  26. ^ Frentner, Shaun. "Kelly, R." eNotes.com. Archived from the original on August 1, 2009. Retrieved September 10, 2012.
  27. ^ Hoekstra, Dave (November 29, 1998). "The Righteous Brother: R. Kelly's ambitious album of genre-spanning songs finds influence from R&B predecessors such as Al Green and Donny Hathaway". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on October 14, 2012. Retrieved April 18, 2011.
  28. ^ Boucher, Geoff (June 15, 2002). "Chicago's Blues for R. Kelly". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on March 16, 2020. Retrieved March 15, 2020.
  29. ^ McKinney, Jessica (July 23, 2018). "R. Kelly Opens Up About Sex Cult, Illiteracy And More On 19-Minute Track". Vibe. Retrieved October 24, 2021.
  30. ^ a b c Marchese, David (January 7, 2016). "The R. Kelly Problem". New York. Archived from the original on August 18, 2016. Retrieved September 27, 2021. He grew up poor and functionally illiterate — owing to dyslexia — on Chicago's South Side, raised mostly by his mother
  31. ^ a b DeRogatis, Jim (June 3, 2019). "R. Kelly and the Damage Done". The New Yorker. Retrieved October 24, 2021.
  32. ^ "30 for 30: Benji - Summary". Paley Center. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  33. ^ "Top 90's R&B/Hip-Hop Artists". Billboard. December 25, 1999 – January 1, 2000. Retrieved January 25, 2012.
  34. ^ "R. Kelly". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  35. ^ a b c d e f "R. Kelly". Grammy.com. National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Archived from the original on March 27, 2022. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  36. ^ "R. Kelly Reveals". Jet. December 28, 1998 – January 4, 1999. p. 56. Retrieved October 27, 2014 – via Google Books.
  37. ^ "BBC World News - R Kelly: Sex, Girls & Videotapes". BBC. 2018. Retrieved October 23, 2021. Recognised as one of the most acclaimed RnB artists in the world, R Kelly has sold over 60 million albums globally and has been dubbed the "King of RnB". Despite his musical success there are multiple underlying rumours and accusations about the artist which paint a much darker picture.
  38. ^ Ogunnaike, Lola (May 2002). "Caught in the Act". Vibe.com. Archived from the original on May 9, 2021. Retrieved October 23, 2021. . . . news broke of a self-made sex tape with a minor. Can the King of R&B withstand the heat?
  39. ^ Heath, Chris (February 3, 2016). "Why R. Kelly Calls Himself "the Pied Piper of R&B"". GQ. Retrieved July 29, 2022.
  40. ^ "Music Stars Who Started in Groups You Never Heard Of". BET. Retrieved July 6, 2022.
  41. ^ a b Brown, Jake (2004). Your Body's Calling Me: Music, Love, Sex & Money : the Life & Times of "Robert" R. Kelly. Amber Books Publishing. ISBN 9780972751957.
  42. ^ Smith, Danyel (January 4, 2019). "Revisit R. Kelly's Dec 1994/Jan 1995 Cover Story: SUPERFREAK". Vibe Magazine. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021.
  43. ^ Klages, Karen E. (April 10, 1991). "THE $100,000 MEN". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021.
  44. ^ "Big Break Winners". Jet. March 25, 1991. p. 35.
  45. ^ Smith, Danyel (December 1994). Superfreak. Vol. 2. Vibe Magazine. pp. 52–56. Archived from the original on October 9, 2021.
  46. ^ a b c d Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "R. Kelly Biography". AllMusic. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  47. ^ a b Reynolds, J.R. (December 10, 1994). "Career Milestones Keep Coming For Jive's Kelly". Billboard. Retrieved January 24, 2012.
  48. ^ a b "RIAA –old & Platinum –. Kelly (album search results)". RIAA. Archived from the original on September 4, 2015. Retrieved July 12, 2009.
  49. ^ "Terri Rossi's Rhythm Section". Billboard. June 11, 1994. p. 20.
  50. ^ Macdonald, Patrick (September 30, 1994). "Hip-Hoppin' In The Dome -- R. Kelly Headlines A Star-Studded Card". The Seattle Times. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
  51. ^ "R. Kelly: What's next for the Grammy Award-winning Superstar". Johnson Publishing Company. June 8, 1998.
  52. ^ Holden, Stephen (December 17, 1995). "Pop Briefs". The New York Times. New York.
  53. ^ "R. Kelly (album) Review". December 1995. Archived from the original on August 20, 2020.
  54. ^ a b Pareles, Jon (April 13, 1996). "MUSIC REVIEW;Invitations to Passion of a Certain Kind". The New York Times. New York.
  55. ^ "R. Kelly Signs Pro Basketball Deal". MTV News. April 25, 1997. Archived from the original on May 19, 2000. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  56. ^ "R. Kelly to Play Pro Basketball". E!. April 25, 1997. Retrieved February 20, 2011.
  57. ^ a b Demasio, Nunyo (May 30, 1997). "A Shooting Star: R. Kelly Lights Up USBL's Seagulls." Archived July 23, 2013, at the Wayback Machine New York Daily News. Retrieved October 29, 2013.
  58. ^ Hoekstra, Dave (November 29, 1998). "The Righteous Brother: R. Kelly's ambitious album of genre- spanning songs finds him updating the spiritually grounded R&B of such greats as Al Green and Donny Hathaway". Los Angeles Times. Chicago. Archived from the original on December 21, 2014. Retrieved January 25, 2012.
  59. ^ Life After Death - The Notorious B.I.G. | Credits | AllMusic, retrieved March 16, 2023
  60. ^ Saidman, Sorelle. "R. Kelly's Secret Weapon Set To Debut". MTV News. Archived from the original on February 3, 2002. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  61. ^ Billboard. September 19, 1998. Retrieved October 27, 2014.
  62. ^ "RIAA - Gold & Platinum Searchable Database - October 27, 2014". Riaa.com. Retrieved October 27, 2014.
  63. ^ Hoekstra, Dave (November 29, 1998). "The Righteous Brother: R. Kelly's ambitious album of genre-spanning songs finds him updating the spiritually grounded R&B of such greats as Al Green and Donny Hathaway". Los Angeles Times. Chicago.
  64. ^ "Feature: R. Kelly". MTV News. Archived from the original on February 29, 2000. Retrieved October 27, 2014.
  65. ^ Brown, Jake (August 13, 2004). Your Body's Calling Me: Music, Love, Sex & Money : the Life & Times of "Robert" R. Kelly. Amber Books Publishing. ISBN 9780972751957. Archived from the original on December 12, 2013 – via Google Books.
  66. ^ Bogdanov, Vladimir (2003). All Music Guide to Soul: The Definitive Guide to R&B and Soul. Hal Leonard Corporation. ISBN 9780879307448. Retrieved September 10, 2012.
  67. ^ "Billboard - Music Charts, Music News, Artist Photo Gallery & Free Video". Billboard. Retrieved October 27, 2014.
  68. ^ "R. Kelly Delivers His World Cup Anthem, Blows Minds". MTV. May 19, 2010. Archived from the original on July 15, 2012. Retrieved September 10, 2012.
  69. ^ a b Reid, Shaheem (January 24, 2002). "Jay-Z, R. Kelly Hype Joint LP With Hash Browns, Johnnie Cochran And A Pimp". MTV. Archived from the original on February 10, 2002. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
  70. ^ DeRogatis, Jim (May 2002). "Tale of the Tape". Spin. pp. 86–88. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  71. ^ "Chicago Police investigate R. Kelly in sex tape". Chicago Sun-Times. February 8, 2002. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  72. ^ a b Reid, Shaheem (March 6, 2002). "Jay-Z Shoots New Video, Unsure If Clip With R. Kelly Will Come". MTV. Archived from the original on April 9, 2002. Retrieved September 10, 2012.
  73. ^ Brown, Preezy (March 28, 2017). "How Good Was Jay-Z & R. Kelly's 'Best Of Both Worlds' Album?". VIBE.com. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
  74. ^ Hochman, Steve (February 3, 2002). "'Best of Both Worlds' Is One Album Title That May Not Be Hyperbole". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 3, 2022.
  75. ^ Reid, Shaheem (May 21, 2002). "R. Kelly Vows To Clamp Down As New Bootleg Hits Streets". MTV News. Archived from the original on June 1, 2002. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  76. ^ Bogdanov, Vladimir (2003). All Music Guide to Soul: The Definitive Guide to R&B and Soul. Hal Leonard Corporation. p. 386. ISBN 978-0-87930-744-8.
  77. ^ "The Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved January 3, 2022.
  78. ^ Boucher, Geoff (December 4, 2002). "R. Kelly's new album out next month". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 3, 2022.
  79. ^ Dansby, Andrew (February 26, 2003). "R. Kelly Bounces 50 Cent". Rolling Stone. Retrieved January 3, 2022.
  80. ^ "R. Kelly timeline". Chicago Tribune. March 18, 2004. Retrieved January 3, 2022.
  81. ^ Miller, Liza (February 18, 2003). "R. Kelly's Chocolate Factory is Ten Years Old: A Look At Its Seminal "Ignition (Remix)"". River Front Times. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  82. ^ "R. Kelly Chart history". Billboard. March 30, 2004. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  83. ^ Henderson, Alex. "The R. in R&B Collection, Vol. 1 Review by Alex Henderson". AllMusic. Retrieved January 3, 2022.
  84. ^ Whitmire, Margo (September 1, 2004). "McGraw's 'Live' Powers To No. 1". Billboard. Archived from the original on September 2, 2004. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
  85. ^ "22 Aug 2004, Page 66 - The Los Angeles Times at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
  86. ^ "R Kelly - Happy People". Uncut. Archived from the original on May 17, 2008. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
  87. ^ a b Stewart, Allison (January 2, 2014). "Jay Z and R. Kelly: Chronicles of a feud". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on January 3, 2014. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
  88. ^ McDermott, Maeve (June 4, 2019). "'Soulless: The Case Against R. Kelly' reveals singer's abuse, ugly relationship with Jay-Z". USA Today. Retrieved October 3, 2021.
  89. ^ a b Harris, Chris (April 25, 2006). "Jay-Z Associate Pleads Guilty In R. Kelly Pepper-Spray Case". MTV News. Archived from the original on September 7, 2006. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  90. ^ "Wonderful by Ja Rule ft R Kelly & Ashanti". Official Charts. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  91. ^ "Chart History: Ja Rule". Billboard. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  92. ^ "Ja Rule, Wonderful". RIAA. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  93. ^ Pareles, Jon (September 2, 2004). "Happy People/U Saved Me". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 3, 2021.
  94. ^ Hoard, Christian (July 18, 2005). "Tp.3 Reloaded". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 3, 2021.
  95. ^ "R. Kelly: TP.3 Reloaded, PopMatters". PopMatters. July 26, 2005. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
  96. ^ George, Raphael. "Who's That 'Flirt?': Bow Wow, And R. Kelly, Too". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 26, 2007. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
  97. ^ Hasty, Katie (June 6, 2007). "R. Kelly Flirts His Way To No. 1 Album Chart Debut". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 9, 2007. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
  98. ^ "Now Is Not a Good Time for R. Kelly and Usher to Have a Song Called 'Same Girl'". BET. Archived from the original on July 23, 2017. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
  99. ^ "R. Kelly Writes Song For Virginia Tech". Associated Press. May 1, 2007. Archived from the original on May 3, 2007. Retrieved July 1, 2024 – via CBS News.
  100. ^ Lamb, Bill (May 4, 2007). "R. Kelly Records "Rise Up" –n Anthem for Healing in Aftermath of Virginia Tech Shootings". About.com. Archived from the original on July 25, 2011. Retrieved May 9, 2007.
  101. ^ Concepcion, Mariel (November 20, 2007). "Ne-Yo Dropped From R. Kelly Tour". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 21, 2007. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
  102. ^ Vena, Jocelyn (September 8, 2008). "Ne-Yo Wins $700,000 In Lawsuit Against R. Kelly Tour Promoter". MTV News. Archived from the original on December 29, 2008. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  103. ^ Orzeck, Kurt (December 19, 2007). "R. Kelly Arrest Warrant Issued Over Missed Court Date". MTV. Archived from the original on December 21, 2007. Retrieved August 5, 2009.
  104. ^ Reid, Shaheem (March 4, 2008). "R. Kelly's New Dis Track: Is He Lashing Out At Jay-Z, Ne-Yo Or Young Jeezy?". MTV. Archived from the original on March 5, 2008. Retrieved August 5, 2009.
  105. ^ "Billboard Hot 100 Chart 50th Anniversary". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 25, 2012. Retrieved August 5, 2009.
  106. ^ "Entire R Kelly album leaks online". NME. July 29, 2008. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved August 5, 2009.
  107. ^ Reid, Shaheem (February 10, 2009). "R. Kelly Reveals New Album Will Be Called Untitled". MTV. Archived from the original on July 17, 2009. Retrieved August 5, 2009.
  108. ^ Singersroom.com (June 11, 2009). "R Kelly Eying Busy September For 'Untitled' Album ?". Singersroom.com. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved August 5, 2009.
  109. ^ Reid, Shaheem (June 2, 2009). "R. Kelly Remixes Lil Wayne, The-Dream, Drake For His First Mixtape". MTV News. Archived from the original on June 5, 2009. Retrieved August 5, 2009.
  110. ^ "R. Kelly To Make African Debut – Contactmusic News". Contactmusic.com. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved August 5, 2009.
  111. ^ "R. Kelly: Untitled". Pitchfork. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
  112. ^ Caulfield, Keith (December 9, 2009). "Boyle's 'Dream' Continues At No. 1 On Billboard 200". Billboard.
  113. ^ Kaufman, Gil (December 9, 2009). "Susan Boyle's Dream Holds On To Billboard #1". MTV News. Archived from the original on December 13, 2009. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  114. ^ "R. Kelly in the Motherland: Singer due in Johannesburg this week for Fashion Awards gig; will kick off international string of concert dates". EURweb.com. June 15, 2009. Archived from the original on July 21, 2009. Retrieved August 5, 2009.
  115. ^ R. Kelly (June 11, 2010). "R. Kelly Kicks Off World Cup In South Africa". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 16, 2010. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
  116. ^ "R.Kelly On Being Happy With Current State Of R&B: "In Some Ways Yes And In Some Ways No"". youheardthatnew. January 13, 2012. Archived from the original on June 25, 2013. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
  117. ^ "R. Kelly: Epic". Tower Records. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
  118. ^ Epic, September 10, 2010, retrieved December 27, 2021
  119. ^ "Hands Across The World Video — ONE8 w R. Kelly". Rnbmusicblog.com. November 19, 2010. Archived from the original on November 26, 2010. Retrieved February 20, 2011.
  120. ^ "R. Kelly Backs African Supergroup". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 23, 2010. Retrieved February 20, 2011.
  121. ^ Gundersen, Edna (February 13, 2011). "Celebs turn out for Pre-Grammy Gala". USA Today. Archived from the original on February 16, 2011. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
  122. ^ a b Date: November 18, 2010 9:19:22 PM (November 18, 2010). "Billboard Names R. Kelly The #1 R&B Artist Of Past 25 Years". Singers Room. Archived from the original on November 21, 2010. Retrieved July 1, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  123. ^ "R. Kelly Released From Hospital After Throat Surgery". Associated Press. September 14, 2009. Archived from the original on August 1, 2013. Retrieved July 1, 2024 – via Billboard. {{cite magazine}}: Cite magazine requires |magazine= (help)
  124. ^ "R. Kelly grounded – Artiste's no-show sends Sumfest organisers on global search for replacement". Jamaica-gleaner.com. July 21, 2011. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2012.
  125. ^ "R. Kelly Undergoes Emergency Throat Surgery". Artistdirect.com. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2012.
  126. ^ Sneider, Jeff (September 23, 2011). "Cee-Lo Green joins 'Sparkle' cast". Variety. Archived from the original on September 26, 2011. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
  127. ^ Dodero, Camille (November 9, 2011). "R. Kelly's Memoir Soula Coaster Is Not Coming Out Next Week. And Maybe Not At All? (Updated)". Sound of the City. The Village Voice. Archived from the original on November 11, 2011. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  128. ^ Nation, Urban Radio. "RCA shuts down the famous Jive, J Records and Arista Imprints". Urban Radio Nation | R&B, Hip Hop, Black Radio, Media, Sports, Podcasts Information Format News. Archived from the original on December 27, 2021. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
  129. ^ Halperin, Shirley (October 7, 2011). "RCA Execs Confirm Jive and Arista Labels Shut Down". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
  130. ^ Christman, Ed. (August 23, 2011) RCA's New Executive Team Named Under CEO Peter Edge Amid Layoffs (Update)
  131. ^ "Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more!". FMQB. Archived from the original on November 8, 2011. Retrieved September 10, 2012.
  132. ^ R. Kelly Croons About Tonsil Surgery in New Track Archived April 5, 2018, at the Wayback Machine. Spin
  133. ^ R. Kelly: 'There Is No End' to 'Trapped in the Closet' Archived June 20, 2017, at the Wayback Machine. Rolling Stone (magazine)
  134. ^ Write Me Back by R. Kelly, retrieved December 27, 2021
  135. ^ Kelly, R.; Swaffield, Jim (November 22, 2012), Trapped in the Closet: Chapters 23-33 (Comedy, Crime, Drama), Fuzzy Bunny Films (I), RCA Records, Sylvester Films, retrieved December 27, 2021
  136. ^ "To All Of The Single Ladies!". R-Kelly. August 31, 2012. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
  137. ^ New R. Kelly interview with JoJo of V101.5 . R. Kelly News [dead link‍]
  138. ^ "Coming Soon to IFC: R. Kelly's "Trapped in the Closet: The Next Installment"". IFC. Archived from the original on October 16, 2015. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
  139. ^ Kleinman, Jacob (February 18, 2012). "Whitney Houston Funeral: R. Kelly Sings Soulful Rendition of 'I Look To You'". International Business Times. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved February 19, 2012.
  140. ^ "R. Kelly Announces New Single With 2 Chainz, Reveals Artwork". Hotnewhiphop.com. July 26, 2013. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved December 10, 2013.
  141. ^ "Lots of Black Panties On R. Kelly's 'Black Panties' Cover Tracklist". Vibe. November 19, 2013. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved December 10, 2013.
  142. ^ a b "Mariah Carey records duet with R Kelly - Music News". Digital Spy. September 30, 2012. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved December 10, 2013.
  143. ^ "Exclusive: Mary J.Blige Set To Duet With R.Kelly On Next Album". Ratedrnb.com. October 24, 2013. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved January 23, 2014.
  144. ^ Lewis, Brittany (November 15, 2013). "The Night I Received Black Panties From R. Kelly by Brittany Lewis". Global Grind. Archived from the original on December 19, 2013. Retrieved January 23, 2014.
  145. ^ Lewis, Brittany (November 15, 2013). "R. Kelly Discusses The "Ignition (Remix)" National Anthem Petition, His Childhood, & New Collaboration With Celine Dion (VIDEO)". Global Grind. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved December 10, 2013.
  146. ^ "Lady Gaga and R. Kelly Perform 'Do What U Want' on 'SNL'". Rap-Up. Rap-Up, LLC. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  147. ^ Lipshutz, Jason (November 12, 2013). "Lady Gaga, R. Kelly To Perform 'Do What U Want' At American Music Awards". Billboard. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  148. ^ "Lady Gaga removes R. Kelly collaboration "Do What U Want" from ARTPOP reissue". Consequence. October 15, 2019. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
  149. ^ Trepany, Charles. "Lady Gaga removes R. Kelly song from 'Artpop,' will reportedly release new vinyl copies". USA Today. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
  150. ^ Caulfield, Keith (January 11, 2019). "Lady Gaga's 'Do What U Want' Featuring R. Kelly Removed from Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify". Billboard. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
  151. ^ Boardman, Madeline (September 4, 2013). "'We Been On' Video Has Rich Gang Getting Down With Lil Wayne And R. Kelly". HuffPost. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved December 10, 2013.
  152. ^ "New Music: Twista f/ R. Kelly – 'Throwin My Money'". Rap-Up.com. April 23, 2013. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved December 10, 2013.
  153. ^ "Justin Bieber Reveals Cover Art For R. Kelly Collaboration, 'PYD'". Vibe. November 16, 2013. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved December 10, 2013.
  154. ^ "RapUp TV: R. Kelly Talks Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, & Bruno Mars". Rap-Up.com. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved January 23, 2014.
  155. ^ "'The Best Man Holiday' Soundtrack Details". Film Music Reporter. October 4, 2013. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  156. ^ Kory Grow (December 4, 2013). "R. Kelly Continues 'Trapped in the Closet' With New Chapters | Music News". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved January 23, 2014.
  157. ^ "R. Kelly to Release House Music Album". Rolling Stone. July 15, 2014. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2014.
  158. ^ "Hip Hop Album Sales: August Alsina, R. Kelly & Rick Ross". HipHopDX. December 21, 2015. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
  159. ^ Ivey, Justin (October 21, 2016). "Listen to R. Kelly's New Album '12 Nights of Christmas'". XXL Mag. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved June 11, 2019.
  160. ^ a b Sodomsky, Sam; Strauss, Matthew (July 23, 2018). "R. Kelly Addresses Sex Cult Allegations, Spotify Policy in 19-Minute New Song". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
  161. ^ "R Kelly: 'I Admit' released against sex allegations". BBC. July 23, 2018. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
  162. ^ Gajanan, Mahita (July 23, 2018). "A Defense Attorney Listened to R. Kelly's 19-Minute Song 'I Admit.' This Is What She Thinks". Time. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
  163. ^ a b Ettachfini, Leila; Burke, Sarah (July 24, 2018). "R. Kelly's Victimhood Doesn't Excuse His Alleged Sexual Misconduct". Broadly. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
  164. ^ Snapes, Laura (July 23, 2018). "R Kelly denies sexual abuse allegations in 19-minute song I Admit". The Guardian. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
  165. ^ Ellefson, Lindsey (July 23, 2018). "R. Kelly answers his critics with a 19-minute song, 'I Admit'". CNN. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
  166. ^ Johnson, Kevin C. (August 12, 2018). "Muting R. Kelly: Our music critic is finished with the Pied Piper of R&B". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
  167. ^ Williams, Stereo (July 23, 2018). "R. Kelly's Delusional Response to Sex Cult Allegations in 'I Admit': I'm the Victim Here". The Daily Beast. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
  168. ^ "In R. Kelly's New Song, He Admits to Nothing". Vogue. July 23, 2018. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  169. ^ Lockett, Dee (July 23, 2018). "The 8 Worst Lines on R. Kelly's 19-Minute New Song 'I Admit'". Vulture. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  170. ^ Scott, Katie (July 25, 2018). "R. Kelly's ex-wife responds to song 'I Admit' with her own remix". Globalnews.ca. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
  171. ^ Grant, Shawn (August 8, 2018). "R. Kelly's Brother Blasts Singer in New 'I Confess' Single". The Source. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
  172. ^ Mamo, Heran (December 9, 2022). "Here's How a New R. Kelly Album Got Uploaded to Streaming Services". Billboard. Retrieved December 10, 2022.
  173. ^ a b Hoekstra, David (November 29, 1998). "The Righteous Brother : R. Kelly's ambitious album of genre- spanning songs finds him updating the spiritually grounded R&B; of such greats as Al Green and Donny Hathaway". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 17, 2022.
  174. ^ Larman, Alexander (July 2022). "The rise and fall of R Kelly". www.spectator.co.uk. Retrieved July 17, 2022.
  175. ^ "Timeline Of R. Kelly's Life And Career". cbsnews.com. August 18, 2021.
  176. ^ a b DeRogatis, Jim; Pallasch, Abdon (June 9, 2002). "Inspirational singer or perverted swinger?". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on June 9, 2002. Retrieved March 15, 2020.
  177. ^ Cohen, Jonathan (May 16, 2008), "Hot Beats of Summer", Billboard, vol. 120, no. 20, p. 20, retrieved November 2, 2014
  178. ^ "R. Kelly: Biography". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on June 22, 2011. Retrieved June 30, 2013.
  179. ^ a b Sanneh, Kelefa (November 6, 2003). "Tarnished but Still Platinum; R. Kelly Is Popular Despite Pornography Charges". The New York Times. Retrieved August 2, 2012.
  180. ^ "If R. Kelly fought Bobby Brown in the '90s". Chicago Tribune. October 23, 2013.
  181. ^ "R. Kelly's three Grammys will not be rescinded — for now — Recording Academy CEO says". Chicago Sun-Times. October 26, 2021. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  182. ^ "R.Kelly Receives Key to the City and Inspires Local Musicians at Concert". Cameron James' Mind. February 18, 2013. Archived from the original on May 2, 2013. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
  183. ^ "R. Kelly's key to the city of Baton Rouge has been rescinded". NME. October 1, 2021. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  184. ^ "Baton Rouge takes back R. Kelly's key to the city". REVOLT. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  185. ^ "R. Kelly timeline: Chicago upbringing, rapid rise to stardom and years of sexual abuse charges, suits and rumors, conviction". The Chicago Tribune. October 20, 2021. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  186. ^ Corry, Kristin (January 6, 2020). "The Six Most Disturbing Revelations From Lifetime's 'Surviving R. Kelly' Sequel". Vice. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  187. ^ Fountain, John W. (June 6, 2002). "R. Kelly, R & B Star, Is Indicted on Child Sex Charges". The New York Times. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  188. ^ Levin, Josh (June 13, 2008). "Long Live the Little Man Defense!". Slate. San Francisco. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
  189. ^ "R. Kelly Has Been Dropped By RCA Records, 'Billboard' Reports". NPR. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
  190. ^ McAdams, Alexis (January 10, 2019). "Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx examining new R. Kelly claims in the wake of 'Surviving R. Kelly'". Chicago, Illinois: WLS-TV. Archived from the original on January 10, 2019. Retrieved January 10, 2019.
  191. ^ "Singer R. Kelly moved to North Carolina prison from Chicago". Associated Press. April 24, 2023. Retrieved July 10, 2023.
  192. ^ Paul, Larisha (July 31, 2024). "R. Kelly Wants the Supreme Court to Overturn His Sex Abuse Conviction". Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
  193. ^ "R. Kelly Reaches Settlement In Lawsuit". MTV News. August 13, 1997. Archived from the original on November 17, 1999. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  194. ^ "R Kelly Busted For Blasting Car Stereo". MTV News. May 7, 1998. Archived from the original on May 19, 2000. Retrieved July 14, 2009.
  195. ^ "R. Kelly Gets Mixed Legal News In Court Date". MTV News. May 7, 1998. Archived from the original on May 25, 2000. Retrieved July 14, 2009.
  196. ^ "R. Kelly Free To Kick Out The Car Jams". MTV News. Archived from the original on May 25, 2000. Retrieved July 14, 2009.
  197. ^ Babwin, Don; Crawford, Teresa (March 10, 2019). "R. Kelly: 'We're going to straighten all this stuff out'". Associated Press. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved March 24, 2019.
  198. ^ Devenish, Colin (November 2, 2004). "R. Kelly Sues Jay-Z". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on March 6, 2005. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
  199. ^ "R. Kelly Files $75 Million Lawsuit Against Jay-Z". Reuters. November 2, 2004. Archived from the original on November 13, 2004. Retrieved July 1, 2024 – via Billboard.
  200. ^ Mar, Alex (February 3, 2005). "Jay-Z Countersues R. Kelly". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 4, 2022.
  201. ^ Harris, Chris (November 7, 2005). "R. Kelly Sues Jay-Z — Again". MTV News. Archived from the original on November 28, 2005. Retrieved July 12, 2009.
  202. ^ Archive-Brandee-J-Tecson. "Jay-Z's Countersuit Against R. Kelly Thrown Out". MTV News. Archived from the original on October 3, 2015. Retrieved April 4, 2022.
  203. ^ Archive-Chris-Harris. "R. Kelly Sues Jay-Z — Again". MTV News. Archived from the original on September 13, 2006. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  204. ^ "R. Kelly and his mother, 1993 - Photos - The troubled life and times of R. Kelly". Daily News. New York. Retrieved March 26, 2018.
  205. ^ "R. Kelly's Daughter Opens Up About Family Life in Rare Interview". The Hollywood Reporter. Associated Press. September 4, 2019. Retrieved July 6, 2022.
  206. ^ Pallasch, Abdon M. (May 2007). "Unfinished Business". Vibe Magazine. Retrieved March 11, 2015.[permanent dead link‍]
  207. ^ Kellaway, Mitch (July 8, 2014). "R. Kelly's Ex, Jay Kelly's Mom, On Loving Their Trans Son". Advocate. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021.
  208. ^ "R. Kelly's Wife Speak Out: Notes On A Scandal". Essence. December 16, 2009. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021.
  209. ^ Reid, Shaheem (January 9, 2009). "R. Kelly's Divorce Finalized". MTV. Archived from the original on January 14, 2009. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
  210. ^ Lewis, Debra. "R. Kelly & Wife Finalize Divorce - Divorced, R. Kelly". People. Archived from the original on November 20, 2012. Retrieved September 10, 2012.
  211. ^ "Andrea Kelly Has A Message For Those Looking To 'Expose' Her". Essence. October 23, 2020. Retrieved July 6, 2022.
  212. ^ "R. Kelly's Ex-Wife Andrea Kelly's Interview In 'Surviving R. Kelly' Is Not The First Time She's Spoken About Her Experience". Bustle. January 4, 2019. Retrieved July 6, 2022.
  213. ^ Iasimone, Ashley (October 7, 2018). "R. Kelly's Ex-Wife Details Alleged Abuse: 'I Thought I Was Gonna Die'". Billboard. Retrieved July 6, 2022.
  214. ^ Oberfield, Gabriel S. (February 18, 2005). "'Activist' pleads not guilty in extortion case". The Times of Northwest Indiana. Medill News Service. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
  215. ^ "Man Sentenced in Sheffield Case". Clarion-Ledger. January 19, 2006. p. 24. Retrieved April 9, 2023.
  216. ^ "R. Kelly Releases VA Tech Tribute". dallasblack.com. Associated Press. May 2, 2007. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved February 27, 2016.
  217. ^ "R. Kelly Pens New Single for Charity". Us Weekly. May 21, 2010. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
  218. ^ "R Kelly's Private Performance for Clara's House". theurbandaily.com. April 6, 2011. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved February 27, 2016.
  219. ^ "Local drive replenishes Flint water supply". daily-journal.com. February 22, 2016. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved February 27, 2016.
  220. ^ Tharp, Robert (May 24, 1994). "R. Kelly, Salt 'n' Pepa Impress with Sexiness". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. pp. Section E, Page 3.
  221. ^ Hinckley, David (May 27, 1994). "Whatta Band: Salt-n-Pepa at Radio City". Daily News. p. 55.
  222. ^ Devenish, Colin (November 1, 2004). "Jay-Z Boots R. Kelly". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  223. ^ "Exclusive Book Excerpt: R. Kelly's 'Soulacoaster: The Diary of Me'". Rolling Stone. June 26, 2012. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to R. Kelly.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=R._Kelly&oldid=1258487569"