R. Kelly#Sexual abuse allegations

Robert Sylvester Kelly was born on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois,{{cite news|url=http://www.cookcountyclerk.com/sweethomecookcounty/pages/rkelly.aspx|title=R. Kelly|access-date=March 31, 2016|work=Cook County Clerk|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414092511/http://www.cookcountyclerk.com/sweethomecookcounty/pages/rkelly.aspx|archive-date=April 14, 2016}} on January 8, 1967,{{cite web|url=https://www.biography.com/people/r-kelly-507697| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/https://www.biography.com/people/r-kelly-507697| archive-date=2021-09-28|title=R. Kelly: Singer, Songwriter (1967–)|website= Biography.com|publisher=A&E Networks|date=January 4, 2019|access-date=January 19, 2019}}{{cbignore}} 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): two older sisters{{Cite news |title=R Kelly's sisters from his father's side believe he was treated unfairly in sexual abuse trial |url=https://uk.style.yahoo.com/r-kelly-sisters-father-side-163500002.html |access-date=2022-07-06 |website=uk.style.yahoo.com |language=en-GB}} and brother, along with a younger brother and sister.{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/d10e3e336e4e42bd9a3ad8be08185f90|title=Timeline of R. Kelly's life and career|date=July 11, 2019|work=Associated Press News|access-date=March 15, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200316004801/https://apnews.com/d10e3e336e4e42bd9a3ad8be08185f90|archive-date=March 16, 2020|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web |date=2021-08-25 |title='It's hard, it's hurtful': R. Kelly's sisters speak out amid sex-trafficking trial |url=https://pix11.com/news/local-news/its-hard-its-hurtful-r-kellys-sisters-speak-out-amid-sex-trafficking-trial/ |access-date=2022-07-06 |website=PIX11 |language=en-US |archive-date=July 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706061234/https://pix11.com/news/local-news/its-hard-its-hurtful-r-kellys-sisters-speak-out-amid-sex-trafficking-trial/ |url-status=dead }} His mother, Joanne, was a schoolteacher and devout Baptist. She was born in Arkansas. The identity of his father, who was absent from Kelly's life and later raised two children, is not known.{{cite web|last=DeRogatis|first=Jim|url=https://www.wbez.org/shows/jim-derogatis/timeline-the-life-and-career-of-r-kelly/f6aed43d-d7a4-418c-b707-385640a43dfb|title=Timeline: The Life And Career Of R. Kelly|website=WBEZ|access-date=March 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728085945/http://www.wbez.org/blogs/jim-derogatis/2013-07/timeline-life-and-career-r-kelly-107973|archive-date=July 28, 2013|url-status=dead}} 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.{{cite magazine|last=Layne|first=Anni|date=April 9, 1998|title=R. Kelly Arrested In Chicago {{pipe}} Music News|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/r-kelly-arrested-in-chicago-19980409|url-status=live|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/r-kelly-arrested-in-chicago-19980409|archive-date=2021-09-28|access-date=December 10, 2013|magazine=Rolling Stone}}{{cbignore}} Around the time he was five years old, Kelly's mother married his stepfather, Lucious, who reportedly worked for an airline. Kelly began singing in the church choir at age eight.

Kelly described having a girlfriend, Lulu, at age eight, in his 2012 autobiography Soulacoaster: The Diary of Me. 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.

Kelly said members of his household would act differently when his mother and grandparents were not home. 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.{{Cite web |title=10 Things Revealed in R. Kelly's Memoir |url=http://www.theroot.com/articles/culture/2012/06/r_kelly_childhood_abuse_new_book_soulacoaster_reveals_all.html |website=The Root |access-date=December 5, 2017 |archive-date=February 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224190159/http://www.theroot.com/articles/culture/2012/06/r_kelly_childhood_abuse_new_book_soulacoaster_reveals_all.html |url-status=dead }}

From age 8 to 14, he was often sexually abused by an older female family member.{{cite book|last=DeRogatis|first=Jim|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jBeHDwAAQBAJ|title=Soulless: The Case Against R. Kelly|date=June 4, 2019|publisher=Abrams Books|isbn=9781683357629|location=New York City|pages=}}{{Cite web|last=Heath|first=Chris|date=January 20, 2016|title=The Confessions Of R. Kelly|url=https://www.gq.com/story/r-kelly-confessions|access-date=October 24, 2021|website=GQ|language=en-US}} Kelly's younger brother, Carey, stated that he suffered from years of sexual abuse at the hands of their older sister, Theresa, who was entrusted with babysitting the siblings.{{Cite web|date=January 9, 2019|title=R. Kelly's Brother Says He and Singer Were Molested by Older Sister|url=https://www.ebony.com/news/r-kellys-brother-he-singer-molested-older-sister/|access-date=October 24, 2021|website=Ebony|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Biswas|first=Shuvrajit Das|date=January 3, 2020|title=Who Is Theresa Kelly? Where Is She Now?|url=https://thecinemaholic.com/where-is-theresa-kelly-now/|access-date=October 24, 2021|website=The Cinemaholic|language=en-US}} 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.

Explaining why he never told anyone, Kelly wrote in his autobiography that he was "too afraid and too ashamed". Around age 10, Kelly was also sexually abused by an older male who was a friend of the family. In his autobiography, Kelly describes being shot in the shoulder at age 13 by boys who were attempting to steal his bike,{{cite web|title=10 Things Revealed in R. Kelly's Memoir|first=Akoto|last=Ofori-Atta|date=June 28, 2012|url=http://www.theroot.com/articles/culture/2012/06/r_kelly_childhood_abuse_new_book_soulacoaster_reveals_all.html|website=theroot.com|access-date=March 5, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224190159/http://www.theroot.com/articles/culture/2012/06/r_kelly_childhood_abuse_new_book_soulacoaster_reveals_all.html|archive-date=February 24, 2015}} although a family friend claims his mother disputed this, stating that the gunshot was self-inflicted during a suicide attempt.

File:Busker at Roosevelt Red Line Stop.jpg 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.{{cite magazine|last=Levin |first=Josh |date=June 13, 2008 |title=Long Live the Little Man Defense! |url=https://www.slate.com/articles/arts/culturebox/2008/06/long_live_the_little_man_defense.html |journal=Slate |location=San Francisco |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080618181149/http://www.slate.com/id/2193649 |archive-date=June 18, 2008 |access-date=June 30, 2024|url-status=live}} A shy Kelly put on sunglasses, was escorted onto the stage, performed the song, and was awarded first prize.{{cite web|last=Frentner|first=Shaun|url=http://www.enotes.com/contemporary-musicians/kelly-r-biography| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090801131739/http://www.enotes.com/contemporary-musicians/kelly-r-biography| archive-date=August 1, 2009|title=Kelly, R.|publisher=eNotes.com|access-date=September 10, 2012}}{{cite news|url=https://articles.latimes.com/1998/nov/29/entertainment/ca-48624/2|work=Los Angeles Times|first=Dave|last=Hoekstra|title=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|date=November 29, 1998|access-date=April 18, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014164357/http://articles.latimes.com/1998/nov/29/entertainment/ca-48624/2|archive-date=October 14, 2012|url-status=dead}} 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.{{cite web|last=Boucher|first=Geoff|date=June 15, 2002|title=Chicago's Blues for R. Kelly|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-jun-15-na-rkelly15-story.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200316003625/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-jun-15-na-rkelly15-story.html|archive-date=March 16, 2020|access-date=March 15, 2020|work=Los Angeles Times}} Kelly was diagnosed with dyslexia,{{Cite web|last=McKinney|first=Jessica|date=July 23, 2018|title=R. Kelly Opens Up About Sex Cult, Illiteracy And More On 19-Minute Track|url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/r-kelly-addresses-sex-cult-girlfriends-listen-597565/|access-date=October 24, 2021|website=Vibe|language=en-US}} which left him unable to read or write.{{cite web|last=Marchese|first=David|date=January 7, 2016|title=The R. Kelly Problem|url=https://nymag.com/is-it-okay-to-listen-to-r-kelly/|url-status=dead|work=New York|quote=He grew up poor and functionally illiterate — owing to dyslexia — on Chicago's South Side, raised mostly by his mother|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818215729/https://nymag.com/is-it-okay-to-listen-to-r-kelly/|archive-date=August 18, 2016|access-date=September 27, 2021}} Kelly dropped out of high school after attending Kenwood Academy for one year.{{Cite magazine |last=DeRogatis |first=Jim |date=June 3, 2019|title=R. Kelly and the Damage Done |url=https://www.newyorker.com/culture/personal-history/r-kelly-and-the-damage-done |magazine=The New Yorker |language=en-US |access-date=October 24, 2021}} He began performing in the subway under the Chicago "L" tracks. He regularly busked at the "L" stop on the Red Line's Jackson station in the Loop.

In his youth, Kelly played basketball with Illinois state champion basketball player Ben Wilson and later sang "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" at Wilson's funeral.{{cite web|title=30 for 30: Benji - Summary|url=https://www.paleycenter.org/collection/item/?q=see&p=96&item=114765|publisher=Paley Center|access-date=September 27, 2021}}

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.{{cite news |date=25 December 1999 – 1 January 2000 |title=Top 90's R&B/Hip-Hop Artists |magazine=Billboard |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9w0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA66 |access-date=January 25, 2012}}{{Cite magazine |title=R. Kelly |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/r-kelly/ |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117044530/https://www.billboard.com/artist/r-kelly/ |archive-date=2021-11-17 |access-date=2022-05-11}} 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.{{cite web |title=R. Kelly |url=https://www.grammy.com/artists/r-kelly/11659 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327174106/https://www.grammy.com/artists/r-kelly/11659 |archive-date=2022-03-27 |access-date=2022-05-11 |website=Grammy.com |publisher=National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences}}{{cbignore}} Critics dubbed him "the King of R&B"{{cite magazine |date=28 December 1998 – 4 January 1999 |title=R. Kelly Reveals |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9sMDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA56 |magazine=Jet |page=56 |access-date=October 27, 2014 |via=Google Books}}{{Cite web |date=2018 |title=BBC World News - R Kelly: Sex, Girls & Videotapes |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p060m6qx |access-date=2021-10-23 |website=BBC |language=en-GB |quote=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.}}{{Cite news |last=Ogunnaike |first=Lola |date=May 2002 |title=Caught in the Act |url=https://www.vibe.com/features/editorial/r-kelly-caught-in-the-act-vibe-cover-story-629075/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509020207/https://www.vibe.com/features/editorial/r-kelly-caught-in-the-act-vibe-cover-story-629075/ |archive-date=2021-05-09 |access-date=October 23, 2021 |newspaper=Vibe.com |quote=. . . news broke of a self-made sex tape with a minor. Can the King of R&B withstand the heat?}} while he billed himself the "Pied Piper of R&B".{{Cite web |last=Heath |first=Chris |date=2016-02-03 |title=Why R. Kelly Calls Himself "the Pied Piper of R&B" |url=https://www.gq.com/story/why-r-kelly-calls-himself-pied-piper |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=GQ |language=en-US}}

{{Main|Public Announcement|Born into the 90's|12 Play}}

MGM (Musically Gifted Men or Mentally Gifted Men) 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.{{Cite web |title=Music Stars Who Started in Groups You Never Heard Of |url=https://www.bet.com/photo-gallery/uu71ac/music-stars-who-started-in-groups-you-never-heard-of/0u2iti |access-date=2022-07-06 |website=BET |language=en}} Shortly after, they recorded and released one single, "Why You Wanna Play Me". Kelly gained national recognition when MGM participated on the talent TV show Big Break, hosted by Natalie Cole.{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Danyel|date=January 4, 2019|title=Revisit R. Kelly's Dec 1994/Jan 1995 Cover Story: SUPERFREAK|url=https://www.vibe.com/features/editorial/r-kellys-dec-1994-jan-1995-cover-story-superfreak-629059/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/https://www.vibe.com/features/editorial/r-kellys-dec-1994-jan-1995-cover-story-superfreak-629059/|archive-date=2021-09-28|website=Vibe Magazine}}{{cbignore}} MGM performed "All My Love", which would become a demo for Kelly's song "She's Got That Vibe".{{Cite web|last=Klages|first=Karen E.|date=April 10, 1991|title=THE $100,000 MEN|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1991-04-10-9102010969-story.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1991-04-10-9102010969-story.html|archive-date=2021-09-28|website=Chicago Tribune|language=en-US}}{{cbignore}} The group went on to win the $100,000 grand prize in 1991 before they disbanded.{{Cite magazine |date=March 25, 1991 |title=Big Break Winners |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9LoDAAAAMBAJ&dq=Natalie+Cole+Big+Break&pg=PA35 |magazine=Jet |pages=35}}{{Cite book|last=Smith|first=Danyel|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dywEAAAAMBAJ&q=aaron+hall+r+kelly&pg=PA53|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009214650/https://books.google.com/books?id=dywEAAAAMBAJ&q=aaron+hall+r+kelly&pg=PA53|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 9, 2021|title=Superfreak|date=December 1994|publisher=Vibe Magazine|volume=2|pages=52–56|language=en|issue=10}}

In 1991, Kelly signed with Jive Records.{{Cite book|last=Brown|first=Jake|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=exx2IVCnlsQC&q=R+kelly+signed+with+Jive+Records+in+1991&pg=PA21|title=Your Body's Calling Me: Music, Love, Sex & Money : the Life & Times of "Robert" R. Kelly|date=2004|publisher=Amber Books Publishing|isbn=9780972751957|language=en}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/r-kelly-mn0000319347/biography| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/r-kelly-mn0000319347/biography| archive-date=2021-09-28|title=R. Kelly Biography|last=Erlewine|first=Stephen Thomas|website=AllMusic|access-date=September 27, 2021}}{{cbignore}} During late 1992, Kelly and Public Announcement embarked on a tour entitled "60653" after the zip code of their Chicago neighborhood. This would be the only album co-credited with Public Announcement. Kelly separated from the group in 1993.

{{quote box

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| quote = "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."

| source = — R. Kelly (1994){{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZQgEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA43|title=Career Milestones Keep Coming For Jive's Kelly|date=December 10, 1994|access-date=January 24, 2012|magazine=Billboard|last=Reynolds|first=J.R.}}

}}

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. In 1994, 12 Play was certified Gold by the RIAA, eventually going six times platinum.{{cite web|url=http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=R.%20Kelly&format=ALBUM&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=CertificationDate&perPage=50|title=RIAA –old & Platinum –. Kelly (album search results)|publisher=RIAA|access-date=July 12, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904060328/http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=R.%20Kelly&format=ALBUM&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=CertificationDate&perPage=50|archive-date=September 4, 2015}}

In 1994, Kelly established himself as a leading producer by producing songs for various artists, including Aaliyah, Janet Jackson, and Changing Faces.{{Cite magazine |date=June 11, 1994 |title=Terri Rossi's Rhythm Section |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UAgEAAAAMBAJ&dq=billboard+r.+kelly+year+1994+june&pg=PA20 |magazine=Billboard |pages=20}} He co-headlined a tour with Salt-N-Pepa and headlined the Budweiser Superfest tour.{{Cite web |last=Macdonald |first=Patrick |date=September 30, 1994 |title=Hip-Hoppin' In The Dome -- R. Kelly Headlines A Star-Studded Card |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19940930&slug=1933298 |access-date=2023-02-11 |website=The Seattle Times}}

{{Main|R. Kelly (album)|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".{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2MMDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA54|title=R. Kelly: What's next for the Grammy Award-winning Superstar|date=June 8, 1998 |publisher=Johnson Publishing Company }}

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."{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/12/17/arts/pop-briefs-020826.html?ref=rkelly|location=New York|work=The New York Times|title=Pop Briefs|date=December 17, 1995|first=Stephen|last=Holden}} 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".{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ySsEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA138|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820033106/https://books.google.com/books?id=ySsEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA138|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 20, 2020|title=R. Kelly (album) Review|date=December 1995}}

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. He promoted the album with a 50-city "Down Low Top Secret Tour" with LL Cool J, Xscape, and Solo.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/04/13/arts/music-review-invitations-to-passion-of-a-certain-kind.html?ref=rkelly|location=New York|work=The New York Times|title=MUSIC REVIEW;Invitations to Passion of a Certain Kind|date=April 13, 1996|first=Jon|last=Pareles}}

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. In that same year, he contributed to "Freak Tonight" for the A Thin Line Between Love and Hate soundtrack.

{{Main|Rockland Records|R. (R. Kelly album)|TP-2.com}}

In 1997, Kelly signed a contract to play professional basketball with the Atlantic City Seagulls of the USBL.{{Cite web |date=April 25, 1997|title=R. Kelly Signs Pro Basketball Deal |publisher=MTV News |url=http://www.mtv.com/mtv/news/gallery/r/rkelly970425.html |access-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000519033632/http://www.mtv.com/mtv/news/gallery/r/rkelly970425.html |archive-date=May 19, 2000|url-status=dead }} He wore the number 12 in honor of his album 12 Play.{{cite web|url=http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b34429_kelly_play_pro_basketball.html|title=R. Kelly to Play Pro Basketball|publisher=E!|date=April 25, 1997|access-date=February 20, 2011}} 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."Demasio, Nunyo (May 30, 1997). [http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/sports/shooting-star-kelly-lights-usbl-seagulls-article-1.755519 "A Shooting Star: R. Kelly Lights Up USBL's Seagulls."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723081051/http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/sports/shooting-star-kelly-lights-usbl-seagulls-article-1.755519 |date=July 23, 2013 }} New York Daily News. Retrieved October 29, 2013. 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."{{cite news|url=https://articles.latimes.com/1998/nov/29/entertainment/ca-48624/3|location=Chicago|work=Los Angeles Times|title=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.|date=November 29, 1998|first=Dave|last=Hoekstra|access-date=January 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221104743/http://articles.latimes.com/1998/nov/29/entertainment/ca-48624/3|archive-date=December 21, 2014|url-status=dead}}

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.{{Citation |title=Life After Death - The Notorious B.I.G. {{!}} Credits {{!}} AllMusic |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/life-after-death-mw0000176659/credits |access-date=2023-03-16 |language=en}}

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.{{cite web |last=Saidman|first=Sorelle |title=R. Kelly's Secret Weapon Set To Debut |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1430761/r-kellys-secret-weapon-set-to-debut/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020203084321/http://www.mtv.com:80/news/articles/1430761/20000329/kelly_r.jhtml |archive-date=February 3, 2002 |access-date=June 30, 2024|publisher=MTV News}}{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GwoEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA41 |title=Billboard |date=September 19, 1998 |access-date=October 27, 2014}} 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.{{cite web |title=RIAA - Gold & Platinum Searchable Database - October 27, 2014 |url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?content_selector=gold-platinum-searchable-database |access-date=October 27, 2014 |website=Riaa.com}}

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".{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-nov-29-ca-48624-story.html|location=Chicago|work=Los Angeles Times|title=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.|date=November 29, 1998|first=Dave|last=Hoekstra}} 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.{{cite web |title=Feature: R. Kelly |url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/archive/k/rkellyfeature99.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000229100318/http://mtv.com/news/gallery/k/rkellyfeature99.html |archive-date=February 29, 2000 |access-date=October 27, 2014 |publisher=MTV News}}

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.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=exx2IVCnlsQC&q=r.+kelly+tp.2&pg=PA97|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212045012/https://books.google.com/books?id=exx2IVCnlsQC&pg=PA97&dq=r.+kelly+tp.2&hl=en&sa=X&ei=5kEgT_Juo6raBdbziK4P&ved=0CEMQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=r.%20kelly%20tp.2&f=false|url-status=dead|title=Your Body's Calling Me: Music, Love, Sex & Money : the Life & Times of "Robert" R. Kelly|first=Jake|last=Brown|date=August 13, 2004|archive-date=December 12, 2013|publisher=Amber Books Publishing|isbn = 9780972751957|via=Google Books}}

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.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=o552g5xRRiwC&pg=PA386|title=All Music Guide to Soul: The Definitive Guide to R&B and Soul|isbn=9780879307448|access-date=September 10, 2012|last1=Bogdanov|first1=Vladimir|year=2003|publisher=Hal Leonard Corporation }}

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.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/#/charts-decade-end/billboard-200-albums?year=2009&begin=81&order=position|title=Billboard - Music Charts, Music News, Artist Photo Gallery & Free Video|magazine=Billboard|access-date=October 27, 2014}} Kelly's song, "The World's Greatest", from the soundtrack to the 2001 autobiographical film, Ali, was a hit.{{cite web|url=http://newsroom.mtv.com/2010/05/19/r-kelly-world-cup/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715235931/http://newsroom.mtv.com/2010/05/19/r-kelly-world-cup/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 15, 2012|title=R. Kelly Delivers His World Cup Anthem, Blows Minds|publisher=MTV|date=May 19, 2010|access-date=September 10, 2012}}

{{Main|The Best of Both Worlds (Jay-Z and R. Kelly album)|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".{{cite web|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1451930/jay-z-r-kelly-hype-joint-lp-with-hash-browns-johnnie-cochran-and-a-pimp/|title=Jay-Z, R. Kelly Hype Joint LP With Hash Browns, Johnnie Cochran And A Pimp|publisher=MTV|date=January 24, 2002|access-date=July 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020210182536/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1451930/20020124/story.jhtml|archive-date=February 10, 2002|url-status=dead}} 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."

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.{{Cite news|last=DeRogatis|first=Jim|date=May 2002|title=Tale of the Tape|pages=86–88|work=Spin|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=M4CHp9FEZRgC&pg=PP1|access-date=October 26, 2021}}{{Cite web |date=2002-02-08 |title=Chicago Police investigate R. Kelly in sex tape |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2002/2/8/18432320/chicago-police-investigate-r-kelly-in-sex-tape |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=Chicago Sun-Times |language=en}}

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.{{cite web|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1452773/jayz-shoots-song-cry.jhtml|title=Jay-Z Shoots New Video, Unsure If Clip With R. Kelly Will Come|publisher=MTV|date=March 6, 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020409113726/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1452773/20020306/story.jhtml|archive-date=April 9, 2002|access-date=September 10, 2012|url-status=dead}} Jay-Z expressed frustration about the album leak to MTV News, describing the event as both a "gift" and a "curse." 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.{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Preezy |date=2017-03-28 |title=How Good Was Jay-Z & R. Kelly's 'Best Of Both Worlds' Album? |url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/jayz-rkelly-best-of-both-worlds-album-anniversary-review-499480/ |access-date=2023-02-11 |website=VIBE.com |language=en-US}} It was a critical and commercial disappointment.{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-feb-03-ca-popeye3-story.html |title='Best of Both Worlds' Is One Album Title That May Not Be Hyperbole |work=Los Angeles Times |last=Hochman |first=Steve |date=February 3, 2002 |access-date=January 3, 2022 }}

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.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1454446/20020521/kelly_r.jhtml|title=R. Kelly Vows To Clamp Down As New Bootleg Hits Streets|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020601214814/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1454446/20020521/kelly_r.jhtml|archive-date=June 1, 2002|last=Reid |first=Shaheem|publisher=MTV News|date=May 21, 2002|url-status=dead|access-date=June 30, 2024}} In response, Kelly began work on the album now known as Chocolate Factory, opting to release Loveland as a deluxe edition bonus disc.{{Cite book |last=Bogdanov |first=Vladimir |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=o552g5xRRiwC&dq=r+kelly+loveland+album+chocolate+factory&pg=PA386 |title=All Music Guide to Soul: The Definitive Guide to R&B and Soul |date=2003 |publisher=Hal Leonard Corporation |isbn=978-0-87930-744-8 |pages=386 |language=en}} In October of that year, Kelly released "Ignition (Remix)", the lead single from the album. It would spend 42 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number two.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/the-billboard-hot-100/2003-03-29 |title=The Billboard Hot 100 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=January 3, 2022 |url-access=subscription }}{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-dec-04-et-quick4-story.html |title=R. Kelly's new album out next month |last=Boucher |first=Geoff |work=Los Angeles Times |date=December 4, 2002 |access-date=January 3, 2022 |url-access=subscription}}

On February 18, 2003, Kelly released Chocolate Factory, which debuted as the number-one album on the Billboard 200.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/r-kelly-bounces-50-cent-180571/ |title=R. Kelly Bounces 50 Cent |magazine=Rolling Stone |last=Dansby |first=Andrew |date=February 26, 2003 |access-date=January 3, 2022 }} It sold 532,000 copies in its first week.{{cite web |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-rkjelly-timeline-redeye-story,1,1421606.story |title=R. Kelly timeline |work=Chicago Tribune |date=March 18, 2004 |access-date=January 3, 2022 }} The album was met with critical acclaim,{{cite web |url=https://www.riverfronttimes.com/music/r-kellys-chocolate-factory-is-ten-years-old-a-look-at-its-seminal-ignition-remix-2664223 |title=R. Kelly's Chocolate Factory is Ten Years Old: A Look At Its Seminal "Ignition (Remix)" |magazine=River Front Times |last=Miller |first=Liza |date=February 18, 2003 |access-date=February 16, 2024 }} and supported by two more singles. "Snake", the album's 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 chart.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/r-kelly/chart-history/hsi/ |title=R. Kelly Chart history |magazine=Billboard |date=March 30, 2004 |access-date=February 14, 2024 }} 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.{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-r-in-r-b-collection-vol-1-mw0000692032 |title=The R. in R&B Collection, Vol. 1 Review by Alex Henderson |last=Henderson |first=Alex |website=AllMusic |access-date=January 3, 2022 }}

{{Main|Unfinished Business (Jay-Z and R. Kelly album)|Happy People/U Saved Me|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.{{Cite magazine|last=Whitmire|first=Margo|date=September 1, 2004|title=McGraw's 'Live' Powers To No. 1|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/mcgraws-live-powers-to-no-1-66670/|access-date=July 1, 2024|magazine=Billboard|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040902015654/http://www.billboard.com/bb/daily/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000622343|archive-date=September 2, 2004|url-status=dead}} Both of the album's title tracks respectively performed underwhelmingly; "Happy People" charted at number twenty-nine on the Adult R&B Songs chart while "U Saved Me" peaked at number fifty-two on the Billboard Hot 100.{{Cite web|title=22 Aug 2004, Page 66 - The Los Angeles Times at Newspapers.com|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/192813897/|access-date=2021-12-27|website=Newspapers.com|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=R Kelly - Happy People|url=http://www.uncut.co.uk/music/r_kelly/reviews/8457|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517214056/http://www.uncut.co.uk/music/r_kelly/reviews/8457 |archive-date=2008-05-17 |access-date=2021-12-26|website=Uncut}}

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.{{Cite web|last=Stewart|first=Allison|date=January 2, 2014|title=Jay Z and R. Kelly: Chronicles of a feud|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-xpm-2014-01-02-chi-jay-z-r-kelly-united-center-show-20140102-story.html|access-date=July 1, 2024|website=Chicago Tribune|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103015453/http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/chi-jay-z-r-kelly-united-center-show-20140102,0,589810.story|archive-date=January 3, 2014|url-status=dead}} Kelly complained that the touring lights were not directed towards him and allegedly assaulted the tour's lighting director.

Jay-Z eventually removed Kelly halfway through the tour, after a member of Jay-Z's entourage pepper sprayed Kelly{{Cite web|last=McDermott|first=Maeve|date=June 4, 2019|title='Soulless: The Case Against R. Kelly' reveals singer's abuse, ugly relationship with Jay-Z|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2019/06/04/soulless-case-against-r-kelly-everything-we-learned-jim-derogatis/1339943001/|access-date=2021-10-03|website=USA Today|language=en-US}} on October 29, 2004.{{Cite web|last=Harris|first=Chris|date=April 25, 2006|title=Jay-Z Associate Pleads Guilty In R. Kelly Pepper-Spray Case|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1529414/jay-z-associate-pleads-guilty-in-r-kelly-pepper-spray-case/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060907151734/http://www.mtv.com:80/news/articles/1529414/20060425/jay_z.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 7, 2006|access-date=June 30, 2024|publisher=MTV News|language=en}} Tyran "Ty Ty" Smith was charged with assault, but took a plea deal for disorderly conduct. 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/ja-rule-wonderful/|title=Wonderful by Ja Rule ft R Kelly & Ashanti|publisher=Official Charts|access-date=June 30, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/ja-rule/chart-history/hsi/|title=Chart History: Ja Rule|publisher=Billboard|accessdate=June 30, 2024}} The single was certified gold by the RIAA in May 2005.{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=ja+rule&ti=wonderful&lab=&genre=&format=&date_option=release&from=&to=&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section|title=Ja Rule, Wonderful|publisher=RIAA|access-date=June 30, 2024}}

After finishing Happy People/U Saved Me and Unfinished Business in 2004,{{Cite magazine|last=Pareles|first=Jon|date=2004-09-02|title=Happy People/U Saved Me|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/happy-people-u-saved-me-194822/|access-date=2021-10-03|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US}} Kelly released TP.3 Reloaded in July 2005.{{Cite magazine|last=Hoard|first=Christian|date=2005-07-18|title=Tp.3 Reloaded|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/tp-3-reloaded-190877/|access-date=2021-10-03|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite web |date=2005-07-26 |title=R. Kelly: TP.3 Reloaded, PopMatters |url=https://www.popmatters.com/kellyr-tp3reloaded-2495956544.html |access-date=2023-02-11 |website=PopMatters |language=en-US}}

{{Main|Double Up (R. Kelly album)|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".{{Cite magazine|last=George|first=Raphael|title=Who's That 'Flirt?': Bow Wow, And R. Kelly, Too|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/whos-that-flirt-bow-wow-and-r-kelly-too-1054522/|access-date=July 1, 2024|magazine=Billboard|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070226203801/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003549819|archive-date=February 26, 2007|url-status=dead}} 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.{{Cite magazine|last=Hasty|first=Katie|date=June 6, 2007|title=R. Kelly Flirts His Way To No. 1 Album Chart Debut|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/r-kelly-flirts-his-way-to-no-1-album-chart-debut-1051710/|access-date=July 1, 2024|magazine=Billboard|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070609134300/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003594589|archive-date=June 9, 2007|url-status=live}} Kelly's other singles from Double Up titled "Same Girl" was a duet of Kelly and Usher,{{Cite web |title=Now Is Not a Good Time for R. Kelly and Usher to Have a Song Called 'Same Girl' |url=https://www.bet.com/article/rcmcsm/r-kelly-and-usher-fall-victim-to-same-girl-memes |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723161435/http://www.bet.com:80/music/2017/07/20/r-kelly-usher-same-girl.html |archive-date=July 23, 2017 |access-date=July 1, 2024 |publisher=BET |language=en}} 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.{{Cite web|title=R. Kelly Writes Song For Virginia Tech|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/r-kelly-writes-song-for-virginia-tech/|access-date=July 1, 2024|publisher=Associated Press|via=CBS News|date=May 1, 2007 |language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070503083940/http://www.cbsnews.com:80/stories/2007/05/01/ap/entertainment/main2747043.shtml|archive-date=May 3, 2007|url-status=dead}} 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.{{cite news|last=Lamb|first=Bill|url=http://top40.about.com/b/a/209075.htm|title=R. Kelly Records "Rise Up" –n Anthem for Healing in Aftermath of Virginia Tech Shootings|publisher=About.com|date=May 4, 2007|access-date=May 9, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20110725045657/http://top40.about.com/b/a/209075.htm|archive-date=July 25, 2011}}

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.{{Cite magazine |last=Concepcion |first=Mariel |date=November 20, 2007 |title=Ne-Yo Dropped From R. Kelly Tour |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/ne-yo-dropped-from-r-kelly-tour-1047256/ |access-date=July 1, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071121165857/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003676181|archive-date=November 21, 2007|url-status=dead}} Ne-Yo won a lawsuit that he filed against Rowe Entertainment in 2008.{{Cite web |last=Vena |first=Jocelyn |date=September 8, 2008 |title=Ne-Yo Wins $700,000 In Lawsuit Against R. Kelly Tour Promoter |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1593971/20080903/ne_yo.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081229123911/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1593971/20080903/ne_yo.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 29, 2008|access-date=June 30, 2024|publisher=MTV News |language=en}} 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.{{cite web|last=Orzeck|first=Kurt|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1576840/r-kelly-arrest-warrant-issued-over-missed-court-date.jhtml|title=R. Kelly Arrest Warrant Issued Over Missed Court Date|publisher=MTV|date=December 19, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071221053706/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1576840/20071219/kelly_r.jhtml|archive-date=December 21, 2007|access-date=August 5, 2009|url-status=dead}} 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.{{cite web|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1582758/20080304/kelly_r.jhtml|title=R. Kelly's New Dis Track: Is He Lashing Out At Jay-Z, Ne-Yo Or Young Jeezy?|publisher=MTV|date=March 4, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080305194138/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1582758/20080304/kelly_r.jhtml|archive-date=March 5, 2008|access-date=August 5, 2009|url-status=dead}}

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.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/bbcom/specials/hot100/charts/top100-artists-80.shtml|title=Billboard Hot 100 Chart 50th Anniversary|magazine=Billboard|access-date=August 5, 2009|archive-date=May 25, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120525113840/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/specials/hot100/charts/top100-artists-80.shtml|url-status=dead}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/r-kelly/38519| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/https://www.nme.com/news/r-kelly/38519| archive-date=2021-09-28|title=Entire R Kelly album leaks online |work=NME|date=July 29, 2008|access-date=August 5, 2009}}{{cbignore}}

In February 2009, Kelly announced that he was working on a new album called Untitled{{cite web|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1604777/20090210/kelly_r.jhtml|title=R. Kelly Reveals New Album Will Be Called Untitled|publisher=MTV|date=February 10, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717111825/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1604777/20090210/kelly_r.jhtml|archive-date=July 17, 2009|access-date=August 5, 2009|url-status=dead}} with a projected release date of September 29, but it had been delayed to December.{{cite web|author=Singersroom.com|url=http://singersroom.com/news/3978/R-Kelly-Eying-Busy-September-For-Untitled-Album-| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/http://singersroom.com/news/3978/R-Kelly-Eying-Busy-September-For-Untitled-Album-| archive-date=2021-09-28|title=R Kelly Eying Busy September For 'Untitled' Album ?|date=June 11, 2009|publisher=Singersroom.com|access-date=August 5, 2009}}{{cbignore}} In June 2009, he released his first mixtape, The "Demo" Tape, presented by DJ Skee and DJ Drama.{{cite web|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1613052/20090601/kelly_r.jhtml|title=R. Kelly Remixes Lil Wayne, The-Dream, Drake For His First Mixtape|publisher=MTV News|date=June 2, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090605141822/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1613052/20090601/kelly_r.jhtml|archive-date=June 5, 2009|access-date=August 5, 2009|url-status=dead}}

Kelly headlined the Arise African Fashion Awards in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 20, 2009.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/r-kelly-to-make-african-debut_1106618| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/r-kelly-to-make-african-debut_1106618| archive-date=2021-09-28|title=R. Kelly To Make African Debut – Contactmusic News|magazine=Contactmusic.com|access-date=August 5, 2009}}{{cbignore}} 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.{{Cite web|title=R. Kelly: Untitled|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13790-untitled/|access-date=2021-12-27|website=Pitchfork|language=en}} It charted on the Billboard 200 at number four.{{Cite magazine|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=2009-12-09|title=Boyle's 'Dream' Continues At No. 1 On Billboard 200|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/boyles-dream-continues-at-no-1-on-billboard-200-266446/|magazine=Billboard|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|title=Susan Boyle's Dream Holds On To Billboard #1|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1627906/20091209/boyle_susan.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213043506/http://www.mtv.com:80/news/articles/1627906/20091209/boyle_susan.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 13, 2009|access-date=June 30, 2024|date=December 9, 2009|publisher=MTV News|language=en}} 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."{{cite web|url=http://www.eurweb.com/story/eur53958.cfm|title=R. Kelly in the Motherland: Singer due in Johannesburg this week for Fashion Awards gig; will kick off international string of concert dates|publisher=EURweb.com|date=June 15, 2009|access-date=August 5, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090721054202/http://www.eurweb.com/story/eur53958.cfm|archive-date=July 21, 2009}}

{{Main|Epic (R. Kelly album)|Love Letter (R. Kelly album)|Write Me Back}}

Kelly performed at the 2010 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony on June 11, 2010.{{cite magazine|author=R. Kelly|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/957819/r-kelly-kicks-off-world-cup-in-south-africa|title=R. Kelly Kicks Off World Cup In South Africa|magazine=Billboard|date=June 11, 2010|access-date=July 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100616063010/http://www.billboard.com:80/news/r-kelly-kicks-off-world-cup-in-south-africa-1004097582.story|archive-date=June 16, 2010|url-status=live}} 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".{{cite web|url=http://youheardthatnew.com/2010/08/r-kelly-on-being-happy-with-current-state-of-rb-in-some-ways-yes-and-in-some-ways-no/|title=R.Kelly On Being Happy With Current State Of R&B: "In Some Ways Yes And In Some Ways No"|work=youheardthatnew|access-date=January 14, 2012|date=January 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130625134045/http://youheardthatnew.com/2010/08/r-kelly-on-being-happy-with-current-state-of-rb-in-some-ways-yes-and-in-some-ways-no/|archive-date=June 25, 2013|url-status=dead}} 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.{{Cite web|title=R. Kelly: Epic|url=https://towerrecords.com/products/r-kelly-epic|access-date=2021-12-27|website=Tower Records|language=en}} However, it is also available for streaming worldwide.{{Citation|title=Epic|date=2010-09-10|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/7FK4BmsUI4cmUCsOso0X87|language=en|access-date=2021-12-27}}

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.{{cite web|url=http://www.rnbmusicblog.com/hands-across-the-world-video-one8-r-kelly/17936/|title=Hands Across The World Video — ONE8 w R. Kelly|publisher=Rnbmusicblog.com|date=November 19, 2010|access-date=February 20, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126200051/http://www.rnbmusicblog.com/hands-across-the-world-video-one8-r-kelly/17936/|archive-date=November 26, 2010}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3i02240e53d2361c7112b6f6d8d0923e65|title=R. Kelly Backs African Supergroup|magazine=Billboard|access-date=February 20, 2011|archive-date=November 23, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123192609/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3i02240e53d2361c7112b6f6d8d0923e65|url-status=dead}}

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.

File:R. Kelly Performing 2011.png

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.{{cite web|last=Gundersen|first=Edna|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/awards/grammys/2011-02-13-pregrammyparty_N.htm|title=Celebs turn out for Pre-Grammy Gala|work=USA Today|date=February 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110216063346/https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/awards/grammys/2011-02-13-pregrammyparty_N.htm|archive-date=February 16, 2011|access-date=July 1, 2024|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|author=Date: November 18, 2010 9:19:22 PM|url=http://www.singersroom.com/news/6496/Billboard-Names-R-Kelly-The-1-RB-Artist-Of-Past-25-Years|title=Billboard Names R. Kelly The #1 R&B Artist Of Past 25 Years|work=Singers Room|date=November 18, 2010|accessdate=July 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101121015511/http://www.singersroom.com/news/6496/Billboard-Names-R-Kelly-The-1-RB-Artist-Of-Past-25-Years|archive-date=November 21, 2010|url-status=dead}}

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.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/469146/r-kelly-released-from-hospital-after-throat-surgery| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801065936/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/469146/r-kelly-released-from-hospital-after-throat-surgery| archive-date=August 1, 2013|title=R. Kelly Released From Hospital After Throat Surgery|publisher=Associated Press|via=Billboard|date=September 14, 2009|access-date=July 1, 2024|url-status=live}} 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."{{cite web|url=http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20110721/ent/ent1.html| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20110721/ent/ent1.html| archive-date=2021-09-28|title=R. Kelly grounded – Artiste's no-show sends Sumfest organisers on global search for replacement|publisher=Jamaica-gleaner.com|date=July 21, 2011|access-date=September 10, 2012}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/news/article/0,,9041886,00.html| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/news/article/0,,9041886,00.html| archive-date=2021-09-28|title=R. Kelly Undergoes Emergency Throat Surgery| work=ARTISTdirect|publisher=Artistdirect.com|access-date=September 10, 2012}}{{cbignore}} On September 23, 2011, Variety confirmed that Kelly had signed on to write original music for the Sparkle soundtrack.{{cite web|last=Sneider|first=Jeff|url=https://variety.com/2011/film/news/cee-lo-green-joins-sparkle-cast-1118043361/|title=Cee-Lo Green joins 'Sparkle' cast|work=Variety|date=September 23, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926165411/https://www.variety.com/article/VR1118043361|archive-date=September 26, 2011|access-date=July 1, 2024|url-status=live}}

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.{{cite web|last=Dodero|first=Camille|title=R. Kelly's Memoir Soula Coaster Is Not Coming Out Next Week. And Maybe Not At All? (Updated)|url=http://blogs.villagevoice.com/music/2011/11/r_kellys_book_memoir_soulacoaster.php|work=Sound of the City|publisher=The Village Voice|date=November 9, 2011|access-date=June 30, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111111221138/http://blogs.villagevoice.com/music/2011/11/r_kellys_book_memoir_soulacoaster.php|archive-date=November 11, 2011|url-status=dead}}

On October 7, 2011, after Sony's RCA Music Group announced the consolidation of Jive, Arista and J Records into RCA Records,{{Cite news|last=Nation|first=Urban Radio|title=RCA shuts down the famous Jive, J Records and Arista Imprints|url=http://www.urbanradionation.com/2011/10/rca-shuts-down-famous-jive-j-records.html|access-date=2021-12-27|newspaper=Urban Radio Nation | R&B, Hip Hop, Black Radio, Media, Sports, Podcasts Information Format News|archive-date=December 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227060124/http://www.urbanradionation.com/2011/10/rca-shuts-down-famous-jive-j-records.html|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|last=Halperin|first=Shirley|date=2011-10-07|title=RCA Execs Confirm Jive and Arista Labels Shut Down|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/rca-execs-confirm-jive-arista-245392/|access-date=2021-12-27|website=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en-US}} Kelly was set to release music under the RCA brand.Christman, Ed. (August 23, 2011) [http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/record-labels/rca-s-new-executive-team-named-under-ceo-1005324782.story RCA's New Executive Team Named Under CEO Peter Edge Amid Layoffs (Update)]{{cite magazine|url=http://www.fmqb.com/article.asp?id=2268707|title=Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more!|magazine=FMQB|access-date=September 10, 2012|archive-date=November 8, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111108044953/http://www.fmqb.com/article.asp?id=2268707|url-status=dead}}

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".[https://www.spin.com/2011/11/r-kelly-croons-about-tonsil-surgery-new-track/ R. Kelly Croons About Tonsil Surgery in New Track] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405215827/https://www.spin.com/2011/11/r-kelly-croons-about-tonsil-surgery-new-track/ |date=April 5, 2018 }}. Spin 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.[https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/r-kelly-there-is-no-end-to-trapped-in-the-closet-20111222 R. Kelly: 'There Is No End' to 'Trapped in the Closet'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620005014/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/r-kelly-there-is-no-end-to-trapped-in-the-closet-20111222 |date=June 20, 2017 }}. Rolling Stone (magazine)

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,{{Citation|title=Write Me Back by R. Kelly|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/write-me-back/r-kelly|language=en|access-date=2021-12-27}} as well as a third installment of Trapped in the Closet{{Citation|last1=Kelly|first1=R.|title=Trapped in the Closet: Chapters 23-33|date=2012-11-22|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2526856/|type=Comedy, Crime, Drama|publisher=Fuzzy Bunny Films (I), RCA Records, Sylvester Films|access-date=2021-12-27|last2=Swaffield|first2=Jim}} and The Single Ladies Tour featuring R&B singer, Tamia.{{cite web|date=August 31, 2012|title=To All Of The Single Ladies!|url=http://www.r-kelly.com/news/all-single-ladies| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/http://www.r-kelly.com/news/all-single-ladies| archive-date=2021-09-28|access-date=December 11, 2015|publisher=R-Kelly}}{{cbignore}}[http://rkellynews.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-r-kelly-interview-with-jojo-of.html New R. Kelly interview with JoJo of V101.5 ]. R. Kelly News {{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ifc.com/fix/2012/03/trapped-in-the-closet-announcement|title=Coming Soon to IFC: R. Kelly's "Trapped in the Closet: The Next Installment"|publisher=IFC|access-date=December 11, 2015|archive-date=October 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016092152/http://www.ifc.com/fix/2012/03/trapped-in-the-closet-announcement|url-status=dead}} In February 2012, Kelly performed "I Look to You", a song he wrote for Whitney Houston, at Houston's homegoing.{{cite web|last=Kleinman|first=Jacob|title=Whitney Houston Funeral: R. Kelly Sings Soulful Rendition of 'I Look To You'|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/300964/20120218/whitney-houston-funeral-death-rkelly-songs-look.htm| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/300964/20120218/whitney-houston-funeral-death-rkelly-songs-look.htm| archive-date=2021-09-28|access-date=February 19, 2012|work=International Business Times|date=February 18, 2012}}{{cbignore}}

{{Main|Black Panties|The Buffet (R. Kelly album)|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 the 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/r-kelly-announces-new-single-with-2-chainz-reveals-artwork-news.6585.html| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/r-kelly-announces-new-single-with-2-chainz-reveals-artwork-news.6585.html| archive-date=2021-09-28|title=R. Kelly Announces New Single With 2 Chainz, Reveals Artwork| date=July 26, 2013|publisher=Hotnewhiphop.com|access-date=December 10, 2013}}{{cbignore}} released on December 10, 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.vibe.com/photo-gallery/lots-black-panties-r-kellys-black-panties-cover| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/http://www.vibe.com/photo-gallery/lots-black-panties-r-kellys-black-panties-cover| archive-date=2021-09-28|title=Lots of Black Panties On R. Kelly's 'Black Panties' Cover + Tracklist|work=Vibe|date=November 19, 2013|access-date=December 10, 2013}}{{cbignore}} 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?"

In 2013, Kelly collaborated with several artists including Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige,{{cite web|date=October 24, 2013|title=Exclusive: Mary J.Blige Set To Duet With R.Kelly On Next Album|url=http://ratedrnb.com/2013/10/24/exclusive-mary-j-blige-set-duet-r-kelly-next-album/| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/http://ratedrnb.com/2013/10/24/exclusive-mary-j-blige-set-duet-r-kelly-next-album/| archive-date=2021-09-28|access-date=January 23, 2014|publisher=Ratedrnb.com}}{{cbignore}} and Jennifer Hudson.{{cite web|last=Lewis|first=Brittany|date=November 15, 2013|title=The Night I Received Black Panties From R. Kelly by Brittany Lewis|url=http://globalgrind.com/2013/11/15/the-night-i-received-black-panties-from-r-kelly-brittany-lewis/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219164917/http://globalgrind.com/2013/11/15/the-night-i-received-black-panties-from-r-kelly-brittany-lewis/|archive-date=December 19, 2013|access-date=January 23, 2014|publisher=Global Grind}} 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.{{cite web|last=Lewis|first=Brittany|url=http://globalgrind.com/2013/11/15/r-kelly-interview-video-ignition-remix-national-anthem-petition-childhood-new-collaboration-with-celine-dion/| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/http://globalgrind.com/2013/11/15/r-kelly-interview-video-ignition-remix-national-anthem-petition-childhood-new-collaboration-with-celine-dion/| archive-date=2021-09-28|title=R. Kelly Discusses The "Ignition (Remix)" National Anthem Petition, His Childhood, & New Collaboration With Celine Dion (Video)|publisher=Global Grind|date=November 15, 2013|access-date=December 10, 2013}}{{cbignore}} Kelly worked with singer Mariah Carey for her album Me. I Am Mariah... The Elusive Chanteuse.{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a409177/mariah-carey-records-duet-with-r-kelly.html| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a409177/mariah-carey-records-duet-with-r-kelly.html| archive-date=2021-09-28|title=Mariah Carey records duet with R Kelly - Music News|work=Digital Spy|date=September 30, 2012|access-date=December 10, 2013}}{{cbignore}}

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,{{cite web|title=Lady Gaga and R. Kelly Perform 'Do What U Want' on 'SNL'|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2013/11/16/video-lady-gaga-and-r-kelly-perform-do-what-u-want-on-snl/| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/http://www.rap-up.com/2013/11/16/video-lady-gaga-and-r-kelly-perform-do-what-u-want-on-snl/| archive-date=2021-09-28|work=Rap-Up|publisher=Rap-Up, LLC|access-date=November 18, 2013}}{{cbignore}} and at the 2013 American Music Awards.{{cite magazine|last=Lipshutz|first=Jason|title=Lady Gaga, R. Kelly To Perform 'Do What U Want' At American Music Awards|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/5785874/lady-gaga-r-kelly-to-perform-do-what-u-want-at-american-music| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/5785874/lady-gaga-r-kelly-to-perform-do-what-u-want-at-american-music| archive-date=2021-09-28|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 18, 2013|date=November 12, 2013}}{{cbignore}} "Do What U Want" was later removed from streaming services and re-releases of Gaga's Artpop album following sexual misconduct allegations against Kelly in early 2019.{{Cite web|date=2019-10-15|title=Lady Gaga removes R. Kelly collaboration "Do What U Want" from ARTPOP reissue|url=https://consequence.net/2019/10/lady-gaga-removes-rkelly-do-what-u-want-artpop/|access-date=2021-12-27|website=Consequence|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Trepany|first=Charles|title=Lady Gaga removes R. Kelly song from 'Artpop,' will reportedly release new vinyl copies|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2019/10/17/lady-gaga-removes-r-kelly-song-artpop-new-vinyl/4011567002/|access-date=2021-12-27|website=USA Today|language=en-US}}{{Cite magazine|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=2019-01-11|title=Lady Gaga's 'Do What U Want' Featuring R. Kelly Removed from Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/lady-gaga-do-what-u-want-r-kelly-removed/|access-date=2021-12-27|magazine=Billboard|language=en-US}} 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 ninth album, Dark Horse.{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/04/we-been-on-video-rich-gang-lil-wayne-r-kelly_n_3865247.html| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/04/we-been-on-video-rich-gang-lil-wayne-r-kelly_n_3865247.html| archive-date=2021-09-28|title='We Been On' Video Has Rich Gang Getting Down With Lil Wayne And R. Kelly|work=HuffPost|access-date=December 10, 2013|first=Madeline|last=Boardman|date=September 4, 2013}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2013/04/23/new-music-twista-f-r-kelly-throwin-my-money/| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/http://www.rap-up.com/2013/04/23/new-music-twista-f-r-kelly-throwin-my-money/| archive-date=2021-09-28|title=New Music: Twista f/ R. Kelly – 'Throwin My Money'|publisher=Rap-Up.com|date=April 23, 2013|access-date=December 10, 2013}}{{cbignore}} On November 17, 2013, Kelly and Justin Bieber debuted a collaboration titled "PYD".{{cite web|url=http://www.vibe.com/article/justin-bieber-reveals-cover-art-r-kelly-collaboration-pyd| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/http://www.vibe.com/article/justin-bieber-reveals-cover-art-r-kelly-collaboration-pyd| archive-date=2021-09-28|title=Justin Bieber Reveals Cover Art For R. Kelly Collaboration, 'PYD'|work=Vibe|date=November 16, 2013|access-date=December 10, 2013}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2013/12/09/rap-up-tv-r-kelly-talks-justin-bieber-lady-gaga-bruno-mars/| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/http://www.rap-up.com/2013/12/09/rap-up-tv-r-kelly-talks-justin-bieber-lady-gaga-bruno-mars/| archive-date=2021-09-28|title=RapUp TV: R. Kelly Talks Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, & Bruno Mars|publisher=Rap-Up.com|access-date=January 23, 2014}}{{cbignore}}

Kelly was featured on the soundtrack album of the film The Best Man Holiday with his song "Christmas, I'll Be Steppin'".{{cite web|title='The Best Man Holiday' Soundtrack Details|url=http://filmmusicreporter.com/2013/10/04/the-best-man-holiday-soundtrack-details/| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/http://filmmusicreporter.com/2013/10/04/the-best-man-holiday-soundtrack-details/| archive-date=2021-09-28|work=Film Music Reporter|access-date=November 18, 2013|date=October 4, 2013}}{{cbignore}} 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.{{cite magazine|author=Kory Grow|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/r-kelly-continues-the-trapped-in-the-closet-saga-20131204| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/r-kelly-continues-the-trapped-in-the-closet-saga-20131204| archive-date=2021-09-28|title=R. Kelly Continues 'Trapped in the Closet' With New Chapters {{pipe}} Music News|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=December 4, 2013|access-date=January 23, 2014}}{{cbignore}} In July 2014, Kelly announced that he was working on a house music album.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/r-kelly-to-release-house-music-album-20140715| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/r-kelly-to-release-house-music-album-20140715| archive-date=2021-09-28|title=R. Kelly to Release House Music Album|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=July 15, 2014|access-date=September 10, 2014}}{{cbignore}}

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.{{Cite web|date=2015-12-21|title=Hip Hop Album Sales: August Alsina, R. Kelly & Rick Ross|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.36727/title.hip-hop-album-sales-august-alsina-r-kelly-rick-ross|access-date=2021-12-27|website=HipHopDX}} During November 2015, R. Kelly released a song with Ty Dolla Sign 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/10/r-kellys-album-12-nights-of-christmas/| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/10/r-kellys-album-12-nights-of-christmas/| archive-date=2021-09-28|title=Listen to R. Kelly's New Album '12 Nights of Christmas' |last=Ivey|first=Justin|date=October 21, 2016|website=XXL Mag|language=en|access-date=June 11, 2019}}{{cbignore}}

{{Main|I Admit}}

File:R. Kelly in 2017 03.png

On March 17, 2017, Pitbull released the song "Dedicated" off his album Climate Change featuring guest appearances from Kelly and Austin Mahone.

Kelly released the 19-minute-long "I Admit" on SoundCloud on July 23, 2018, as a response to his accusers.{{cite web |last1=Sodomsky |first1=Sam |last2=Strauss |first2=Matthew |date=July 23, 2018 |title=R. Kelly Addresses Sex Cult Allegations, Spotify Policy in 19-Minute New Song |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/r-kelly-addresses-sex-cult-allegations-spotify-policy-in-19-minute-new-song/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/https://pitchfork.com/news/r-kelly-addresses-sex-cult-allegations-spotify-policy-in-19-minute-new-song/ |archive-date=2021-09-28 |access-date=January 9, 2019 |work=Pitchfork}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web |date=July 23, 2018 |title=R Kelly: 'I Admit' released against sex allegations |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-44929744 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-44929744 |archive-date=2021-09-28 |access-date=January 9, 2019 |publisher=BBC}}{{cbignore}} The song does not contain any criminal admissions despite its title and chorus, which repeats the lyric "I admit it, I did it".{{cite news |last=Gajanan |first=Mahita |date=July 23, 2018 |title=A Defense Attorney Listened to R. Kelly's 19-Minute Song 'I Admit.' This Is What She Thinks |magazine=Time |url=https://time.com/5346369/r-kelly-i-admit-defense-attorney/ |access-date=January 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/http://time.com/5346369/r-kelly-i-admit-defense-attorney/ |archive-date=2021-09-28}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web |last1=Ettachfini |first1=Leila |last2=Burke |first2=Sarah |date=July 24, 2018 |title=R. Kelly's Victimhood Doesn't Excuse His Alleged Sexual Misconduct |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/r-kelly-i-admit-sexual-assault-abuse-victim/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/https://broadly.vice.com/en_us/article/qvmvg7/r-kelly-i-admit-sexual-assault-abuse-victim |archive-date=2021-09-28 |access-date=January 9, 2019 |website=Broadly}}{{cbignore}} In "I Admit", Kelly denies allegations of domestic violence and pedophilia, asserting that they are matters of opinion. Kelly also denounces Jim DeRogatis and repudiates his investigative report's claim of Kelly operating a "sex cult". Addressing the Mute R. Kelly social media campaign, Kelly sings, "only God can mute me".{{cite web |last=Snapes |first=Laura |date=July 23, 2018 |title=R Kelly denies sexual abuse allegations in 19-minute song I Admit |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/jul/23/r-kelly-denies-sexual-abuse-allegations-in-19-minute-song-i-admit |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/jul/23/r-kelly-denies-sexual-abuse-allegations-in-19-minute-song-i-admit |archive-date=2021-09-28 |access-date=January 9, 2019 |website=The Guardian}}{{cbignore}}{{cite news |last=Ellefson |first=Lindsey |date=July 23, 2018 |title=R. Kelly answers his critics with a 19-minute song, 'I Admit' |work=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/23/entertainment/r-kelly-i-admit-song-trnd/index.html |access-date=January 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/23/entertainment/r-kelly-i-admit-song-trnd/index.html |archive-date=2021-09-28}}{{cbignore}}

The song was criticized by reviewers, who described it as an act of trolling.{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=Kevin C. |date=August 12, 2018 |title=Muting R. Kelly: Our music critic is finished with the Pied Piper of R&B |url=https://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/music/kevin-johnson/muting-r-kelly-our-music-critic-is-finished-with-the/article_f0a8f675-17dc-5dc1-b2f5-ebe10e3bd51c.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/https://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/music/kevin-johnson/muting-r-kelly-our-music-critic-is-finished-with-the/article_f0a8f675-17dc-5dc1-b2f5-ebe10e3bd51c.html |archive-date=2021-09-28 |access-date=January 9, 2019 |website=St. Louis Post-Dispatch}}{{cbignore}}{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Stereo |date=July 23, 2018 |title=R. Kelly's Delusional Response to Sex Cult Allegations in 'I Admit': I'm the Victim Here |website=The Daily Beast |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/r-kellys-delusional-response-to-sex-cult-allegations-in-i-admit-im-the-victim-here |access-date=January 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/https://www.thedailybeast.com/r-kellys-delusional-response-to-sex-cult-allegations-in-i-admit-im-the-victim-here |archive-date=2021-09-28}}{{cbignore}} 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.{{Cite web |date=2018-07-23 |title=In R. Kelly's New Song, He Admits to Nothing |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/r-kelly-i-admit-abuse-allegations-new-song |access-date=2022-05-16 |website=Vogue |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Lockett |first=Dee |date=2018-07-23 |title=The 8 Worst Lines on R. Kelly's 19-Minute New Song 'I Admit' |url=https://www.vulture.com/2018/07/r-kellys-19-minute-new-song-the-worst-things-on-i-admit.html |access-date=2022-05-16 |website=Vulture |language=en-us}} 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.{{cite web |last=Scott |first=Katie |date=July 25, 2018 |title=R. Kelly's ex-wife responds to song 'I Admit' with her own remix |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4352181/r-kelly-ex-wife-i-admit-remix/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/https://globalnews.ca/news/4352181/r-kelly-ex-wife-i-admit-remix/ |archive-date=2021-09-28 |access-date=January 9, 2019 |website=Globalnews.ca}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web |last1=Grant |first1=Shawn |date=August 8, 2018 |title=R. Kelly's Brother Blasts Singer in New 'I Confess' Single |url=http://thesource.com/2018/08/08/r-kelly-brother-i-confess/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/http://thesource.com/2018/08/08/r-kelly-brother-i-confess/ |archive-date=2021-09-28 |access-date=January 9, 2019 |website=The Source}}{{cbignore}}

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.{{cite magazine |last=Mamo |first=Heran |date=December 9, 2022 |title=Here's How a New R. Kelly Album Got Uploaded to Streaming Services |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/r-kelly-new-album-streaming-how-did-it-get-there/ |access-date=December 10, 2022 |magazine=Billboard}}

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.{{Cite web |last=Larman |first=Alexander |title=The rise and fall of R Kelly |url=https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-rise-and-fall-of-r-kelly |access-date=2022-07-17 |website=www.spectator.co.uk |date=July 2022 |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web|title=Timeline Of R. Kelly's Life And Career |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/timeline-of-r-kellys-life-and-career/ |website=cbsnews.com |date=August 18, 2021 |language=en-GB}} 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.{{Cite news |last=Hoekstra |first=David |date=29 November 1998 |title=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. |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-nov-29-ca-48624-story.html |access-date=17 July 2022}} 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.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rMOfpYb4_PEC&q=Marvin+|title=Soulacoaster: The Diary of Me|publisher=Hay House, Inc|date=2012|isbn=9781401931773|access-date=October 13, 2014}}

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.

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." 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."{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020609224145/http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-kelly09.html|archive-date=June 9, 2002|last1=DeRogatis|first1=Jim|last2=Pallasch|first2=Abdon|title=Inspirational singer or perverted swinger?|work=Chicago Sun-Times|date=June 9, 2002|access-date=March 15, 2020|url=http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-kelly09.html}}

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.{{citation|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8hIEAAAAMBAJ&q=R.+Kelly&pg=PA20|title=Hot Beats of Summer|last=Cohen|first=Jonathan|magazine=Billboard|volume=120|issue=20|page=20|date=May 16, 2008|access-date=November 2, 2014}} 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."

Kelly is considered to be one of the most successful R&B artists since the mid-1980s. 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. Rolling Stone magazine called him "arguably the most important R&B figure of the 1990s and 2000s".{{cite magazine |title=R. Kelly: Biography |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/r-kelly/biography |url-status=dead |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622021816/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/r-kelly/biography |archive-date=June 22, 2011 |access-date=June 30, 2013}} Billboard, ranking him the 9th greatest R&B artist of all time, said "from a purely musical perspective, there’s no denying that Kelly is one of the best contemporary R&B artists to ever pick up a microphone."{{Cite web |last=Unterberger |first=Trevor Anderson,Janine Coveney,Mackenzie Cummings-Grady,Kyle Denis,Angel Diaz,William E. Ketchum III,Carl Lamarre,Joe Lynch,Heran Mamo,Gail Mitchell,Michael Saponara,Andrew |date=2025-06-19 |title=The 75 Best R&B Artists of All Time (Full List): Staff Picks |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rb-singers-all-time/ |access-date=2025-06-20 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}} 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".{{cite news |author=Sanneh |first=Kelefa |date=November 6, 2003 |title=Tarnished but Still Platinum; R. Kelly Is Popular Despite Pornography Charges |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/06/arts/tarnished-but-still-platinum-r-kelly-is-popular-despite-pornography-charges.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm |access-date=August 2, 2012}} R. Kelly has also been compared to artists like Sam Cooke and Bobby Brown.{{cite web | url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/redeye/ct-redeye-xpm-2013-10-23-43332494-story.html | title=If R. Kelly fought Bobby Brown in the '90s | website=Chicago Tribune | date=October 23, 2013 }}

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.

{{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. 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.{{Cite web |date=2021-10-26 |title=R. Kelly's three Grammys will not be rescinded — for now — Recording Academy CEO says |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2021/10/26/22747647/r-kelly-grammys-will-not-be-rescinded-for-now-recording-academy-ceo-says |access-date=2022-05-16 |website=Chicago Sun-Times |language=en}}

Kelly was given a key to the city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 2013 as "an artist whose music brings generations together".{{Cite web |date=2013-02-18 |title=R.Kelly Receives Key to the City and Inspires Local Musicians at Concert |url=https://cameronjamesmind.wordpress.com/2013/02/18/r-kelly-receives-key-to-the-city-and-inspires-local-musicians-at-concert/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502034344/http://cameronjamesmind.wordpress.com/2013/02/18/r-kelly-receives-key-to-the-city-and-inspires-local-musicians-at-concert/ |archive-date=2013-05-02 |access-date=2022-05-22 |website=Cameron James' Mind |language=en}} On September 30, 2021, following his New York conviction of multiple sex crimes, the key was rescinded.{{Cite web |date=2021-10-01 |title=R. Kelly's key to the city of Baton Rouge has been rescinded |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/r-kelly-has-his-key-to-the-city-of-baton-rouge-rescinded-3059958 |access-date=2022-05-16 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |title=Baton Rouge takes back R. Kelly's key to the city |url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2021-09-30/107762/baton-rouge-takes-back-r-kellys-key-to-the-city/ |access-date=2022-05-16 |website=REVOLT |language=en-US}}

{{Main article|R. Kelly sexual abuse cases}}

{{See also|Weinstein effect}}

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.{{Cite news |date=October 20, 2021 |title=R. Kelly timeline: Chicago upbringing, rapid rise to stardom and years of sexual abuse charges, suits and rumors, conviction |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-viz-r-kelly-timeline-htmlstory.html |access-date=October 31, 2021 |newspaper=The Chicago Tribune}}{{Cite web |last=Corry |first=Kristin |date=January 6, 2020 |title=The Six Most Disturbing Revelations From Lifetime's 'Surviving R. Kelly' Sequel |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-six-most-disturbing-revelations-from-lifetimes-surviving-r-kelly-sequel/ |access-date=2021-10-31 |website=Vice |language=en}} Following leaked video recordings, Kelly was prosecuted on child pornography charges in 2002,{{cite web |last=Fountain |first=John W. |date=June 6, 2002 |title=R. Kelly, R & B Star, Is Indicted on Child Sex Charges |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/06/us/r-kelly-r-b-star-is-indicted-on-child-sex-charges.html |access-date=18 February 2022 |website=The New York Times}} leading to a controversial trial that ended with his acquittal in 2008 on all charges.{{cite magazine |last=Levin |first=Josh |date=June 13, 2008 |title=Long Live the Little Man Defense! |url=http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/culturebox/2008/06/long_live_the_little_man_defense.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/culturebox/2008/06/long_live_the_little_man_defense.html |archive-date=2021-09-28 |access-date=January 9, 2019 |journal=Slate |location=San Francisco}}{{cbignore}} The 2019 documentary Surviving R. Kelly reexamined Kelly's alleged sexual misconduct with minors, prompting RCA Records to terminate his contract{{Cite news |title=R. Kelly Has Been Dropped By RCA Records, 'Billboard' Reports |url=https://www.npr.org/2019/01/18/686641970/r-kelly-has-been-dropped-by-rca-records-billboard-reports#:~:text=R.-,Kelly%20Has%20Been%20Dropped%20By%20RCA%20Records,%20'Billboard'%20Reports,multiple%20women%20of%20sexual%20abuse. |access-date=2021-12-27 |work=NPR |language=en}} and resulted in additional investigations by law enforcement beginning in 2019.{{cite news |last=McAdams |first=Alexis |date=January 10, 2019 |title=Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx examining new R. Kelly claims in the wake of 'Surviving R. Kelly' |url=https://abc7chicago.com/cook-county-states-attorney-examining-new-r-kelly-claims/5045561/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110171559/https://abc7chicago.com/cook-county-states-attorney-examining-new-r-kelly-claims/5045561/ |archive-date=January 10, 2019 |access-date=January 10, 2019 |publisher=WLS-TV |location=Chicago, Illinois}} 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.{{cite web |date=April 24, 2023 |title=Singer R. Kelly moved to North Carolina prison from Chicago |url=https://apnews.com/article/r-kelly-prison-chicago-north-carolina-c9fc878db8ebead6c1a9fc5c33df1871 |access-date=July 10, 2023 |website=Associated Press}} 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.{{Cite magazine |last=Paul |first=Larisha |date=2024-07-31 |title=R. Kelly Wants the Supreme Court to Overturn His Sex Abuse Conviction |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/r-kelly-supreme-court-petition-sex-abuse-conviction-1235071224/ |access-date=2024-08-13 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}} On June 13, 2025, Kelly was hospitalized following an apparent overdose while incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institute in North Carolina. His attorneys allege that after being placed in solitary confinement on June 10, he was initially given anxiety medication, followed by an increased dosage on June 12. They claim this led to dizziness and vision loss before he collapsed. He was transported to Duke University Hospital, where medical evaluations reportedly revealed blood clots in his lungs and legs. Despite these concerns, Kelly remained under medical observation for two days before being discharged and returned to prison on June 15 against medical advice. His attorneys subsequently filed an emergency motion for release, citing mistreatment and concerns over his safety in custody.{{cite news |date=17 June 2025 |title=R. Kelly hospitalized after prison overdose, lawyers allege mistreatment |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2025/06/17/r-kelly-overdose-hospitalized-lawyers/84240048007/ |access-date=17 June 2025 |work=USA Today}}{{cite news |date=17 June 2025 |title=Disgraced music mogul R. Kelly taken to hospital |url=https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/entertainment/disgraced-music-mogul-r-kelly-taken-to-hospital/ |access-date=17 June 2025 |work=LBC}}

{{Anchor|Legal issues}}Other than the federal sex abuse cases, Kelly has been involved in several high-profile criminal cases and lawsuits.

• 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.{{cite news |date=August 13, 1997 |title=R. Kelly Reaches Settlement In Lawsuit |publisher=MTV News |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1430775/19970813/story.jhtml |url-status=dead |access-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991117205418/http://mtv.com/news/gallery/r/rkelly970813.html |archive-date=November 17, 1999}}
• 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.{{cite news |date=May 7, 1998 |title=R Kelly Busted For Blasting Car Stereo |publisher=MTV News |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1430772/19980507/kelly_r.jhtml |url-status=dead |access-date=July 14, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000519054623/http://www.mtv.com/mtv/news/gallery/r/rkelly980408.html |archive-date=May 19, 2000}} Prosecutors from the district attorney's office dropped the first two charges on May 7,{{cite news |date=May 7, 1998 |title=R. Kelly Gets Mixed Legal News In Court Date |publisher=MTV News |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1430772/19980507/kelly_r.jhtml |url-status=dead |access-date=July 14, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000525114925/http://www.mtv.com/mtv/news/gallery/r/rkelly980507.html |archive-date=May 25, 2000}} and the noise charge on July 22 that year.{{cite news |title=R. Kelly Free To Kick Out The Car Jams |publisher=MTV News |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1430770/19980722/kelly_r.jhtml |url-status=dead |access-date=July 14, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000525114925/http://www.mtv.com/mtv/news/gallery/r/rkelly980507.html |archive-date=May 25, 2000}}
• 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.{{cite web |last1=Babwin |first1=Don |last2=Crawford |first2=Teresa |date=March 10, 2019 |title=R. Kelly: 'We're going to straighten all this stuff out' |url=https://apnews.com/e1a087aaec8643b0b5535b88bf5a01c0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/https://apnews.com/e1a087aaec8643b0b5535b88bf5a01c0 |archive-date=2021-09-28 |access-date=March 24, 2019 |website=Associated Press}}{{cbignore}}

• 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.{{Cite magazine |last=Devenish |first=Colin |date=November 2, 2004 |title=R. Kelly Sues Jay-Z |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/r-kelly-sues-jay-z-110036/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |access-date=July 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050306043610/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/_/id/6593240/jayz|archive-date=March 6, 2005|url-status=dead}} 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.{{Cite web |date=November 2, 2004 |title=R. Kelly Files $75 Million Lawsuit Against Jay-Z |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/r-kelly-files-75-million-lawsuit-against-jay-z-65820/ |publisher=Reuters|via=Billboard |language=en-US |access-date=July 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041113054651/http://www.billboard.com/bb/daily/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000697075|archive-date=November 13, 2004|url-status=dead}}
• 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.{{Cite magazine |last=Mar |first=Alex |date=2005-02-03 |title=Jay-Z Countersues R. Kelly |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/jay-z-countersues-r-kelly-102164/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |access-date=2022-04-04}} Jay-Z's counter suit was dismissed by a judge that May.{{cite news |last=Harris |first=Chris |date=November 7, 2005 |title=R. Kelly Sues Jay-Z — Again |publisher=MTV News |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1513117/20051107/kelly_r.jhtml |url-status=dead |access-date=July 12, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051128065531/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1513117/20051107/kelly_r.jhtml |archive-date=November 28, 2005}}{{Cite web |last=Archive-Brandee-J-Tecson |title=Jay-Z's Countersuit Against R. Kelly Thrown Out |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1502430/jay-zs-countersuit-against-r-kelly-thrown-out/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003015415/http://www.mtv.com/news/1502430/jay-zs-countersuit-against-r-kelly-thrown-out/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 3, 2015 |access-date=2022-04-04 |website=MTV News |language=en}}
• 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.{{Cite web |last=Archive-Chris-Harris |title=R. Kelly Sues Jay-Z — Again |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1513117/20051107/story.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060913232618/http://www.mtv.com:80/news/articles/1513117/20051107/story.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 13, 2006 |access-date=June 30, 2024 |publisher=MTV News |language=en}}

Kelly's mother, Joanne, died from cancer in 1993.{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/troubled-life-times-kelly-gallery-1.3336130?pmSlide=1.3336113|title=R. Kelly and his mother, 1993 - Photos - The troubled life and times of R. Kelly|website=Daily News|location=New York|access-date=March 26, 2018}} He has given conflicting accounts of where he was during his mother's death. His oldest daughter, JoAnn (b. 1998), was named after the singer's mother, but is also known as Buku Abi.{{Cite web |agency=Associated Press |date=2019-09-04 |title=R. Kelly's Daughter Opens Up About Family Life in Rare Interview |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/r-kellys-daughter-opens-up-father-rare-interview-1236695/ |access-date=2022-07-06 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}

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).{{cite web|last=Pallasch|first=Abdon M.|date=May 2007|title=Unfinished Business|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oyYEAAAAMBAJ&q=r+kelly+andrea+kelly+divorce+joann+jaya+robert&pg=PA83|access-date=March 11, 2015|website=Vibe Magazine}}{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Cite web|last=Kellaway|first=Mitch|date=July 8, 2014|title=R. Kelly's Ex, Jay Kelly's Mom, On Loving Their Trans Son|url=http://www.advocate.com/parenting/2014/07/08/r-kellys-ex-jay-kellys-mom-loving-their-trans-son|url-status=live|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/http://www.advocate.com/parenting/2014/07/08/r-kellys-ex-jay-kellys-mom-loving-their-trans-son|archive-date=2021-09-28|website=Advocate}}{{cbignore}} Andrea filed a restraining order against Kelly in September 2005 after a physical altercation, ultimately filing for divorce in 2006.{{cite web|url=https://www.essence.com/news/r-kellys-wife-speak-out-notes-on-a-scand/| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/https://www.essence.com/news/r-kellys-wife-speak-out-notes-on-a-scand/| archive-date=2021-09-28|title=R. Kelly's Wife Speak Out: Notes On A Scandal|date=December 16, 2009|website=Essence}}{{cbignore}} In January 2009, their divorce was finalized after 13 years of marriage.{{cite web|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1602377/r-kellys-divorce-finalized/|title=R. Kelly's Divorce Finalized|publisher=MTV|date=January 9, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114024030/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1602377/20090109/kelly_r.jhtml|archive-date=January 14, 2009|access-date=September 12, 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20251074,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines|title=R. Kelly & Wife Finalize Divorce - Divorced, R. Kelly|last=Lewis|first=Debra|work=People|access-date=September 10, 2012|archive-date=November 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120212946/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20251074,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines|url-status=dead}} In later years, Andrea accused Kelly of physical, verbal, and mental abuse, including in Surviving R. Kelly (2019).{{Cite web |title=Andrea Kelly Has A Message For Those Looking To 'Expose' Her |url=https://www.essence.com/celebrity/r-kelly-ex-wife-andrea-kelly-no-longer-afraid/ |access-date=2022-07-06 |website=Essence |date=October 23, 2020 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=R. Kelly's Ex-Wife Andrea Kelly's Interview In 'Surviving R. Kelly' Is Not The First Time She's Spoken About Her Experience |url=https://www.bustle.com/p/r-kellys-ex-wife-andrea-kellys-interview-in-surviving-r-kelly-is-not-the-first-time-shes-spoken-about-her-experience-15648288 |access-date=2022-07-06 |website=Bustle |date=January 4, 2019 |language=en}}{{Cite magazine |last1=Iasimone |first1=Ashley |date=2018-10-07 |title=R. Kelly's Ex-Wife Details Alleged Abuse: 'I Thought I Was Gonna Die' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/r-kelly-abuse-allegations-ex-wife-andrea-kelly-the-view-8478566/ |access-date=2022-07-06 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}

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.{{cite news |last1=Oberfield |first1=Gabriel S. |title='Activist' pleads not guilty in extortion case |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122517478/activist-pleads-not-guilty-in/ |access-date=8 April 2023 |work=The Times of Northwest Indiana |agency=Medill News Service |date=18 February 2005 |pages=}} In January 2006, the man was sentenced to 27 months in prison.{{cite news |date=19 January 2006 |title=Man Sentenced in Sheffield Case |pages=24 |work=Clarion-Ledger |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122538840/man-sentenced-in-sheffield-case/ |access-date=9 April 2023}}

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.{{cite web|date=May 2, 2007|title=R. Kelly Releases VA Tech Tribute|url=http://www.dallasblack.com/entertainment/kellyvatribute|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305062832/http://www.dallasblack.com/entertainment/kellyvatribute|archive-date=March 5, 2016|access-date=February 27, 2016|work=dallasblack.com|publisher=Associated Press}} In 2010, he penned the song "Sign of a Victory" for the FIFA World Cup, with all proceeds benefiting African charities.{{cite web|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/r-kelly-pens-new-single-for-charity-2010215| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/r-kelly-pens-new-single-for-charity-2010215| archive-date=2021-09-28|title=R. Kelly Pens New Single for Charity|date=May 21, 2010|work=Us Weekly|access-date=March 11, 2015}}{{cbignore}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://theurbandaily.com/2011/04/06/r-kelly-covers-sam-cooke-classics-at-chicago-charity-event-video/| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/http://theurbandaily.com/2011/04/06/r-kelly-covers-sam-cooke-classics-at-chicago-charity-event-video/| archive-date=2021-09-28|title=R Kelly's Private Performance for Clara's House|date=April 6, 2011|work=theurbandaily.com|access-date=February 27, 2016}}{{cbignore}} In 2016, Kelly donated cases of water to the Flint water crisis.{{cite web|url=http://www.daily-journal.com/news/local/local-drive-replenishes-flint-water-supply/article_d2c156e2-e435-59ba-81cc-fbb0bcf295d3.html| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/http://www.daily-journal.com/news/local/local-drive-replenishes-flint-water-supply/article_d2c156e2-e435-59ba-81cc-fbb0bcf295d3.html| archive-date=2021-09-28|title=Local drive replenishes Flint water supply|date=February 22, 2016|work=daily-journal.com|access-date=February 27, 2016}}{{cbignore}}

{{See also|R. Kelly discography|R. Kelly production discography|R. Kelly videography}}

Solo studio albums

• 12 Play (1993)
• R. Kelly (1995)
• R. (1998)
• TP-2.com (2000)
• Chocolate Factory (2003)
• Happy People/U Saved Me (2004)
• TP.3 Reloaded (2005)
• Double Up (2007)
• Untitled (2009)
• Love Letter (2010)
• Write Me Back (2012)
• Black Panties (2013)
• The Buffet (2015)
• 12 Nights of Christmas (2016)

Collaborative studio albums

• Born into the 90's (with Public Announcement) (1992)
• The Best of Both Worlds (with Jay-Z) (2002)
• Unfinished Business (with Jay-Z) (2004)

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

• 60653 Tour (w/ Public Announcement) (1993)
• The Very Necessary 12 Play Tour (with Salt-N-Pepa) (1994){{Cite news |last=Tharp |first=Robert |date=May 24, 1994 |title=R. Kelly, Salt 'n' Pepa Impress with Sexiness |pages=Section E, Page 3 |work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram}}{{Cite news |last=Hinckley |first=David |date=May 27, 1994 |title=Whatta Band: Salt-n-Pepa at Radio City |pages=55 |work=Daily News}}
• The Down Low Top Secret Tour (with LL Cool J and Xscape) (1996)
• The Get Up on a Room Tour (with Kelly Price, Nas, Foxy Brown, and Deborah Cox) (1999)
• The TP-2.com Tour (with Sunshine Anderson and Syleena Johnson) (2001)
• The Key in the Ignition Tour (with Ashanti) (2003)
• The Best of Both Worlds Tour (with Jay-Z) (2004){{Cite magazine |last=Devenish |first=Colin |date=November 1, 2004 |title=Jay-Z Boots R. Kelly |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/jay-z-boots-r-kelly-111606 |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=October 23, 2021}}
• The Light It Up Tour (2006)
• The Double Up Tour (with J. Holiday and Keyshia Cole) (2007)
• The Ladies Make Some Noise Tour (with K. Michelle) (2009)
• Love Letter Tour (with Keyshia Cole and Marsha Ambrosius) (2011)
• The Single Ladies Tour (with Tamia) (2012–2013)
• Black Panties Tour (2014–2016)
• The Buffet Tour (2016)

• Soulacoaster: The Diary of Me (2012, autobiography){{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/exclusive-book-excerpt-r-kellys-soulacoaster-the-diary-of-me-20120626| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/exclusive-book-excerpt-r-kellys-soulacoaster-the-diary-of-me-20120626| archive-date=2021-09-28|title=Exclusive Book Excerpt: R. Kelly's 'Soulacoaster: The Diary of Me'|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=June 26, 2012|access-date=March 11, 2015}}{{cbignore}}

• List of artists who reached number one in the United States
• List of Billboard number-one singles
• List of highest-certified music artists in the United States
• List of songs recorded by R. Kelly
• List of songs written and produced by R. Kelly
• List of unreleased songs recorded by R. Kelly
• Shaggy defense

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Cite web|title= R. Kelly's official website | url=https://r-kelly.com/ | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210928233259/http://r-kelly.com/ | archive-date=2021-09-28 | url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}
• {{allMusic}}
• {{IMDb name}}
• [https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p060m6qx/r-kelly-sex-girls-videotapes R. Kelly: Sex, Girls and Videotapes], BBC documentary, March 28, 2018
• [https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/ Burea of Prisons Inmate Locator, Inmate 09627-035]

{{R. Kelly}}

{{R. Kelly singles}}

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{{12 Play}}

{{Public Announcement}}

{{American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist}}

{{BET Award for Best Male R&B Artist}}

{{Grammy Award for Best R&B Song}}

{{Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media}}

{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Male Artist}}

{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Music Video}}

{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Song}}

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Category:1967 births

Category:Living people

Category:20th-century African-American male singers

Category:20th-century American male singers

Category:20th-century American singers

Category:20th-century American criminals

Category:21st-century African-American male singers

Category:21st-century American male singers

Category:21st-century American criminals

Category:African-American Christians

Category:African-American male actors

Category:African-American male singer-songwriters

Category:African-American record producers

Category:American contemporary R&B singers

Category:American male pop singers

Category:American male criminals

Category:American male film actors

Category:American men's basketball players

Category:American music arrangers

Category:American music industry executives

Category:American music video directors

Category:American musicians with disabilities

Category:American people convicted of child pornography offenses

Category:American people convicted of child sexual abuse

Category:American people convicted of kidnapping

Category:American prisoners and detainees

Category:New jack swing musicians

Category:American tenors

Category:Articles containing video clips

Category:Atlantic City Seagulls players

Category:Basketball players from Chicago

Category:Child abuse incidents and cases

Category:Child marriage in the United States

Category:Child sexual abuse in the United States

Category:Criminals from Chicago

Category:Grammy Award winners

Category:Guards (basketball)

Category:Jive Records artists

Category:Kenwood Academy alumni

Category:Male actors from Chicago

Category:Music controversies

Category:Music video codirectors

Category:People convicted of racketeering

Category:People convicted of sex crimes

Category:People convicted of sex trafficking

Category:People convicted of violating the Mann Act

Category:People from Olympia Fields, Illinois

Category:People stripped of awards

Category:Prisoners and detainees of Illinois

Category:RCA Records artists

Category:Record producers from Illinois

Category:Shooting guards

Category:Singers from Chicago

Category:Singers with disabilities

Category:Singer-songwriters from Illinois

Category:Small forwards

Category:Sportspeople from Cook County, Illinois

Category:Violence against women in the United States