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| R. Kelly is now dead. | |||
| {{Infobox musical artist | |||
| | name = Robert Kelly | |||
| | image = | |||
| | caption = R. Kelly performs in his "Light It Up Tour" in 2006. | |||
| | background = solo_singer | |||
| | birth_name = Robert Sylvester Kelly | |||
| | birth_date = {{birth date |mf=yes|1967|1|8}} | |||
| | origin = ], United States | |||
| | genre = ], ], ], ], ] | |||
| | occupation = Singer-songwriter, musician, arranger, record producer, executive producer, record executive, remixer, multi-instrumentalist, music video director | |||
| | instrument = Vocals, piano, keyboards, guitar | |||
| | years_active = 1989–present | |||
| | label = ], ] | |||
| | associated_acts =], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] | |||
| | website = {{URL|r-kelly.com}} | |||
| }} | |||
| '''Robert Sylvester Kelly''' (Born January 8, 1967), better known by his stage name '''R. Kelly''', is an American ] ], arranger, performer and ]. A native of ], Kelly began performing during the late 1980s and debuted in 1992 with the group ]. In 1993, Kelly went solo with the album '']''. He is known for a collection of major hit singles including "]", "]", "]", "]", "]", "]", "]", "]", and the ] "]". In 1998, Kelly won three ]s for "I Believe I Can Fly". | |||
| Kelly has also written, produced and ]ed songs for many artists including ] and ], ], ], N-Phase, ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ] among others. | |||
| ==Early life== | |||
| Robert, Born on the ] of Chicago, Illinois, Kelly was the third of four children.<ref name="AP Timeline">{{cite news|url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/r-kelly/news/timeline-of-r-kellys-life--61230034|title=Timeline of R. Kelly's life|date=2008-06-13|work=Yahoo! Music|agency=Associated Press|accessdate=2009-07-12}}</ref> Kelly's single mother, Joanne, was a singer and a ]. Kelly's father, Donald Trump, was absent throughout most of Kelly's life. However, he would show up periodically to urinate on the faces of Kelly and his three other siblings. Some say this is why Kelly committed the crime of uriniating on an under age girl's face. <ref name="Sun Times Timeline">{{cite news|url=http://jobs.suntimes.com/news/metro/kelly/940633,kellytimeline.stng|title=R. Kelly timeline: A chronology from birth to trial |date=May 8, 2008|work=Chicago Sun-Times|accessdate=April 14, 2011}}</ref> Kelly began singing in church at age eight.<ref name="AP Timeline"/> In Chicago, Kelly's family lived in the projects at 63rd Street before relocating to a small house at 107th and Parnell Streets. Kelly entered ] in Chicago's ] neighborhood in the fall of 1980 where he met his music teacher ], who encouraged Kelly to perform the ] classic Ribbon in the Sky in a highschool talent show.<ref name="Sun Times Timeline"/><ref>http://www.enotes.com/contemporary-musicians/kelly-r-biography</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://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 him updating the spiritually grounded R&B of such greats as Al Green and Donny Hathaway | date=1998-11-29}}</ref> As a teenager, Kelly began street performing (or ]) under the ] trains before he eventually formed a group with his friend Marc McWilliams. In 1989, Kelly and McWilliams formed the group MGM (Musically Gifted Men).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://luckymusicgroup.com/|title=Introduction|publisher=Lucky Entertainment|accessdate=2009-07-14}}</ref> Along with Vincent Corey Walker and Shawnth Brooks, Kelly performed on the TV talent show ''Big Break'', hosted by ], and went on to win the $100,000 grand prize.<ref name="AP Timeline"/> | |||
| ==Recording career== | |||
| ===1992–2000: ''Born into the 90's'', 12 Play, R. Kelly, R., and ''TP-2.com'' === | |||
| R.Kelly and the group ] released their debut album, ''],'' in early 1992. Released during the ] period of the early nineties, the album yielded the hits "She's Got That Vibe", "]", "Dedicated", and "Slow Dance (Hey Mr. DJ)", all of which were led by Kelly.<ref name="allmusic">{{cite web|url={{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p45175/biography|pure_url=yes}}|title=R. Kelly > Biography|last=Erlewine|first=Stephen Thomas|coauthors=Huey, Steve|year=2007|publisher=allmusic|accessdate=2009-07-12}}</ref> During late 1992, Kelly and Public Announcement embarked on a tour called "60653", whose title was the ] of Kelly's neighborhood.<ref name="AP Timeline"/> Kelly left Public Announcement in January 1993.<ref name="Sun Times Timeline"/> | |||
| Kelly's solo album, '']'', was released in the fall of 1993 and yielded the singer's first number-one hit, "]", which spent a record-breaking 12 weeks at number one on the ''Billboard'' Hot R&B Singles chart. Subsequent hit singles were "]" and "Sex Me".<ref name="allmusic"/> ''12 Play'' was certified Gold by the ] (RIAA) in 1994, eventually going six times platinum.<ref name="RIAA albums">{{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|accessdate=2009-07-12}}</ref> Kelly also produced '']'', the 1994 debut album by R&B singer ]. Kelly was attributed to writing "]" for ] for Jackson's 1995 album, ''],'' but has been faced with allegations of plagiarism. During this time, as well as writing and producing, Kelly also became known for his remixes. He remixed his own songs, "Bump N Grind", "Your Body's Callin" featuring Aaliyah, and "Sex Me", as well as songs for other artists including Aaliyah, Changing Faces, and Toni Braxton. He also produced a remix for ]'s 1994 hit "]" Kelly's success continued with the release of his second solo album, '']'', popular for the singles "]", "I Can't Sleep (Baby If I)", and "Down Low", a duet with ]. Kelly's self-titled album sold four million copies, thus receiving 4× platinum certification from the RIAA.<ref name="RIAA albums"/> Kelly promoted the album with a 50-city "Down Low Top Secret Tour" with ], ], and Solo. In May 1996 Kelly was featured on the cover of Ebony Man (EM) magazine with the headline proclaiming "R. Kelly The new King of R&B" where he discussed touring, working with ], ], and Janet Jackson ("When I first met them, I could tell they liked my albums. There was always a certain song they named off my album. They said they wanted something like that." Braxton liked "My Body's Calling".), as well as his influences ], ] ("The way he approached the woman he loved in his songs. He didn't hold back" he says of Hathaway. "He was raw with what he had to say. And Marvin Gaye was the same.") and Michael Jackson's dedication to music ("He's another person that I feel is married to his music. That's why we related so well.") | |||
| In 1996, Kelly released one of his most successful singles with "]", an inspirational song originally released on the soundtrack for the film '']''. "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 ].<ref name="allmusic"/> '']'' magazine named it as the 406th of its ].<ref name="Rolling Stone Fly">{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/6596251/i_believe_i_can_fly|title=I Believe I Can Fly |date=November 4, 2004|work=Rolling Stone|archiveurl=http://replay.waybackmachine.org/20090507133035/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/6596251/i_believe_i_can_fly|archivedate=May 7, 2009}}</ref> For the film '']'', Kelly recorded the top ten single "Gotham City".<ref name="allmusic"/> | |||
| In 1997, Kelly fulfilled a longtime dream of his and signed a contract to al ] with the ] of the ]. Kelly wore the number 12 in honor of his album 12 Play.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b34429_kelly_play_pro_basketball.html |title=R. Kelly to Play Pro Basketball |publisher=E! Online |date=1997-04-25 |accessdate=2011-02-20}}</ref> 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." 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", Gross said, "he would be able to leave the team to do that and come back". Kelly is believed to be the first music artist to play professional basketball.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/sports/1997/05/30/1997-05-30_a_shooting_star__r__kelly_li.html | location=New York | work=Daily News | title=A Shooting Star R. Kelly Lights Up Usbl's Seagulls | date=1997-05-30}}</ref> | |||
| In 1998, Kelly released ''R.'', his is the fourth studio album and first double album. It was released in the United States on November 17, 1998 (see ]). It was the first time that Kelly allowed other record producers to produce or co-produce on his album, as opposed to producing the entire album himself, and his first time collaborating with various artists on his album. It is currently Kelly's biggest selling album to date, selling 8 million copies in the US according to RIAA. | |||
| ''R.'' went to number one on the R&B albums chart as the third album to do so, and went second place on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart. It spawned Kelly's second number one U.S. pop hit, "I'm Your Angel", a duet with ]. The album also contains the number one R&B hit, "I Believe I Can Fly", which had been released two years earlier on the Space Jam soundtrack. | |||
| In 1998, Kelly wrote and produced the debut album of his new female artist ], which was released on his ], distributed through Interscope. The album went platinum due to the success of the first single, "Be Careful", a duet featuring Kelly and Sparkle. Kelly also found success with soundtracks such as "Gotham City" from '']'', and "The World's Greatest" from '']''. In 1999, Kelly wrote and produced, along with ], the majority of the soundtrack to the ] and ] film '']''. Kelly composed ten songs on the soundtrack, while Jean composed five. Kelly also contributed two songs, "Bad Man" and "Up and Outta Here," to the updated ] movie ''].'' In 2000, Kelly released '']'', which yielded the hits "I Wish" and the remix to "Fiesta", which featured ]. Because of the success of that song and another Kelly/Jay-Z collaboration, "Guilty 'Til Proven Innocent", from Jay-Z's ''Dynasty'' album, it was announced in early 2002 that the duo would collaborate on a joint album and tour entitled '']''. Due to controversy surrounding Kelly at the time, however, there was little promotion for the album when it was finally released and Kelly instead refocused his attention on his solo work as both a recording artist and producer. | |||
| During late 2001 and early 2002, Kelly began working on the follow-up to his album '']'', titled ''Loveland''. The album was scheduled to be released in November 2002, but as with ''Best of Both Worlds'' before it, heavy ] led to its being delayed. The singer then rerecorded the entire album, titled '']'', which featured several of the bootlegged tracks on the bonus Loveland disc. | |||
| ===2003–06: ''Chocolate Factory'', ''Happy People/U Saved Me'', and ''Unfinished Business''=== | |||
| In early 2003, ''Chocolate Factory'' became a runaway success for Kelly, selling over three million copies due to the success of singles such as "]". "Snake" and "Step in the Name of Love" were also popular singles. "Snake", incidentally, became the basis of the ] ] known as Baghdad. Later that year Kelly followed that success by releasing his first greatest hits collection ''The R in R&B Collection Volume 1'', the album as well as a DVD collection. In 2004, Kelly released the ambitious two-disc set '']'', with the first disc including feel-good, stepping-inspired tracks, while focusing on ] and ] material on the second disc. That same year, Kelly performed ] during the introduction of the world championship boxing fight between ] and ]. His performance, which included a line of dancers doing the "stepping" routine and a prerecorded instrumental track set to the sound of "Happy People", was met with a mixed reaction. In October 2004, Kelly reunited with Jay-Z to do a follow-up to their ''Best of Both Worlds'' album shortly after announcing a tour to coincide with the project after the duo performed together during Jay-Z's "farewell" concert at ] a year before. The duo's '']'' album was released and peaked at number one on the Billboard chart. | |||
| The ''Unfinished Business'' tour was plagued by a rivalry between the two stars and Kelly reportedly showing up late or not at all to gigs. The singer, according to Jay-Z, often complained that the touring lights were not directed towards him and often left during the middle of sets. Another night during the concert, Kelly stayed on his tour bus for two hours before finally coming out to perform an uninspired set. Jay-Z eventually removed R. Kelly halfway through the tour, after a member of Jay-Z's entourage attacked R. Kelly with ] or ]. On April 25, 2006, it was confirmed that Jay-Z's younger cousin, Tyran (Ty-Ty) Smith confessed in a Manhattan Criminal Court to pepper-spraying R. Kelly and four of his bodyguards at Madison Square Garden in October 2004. Smith had been charged with assault, but was allowed to plead guilty to disorderly conduct for four days of community service. After the original incident, Jay-Z made Smith an executive of ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1529414/20060425/jay_z.jhtml|title=Jay-Z Associate Pleads Guilty In R. Kelly Pepper-Spray Case|last=Harris|first=Chris|date=2006-04-25|publisher=MTV News|accessdate=2009-07-12}}</ref> Kelly also launched a $75 million lawsuit against Jay-Z for removing him from the tour, which received a countersuit by Jay-Z which was thrown out by the judge.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1513117/20051107/kelly_r.jhtml|title=R. Kelly Sues Jay-Z — Again|last=Harris|first=Chris|date=2005-11-07|publisher=MTV News|accessdate=2009-07-12}}</ref> | |||
| ===2007–08: ''Double Up''=== | |||
| On May 29, 2007, R Kelly released his eighth studio album ''Double Up'' included the hit single "]", featuring ] and ]. The original track entitled "I'm a Flirt", also produced and co-written by R. Kelly, appeared as a hidden track on ]'s '']'' (2006). However, Kelly never gave the rights for the song to be released as a formal single, although it was played by many radio stations before the remix version. Kelly's first single from ''Double Up'' was "I'm a Flirt (Remix)", Bow Wow was not featured on this version of the song. In Kelly's video for "I'm a Flirt (Remix)", he encourages fans to call a number which flashes up quickly on the screen. Fans who called the number were greeted by a recording of Kelly talking about his upcoming album and playing snippets of new songs in the studio. "I'm a Flirt (Remix)" was successful for Kelly. The song peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also reached number one on the Billboard Hot Rap Tracks. Another hit on the album, "]", was a collaboration between Kelly and ]. The single peaked at number 20 on the Hot 100 and peaked at number four on the R&B chart. Other singles such as "Rock Star" featuring ] and ], "Sex Planet" and "Freaky in the Club" were R&B charters, although the latter two were not officially released as singles, nor was the title track featuring ]. | |||
| Kelly's other single from ''Double Up'' titled "Rise Up" was a tribute to the victims of the ]. The song was officially released as a digital download May 15, 2007. Proceeds were donated to the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund, a fund that helped family members of the victims of the shootings.<ref>{{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=2007-05-04 |accessdate=2007-05-09}}</ref> | |||
| Kelly began his ''Double Up'' tour with ], ] and ] opening for him. After two shows, 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, even though he only performed at two shows. Ne-Yo filed a lawsuit against Rowe Entertainment. It was shown that Kelly was not mentioned in the lawsuit. In December 2007, Kelly was showing up to another preliminary court hearing on his case due to his tour bus being held up in Utah.<ref>{{cite web|last=Orzeck |first=Kurt |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1576840/20071219/kelly_r.jhtml |title=R. Kelly Arrest Warrant Issued Over Missed Court Date –ews Story | Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV News |publisher=Mtv.com |date=2007-12-19 |accessdate=2009-08-05}}</ref> The judge threatened to revoke Kelly's bond, but the judge eventually decided not to. In 2008, Kelly released a rap track titled "I'm a Beast" in which he coarsely attacked his detractors, though Kelly himself never mentioned by name who the song was directed to.<ref>{{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? – News Story | Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV News |publisher=Mtv.com |date=2008-03-04 |accessdate=2009-08-05}}</ref> | |||
| In 2008, ''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'' also named Kelly among the most successful artists ever for its 50th Anniversary List.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/specials/hot100/charts/top100-artists-80.shtml |title=Billboard Hot 100 Chart 50th Anniversary |publisher=Billboard.com |date= |accessdate=2009-08-05}}</ref> In the spring, the first promotional single "]", peaked at No. 56 on Billboard's R&B chart. On July 28, the entire album leaked online.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/r-kelly/38519 |title=Entire R Kelly album leaks online | News |publisher=Nme.Com |date=2008-07-29 |accessdate=2009-08-05}}</ref> The album was then pushed back to be released in the fall. On September 18, Kelly released the video to the second promotional single "Skin". However, the album still has no official release date. Though Kelly has not released an album, he has kept busy in the studio doing featured guest spots on numerous remixes including "]" remix by ], ]'s "]" remix, a verse for a remix to ] single "]", ]'s "]" remix, ]' "]" remix, ]'s "]" remix, among others. A recent track was leaked on the internet titled "I Believe". Kelly states on his official MySpace page that Obama's election inspired him to write the song, which contains an excerpt from ]'s presidential acceptance speech. This song was available on iTunes as a free download the first week it was released. | |||
| ===2009: ''Untitled''=== | |||
| On June 3, 2009, Kelly released his first ever ], ''] presented by ] and ]'' as a way to reintroduce himself to fans.<ref>{{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 – News Story | Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV News |publisher=Mtv.com |date=2009-06-02 |accessdate=2009-08-05}}</ref> | |||
| While at the Velvet Room in ] in February 2009, Kelly announced that he was out there working on the album and that it would be called '']''.<ref>{{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 – News Story | Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV News |publisher=Mtv.com |date=2009-02-10 |accessdate=2009-08-05}}</ref> The album was given a September 29, 2009 release date,<ref>{{cite web|author=Singersroom.com |url=http://singersroom.com/news/3978/R-Kelly-Eying-Busy-September-For-Untitled-Album- |title=R Kelly Eying Busy September For 'Untitled' Album ? |publisher=Singersroom.com |date= |accessdate=2009-08-05}}</ref> but was delayed until October 13, 2009. The album release was again delayed and was released under ] on December 1, 2009. It got mixed to positive reviews from critics. The single "]", which features ], peaked at #8 on the US R&B Chart. | |||
| Kelly performed for the first time in Africa headlining the Arise African Fashion Awards in ], South Africa on June 20, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/r-kelly-to-make-african-debut_1106618 |title=R. Kelly To Make African Debut – Contactmusic News |publisher=Contactmusic.com |date= |accessdate=2009-08-05}}</ref> Kelly scheduled to perform in ] before heading to Nigeria as part of the annual ThisDay music and fashion festival in July. Kelly also performed in Kampala, Uganda in January 2010. He also scheduled to perform in London as part of his first international tour in eight years, but he did not make his London concert. "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."<ref>{{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=2009-06-15 |accessdate=2009-08-05}} {{Dead link|date=September 2011}}</ref> | |||
| ===2010-present: ''Epic'', ''Love Letter'' and ''Black Panties''=== | |||
| Kelly performed the inspirational song "Sign of a Victory" at the ] on June 11, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|author=R. Kelly |url=http://www.billboard.com/news/r-kelly-kicks-off-world-cup-in-south-africa-1004097582.story#/news/r-kelly-kicks-off-world-cup-in-south-africa-1004097582.story |title=R. Kelly Kicks Off World Cup In South Africa |publisher=Billboard.com |date=2009-09-14 |accessdate=2010-07-08}}</ref> | |||
| On July 13, 2010, a song called "Tongues" surfaced, reportedly the lead single from Kelly's upcoming album ''Zodiac''. The song is produced by ] and features ].<ref>{{cite web|author=|url=http://globalgrind.com/channel/music/content/1686507/new-music-r-kelly-tongues-feat-ludacris/|title=**NEW MUSIC** R. Kelly - Tongues (feat. Ludacris) |work= Global Grind|accessdate=2010-07-14|date=2010-07-13}}</ref> The first single from ''Love Letter'' is called "When a Woman Loves". The music video for the song was released in August 2010. | |||
| In an interview in the September 2010 issue of '']'' magazine, Kelly mentioned that he is currently working on three new albums entitled ''Zodiac'', ''Love Letter'' and ''Epic''. | |||
| On September 13, 2010, Kelly released one of his three new albums, '']''. A collection of Kelly's most "epic" ballads, including five new songs; the compilation was only released in Europe. | |||
| In March 2011, Kelly was named the #1 R&B artist of the last 25 years by ''Billboard''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Up for Discussion Jump to Forums |url=http://www.billboard.com/column/the-juice/the-juice-presents-top-50-r-b-hip-hop-artists-1004127945.story#/column/the-juice/the-juice-presents-top-50-r-b-hip-hop-artists-1004127945.story |title=The Juice Presents Top 50 R&B/Hip-Hop Artists of the Past 25 Years - The Juice |publisher=Billboard.com |date= |accessdate=2011-02-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Date: 11/18/2010 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 |publisher=Singersroom.com |date=2010-11-18 |accessdate=2011-02-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Friday, November 19, 2010, 8:04am EDT |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a288774/r-kelly-named-best-selling-rb-artist.html |title=Music - News - R Kelly named best-selling R&B artist |publisher=Digital Spy |date=2010-11-19 |accessdate=2011-02-20}}</ref> | |||
| Kelly collaborated with several African musicians forming a supergroup known as One8. The group features ] from Nigeria, ] from Tanzania, ]lese singer ], ] from Ghana, hip-hop artist ] from Gabon, Zambia's ], Ugandan hip-hop star ] and Kenya's ], the only female in the group. The first release from the group is "Hands Across the World" written and produced by Kelly.<ref>{{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=2010-11-19 |accessdate=2011-02-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3i02240e53d2361c7112b6f6d8d0923e65 |title=R. Kelly Backs African Supergroup |publisher=Billboard.biz |date= |accessdate=2011-02-20}}</ref> | |||
| Kelly is presently working on his memoirs entitled ''Soulacoaster'', expected be released in the fall of 2011. The book is said to be an intimate look at the events of his life and shed some light on how he dealt with life-shaping events like the child molestation charges and being blacklisted by several urban radio stations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://concerttour.org/r-kelly-tours-behind-love-letter.php |title=R Kelly Tours Behind Love Letter |publisher=concerttour.org |date=2011-04-19 |accessdate=2011-04-25}}</ref> | |||
| Kelly's latest album '']'' was released on December 14, 2010 worldwide. The album includes 15 songs, the latter being a bonus track which is a cover of Michael Jackson's "You Are Not Alone", which was written and produced by Kelly as well. The next single, "Love Letter" and "A Love Letter Christmas", the Christmas remix to "Love Letter", were released as singles on November 22, 2010. ''Love Letter'' has been critically acclaimed by music critics and highly-praised by critics and fans alike. The first single "When a Woman Loves" was nominated for a Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance at the 53rd Annual ]. In promotion of "Love Letter" he performed at the 2010 ] and on '']''. All songs on the album were written & produced by Kelly. | |||
| ==Legal issues== | |||
| ] | |||
| After a July 1996 brawl at a ] health club involving bodyguard William Robert Savy, Kelly was placed on a year's unsupervised probation starting August 13, 1997. One of the victims, Christopher Mahoney, needed 110 facial stitches.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1430775/19970813/kelly_r.jhtml|title=R. Kelly Reaches Settlement In Lawsuit|date=1997-08-13|publisher=MTV News|accessdate=2009-07-14}}</ref> | |||
| Kelly was arrested on April 8, 1998 on three misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct, including one charge on violating noise ordinance for playing loud music from his car.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1430772/19980507/kelly_r.jhtml|title=R. Kelly Busted For Blasting Car Stereo|date=1998-05-07|publisher=MTV News|accessdate=2009-07-14}}</ref> Prosecutors from the district attorney's office dropped the first two charges on May 7 and the noise charge on July 22 that year.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1430772/19980507/kelly_r.jhtml|title=R. Kelly Gets Mixed Legal News In Court Date|date=1998-05-07|publisher=MTV News|accessdate=2009-07-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1430770/19980722/kelly_r.jhtml|title=R. Kelly Free To Kick Out The Car Jams|publisher=MTV News|accessdate=2009-07-14}}</ref> | |||
| On February 3, 2002, a video allegedly showing Kelly engaging in sex with, and ], an underage girl, but she defended R-Kelly, later saying that she wanted to get peed on. The story, that was released by an unknown source, was sent to the '']''; the newspaper that broke the story. Kelly denied that he was the man in the video.<ref name="in his own words 2">{{cite news|last=Norris|first=John|title=R. Kelly: In His Own Words (page 2)|url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/r/r_kelly/news_feature_051302/index2.jhtml|publisher=MTV News|date=May 13, 2002|accessdate=February 18, 2007}}</ref> Bootleg copies of that tape became widely available on the black market and over ] networks. In June 2002, Kelly was indicted in Chicago on 21 counts of having sex with a minor, which were later reduced to soliciting a minor for ], seven counts of videotaping the acts, and seven counts of producing child pornography.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archives.cnn.com/2002/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/05/r.kelly/|title=R. Kelly arrested in child porn case|date=June 6, 2002|publisher=CNN|accessdate=January 3, 2010}}</ref> After a number of delays, on October 27, 2006, a ], court hearing for pre-trial motions set the date of the actual trial to February 7, 2007.<ref>{{cite news|title=Update: R. Kelly Hearing Postponed|date=October 13, 2006|url= http://www.sohh.com/articles/article.php/9994| publisher=4Control Media|accessdate=2007-02-21}}</ref> On the date of the trial, Kelly's lawyer informed the court that his client was unable to attend because he was "undergoing surgery for a burst appendix". He also announced that Kelly was "in good condition and was expected to be released from the hospital later in the day." His attorney stated that Kelly (who pleaded not guilty) would be in attendance on the next trial date of February 21, 2007.<ref>{{cite news|title=R. Kelly Misses Court After Surgery|url=http://www.showbuzz.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/02/08/people_hot_water/main2451763.shtml | date = 2007-02-08 | agency=Associated Press|accessdate=2007-02-21 | work=CBS News}}</ref> It had previously been announced by the court that the videotape that allegedly showed Kelly performing sex acts with an underage girl would be publicly shown as evidence in the trial. The trial, however, was delayed due to disputes over when the tape was made and to give medical recuperation time to the sitting judge following a fall resulting in broken bones. Later the case was set for a September 17 date.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Music/08/02/pornography.rkelly.reut/index.html?eref=rss_topstories |title=R. Kelly to be tried on child pornography charges |publisher=] |date= 2007-08-02|accessdate=2009-08-05}}</ref> It took more than six years for the case to go to trial. Jury selection began on May 9, 2008, and the trial officially started on May 20 with opening statements from the prosecution and defense. After two weeks, the prosecution's case wrapped on June 3 while the defense's wrapped six days later, on June 9. After less than a day of deliberations, on June 13, 2008, a Chicago jury found Kelly not guilty of all 14 counts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.eonline.com/uberblog/b1956_R__Kelly_Found_Not_Guilty_.html|title=R. Kelly Found Not Guilty!|publisher=]|date=2008-06-13|accessdate=2009-09}}</ref> | |||
| In January 2003 in Florida, Kelly was arrested again on child pornography charges.<ref>{{dead link|date=July 2010}}</ref> In June 2002, authorities searched his house in ]. Officers allegedly found pictures of an underage girl as well as a video of Kelly having sex with an underage girl on a digital camera – wrapped in a towel in a duffel bag.<ref>{{cite web|last=Vineyard |first=Jennifer |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1459620/20030122/kelly_r.jhtml |title=R. Kelly Arrested On Child Porn Charges Again - News Story | Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV News |publisher=Mtv.com |date=2003-01-22 |accessdate=2010-07-08}}</ref> In March 2004 these charges were dropped due to a lack of ] for the search warrants.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1485804/20040317/kelly_r.jhtml|title=R. Kelly's Florida Child Porn Charges Dropped|publisher=MTV|date=2004-03-17|accessdate=2009-09-15}}</ref> | |||
| On October 4, 2006, former employee Henry "Love" Vaughn (who claims to have been a "mentor and guide" to Kelly since he was a teenager) filed a lawsuit against Kelly accusing him of ], ], and a breach of contract that defrauded him of songwriting royalties. Vaughn claims Kelly and his associates dragged him to the basement of Kelly’s Olympia Fields home on February 19, 2006, and Kelly "repeatedly struck him about the face and body with his fists." Vaughn also claims he gave Kelly the "concept" for the song "Steppin". Kelly's spokesman declared that Vaughn was merely trying to ] money and told reporters that a police investigation found no evidence to Vaughn's assault allegations. ] police confirmed that they had investigated the matter but would not comment beyond saying "We didn't file any charges on this case."<ref>{{cite news|title=R. Kelly Accused of Assault & Stealing Songwriting Royalties|date=2006-10-05|author=Jolene Petipas|url= http://www.sohh.com/articles/article.php/9928|accessdate=2007-02-21}}</ref> | |||
| ==Discography== | |||
| {{Main|R. Kelly discography|R. Kelly production discography}} | |||
| {{col-begin}} | |||
| {{col-2}} | |||
| ;Studio albums | |||
| * '']'' (1993) | |||
| * '']'' (1995) | |||
| * '']'' (1998) | |||
| * '']'' (2000) | |||
| * '']'' (2003) | |||
| * '']'' (2004) | |||
| * '']'' (2005) | |||
| * '']'' (2007) | |||
| * '']'' (2009) | |||
| * '']'' (2010) | |||
| * '']'' (2011) | |||
| {{col-2}} | |||
| ;Collaboration albums | |||
| * '']'' (1992) (with ]) | |||
| * '']'' (2002) (with ]) | |||
| * '']'' (2004) (with ]) | |||
| ;Compilation albums | |||
| * '']'' (2003) | |||
| * '']'' (2005) | |||
| * '']'' (2005) | |||
| * '']'' (2010) | |||
| * '']'' (2010) | |||
| ; Unreleased albums | |||
| * '']'' | |||
| * '']'' | |||
| {{col-end}} | |||
| ==Filmography== | |||
| * ''] (1–12)'' (2005) | |||
| * ''Trapped in the Closet (13–22)'' (2007) | |||
| * ''Trapped in the Closet (1–22) The Big Package'' (2007) | |||
| * ''R. Kelly Live the Light It Up Tour'' (2007) | |||
| * ''Trapped in the Closet (22-TBA)'' (TBA) | |||
| ==Official tours== | |||
| *The 12 Play Very Necessary Tour (w/ ]) (1994) | |||
| *The Budweiser Superfest (w/ ], ], & ]) (1995) | |||
| *The Down Low Top Secret Tour (1996) | |||
| *The Get Up on a Room Tour (w/ Kelly Price, ], ], ], Sparkle) (1999) | |||
| *The TP-2.com Tour (w/ ] & Syleena Johnson) (2001) | |||
| *The Key in the Ignition Tour (w/ ]) (2003) | |||
| *The Best of Both Worlds Tour (w/ Jay Z) (2004) | |||
| *The Light It Up Tour (2006) | |||
| *The Double Up Tour (w/ J. Holiday & Keyshia Cole) (2007) | |||
| *The Ladies Make Some Noise Tour (w/ ], Pleasure P) (2009) | |||
| *] (w/ ], ]) (2011) | |||
| ==Awards== | |||
| *] | |||
| **1993: Favorite Soul/R&B Single ("]") | |||
| **1995: Favorite Soul/R&B Album ('']'') | |||
| **1997: Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist | |||
| **2000: Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist | |||
| **2005: Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist | |||
| **2007: Favorite Soul/R&B Album ('']'') | |||
| *] | |||
| **2003: Best Male R&B Artist | |||
| *] | |||
| **2001: Top R&B/Hip Hop Artist | |||
| **2001: Top R&B/Hip Hop Album (''TP2.com'') | |||
| **2001: Top R&B/Hip Hop Singles & Tracks ("Fiesta") | |||
| **2001: Top R&B/Hip Hop Artist | |||
| **2001: Top R&B/Hip Hop Album Artist | |||
| **2001: Top R&B/Hip Hop Album Artist – Male | |||
| *BMI Awards | |||
| **1998: Pop Songwriter of the Year (for "I Believe I Can Fly", "I Can't Sleep Baby (If I)", and "I Don't Want To" (recorded by ])) | |||
| *] | |||
| **1998: Best R&B Song ("I Believe I Can Fly") | |||
| **1998: Best Male R&B Vocal Performance ("I Believe I Can Fly") | |||
| **1998: Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media ("I Believe I Can Fly") | |||
| *] | |||
| **2001: MOBO Outstanding Achievement | |||
| *] | |||
| **2001: Outstanding Male Artist | |||
| **2001: Outstanding Music Video ("I Wish") | |||
| *] | |||
| **1999: Best R&B/Soul Album, Male (''R.'') | |||
| **1999: Sammy Davis Jr. Entertainer of the Year Award | |||
| **2000: Best R&B/Soul or Rap Album (''R.'') | |||
| **2001: Best R&B/Soul Single, Male ("I Wish") | |||
| **2001: Best R&B/Soul Album, Male (''TP2.com'') | |||
| **2004: R&B/Soul Album, Male (''Chocolate Factory'') | |||
| **2004: Quincy Jones Award for Outstanding Career Achievements | |||
| **2006: Stevie Wonder Award for Outstanding Achievements in Song Writing | |||
| *Source Hip Hop Awards | |||
| **1999: R&B Artist of the Year | |||
| **2001: R&B Artist of the Year | |||
| *] | |||
| **2003: R&B Vanguard Award | |||
| <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/artists-k/rkelly_main.htm |title=R. Kelly |publisher=Rock On The Net |date= |accessdate=2011-02-20}}</ref><ref>http://www.mobo.com/2001%20London%20Arena</ref> | |||
| ==References== | |||
| {{reflist|colwidth=30em}} | |||
| ==External links== | |||
| {{Portalbox|R&B and Soul Music|Hip hop|Chicago|Biography}} | |||
| {{Commons category}} | |||
| * {{Official website|www.r-kelly.com}} | |||
| * {{twitter|Kellzodiac}} | |||
| * {{myspace|rkelly}} | |||
| * {{youtube|user=RKellyTV}} | |||
| * {{facebook|Rkelly}} | |||
| * on ] | |||
| * {{imdb name|id=0005084|name=R. Kelly}} | |||
| * {{fr}} | |||
| {{R. Kelly}} | |||
| {{R. Kelly singles}} | |||
| {{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see ]. --> | |||
| | NAME =Kelly, R. | |||
| | ALTERNATIVE NAMES = | |||
| | SHORT DESCRIPTION = | |||
| | DATE OF BIRTH =1967-01-08 | |||
| | PLACE OF BIRTH = | |||
| | DATE OF DEATH = | |||
| | PLACE OF DEATH = | |||
| }} | |||
| {{DEFAULTSORT:Kelly, R.}} | |||
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Revision as of 23:43, 6 November 2011
R. Kelly is now dead.