R. Kelly, born Robert Sylvester Kelly, is a Grammy-winning R&B singer, songwriter, and producer known for his powerful voice and ability to create hits across multiple decades. Born on January 8, 1967, in Chicago, Illinois, Kelly was the third of four children raised by a single mother in public housing. He began singing in the church choir and later formed a group called MGM with his friends. Kelly’s solo career took off in the early 1990s with his debut album, “Born into the 90’s,” which spawned the hit single “Slow Dance (Hey Mr. DJ).”
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Kelly continued to release successful albums, including “12 Play,” “R. Kelly,” and “TP-2.com.” He became known for his sexually explicit lyrics and often controversial behavior, including a high-profile marriage to the late singer Aaliyah, who was underage at the time. In 2002, Kelly was charged with multiple counts of child pornography but was eventually acquitted in 2008.
Despite the legal troubles, Kelly’s music continued to top the charts, and he remained a popular figure in the R&B world. However, in recent years, multiple women have come forward with allegations of sexual assault and misconduct against Kelly, leading to his arrest and conviction on several charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking. As of 2021, Kelly is serving a federal prison sentence.
10. “Seems Like You’re Ready”
“Seems Like You’re Ready” is a sensual R&B track by R. Kelly from his second studio album “12 Play”. The song was released in 1994 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top 10 on the US Billboard R&B chart. The song features Kelly’s signature smooth vocals and explicit lyrics, detailing a seduction between two people. The slow, sultry beat and Kelly’s vocal runs create an intimate and passionate atmosphere. Despite the controversy surrounding Kelly’s personal life, “Seems Like You’re Ready” remains a popular slow jam and an example of his musical prowess as a songwriter and vocalist.
9. “Bump N’ Grind”
“Bump N’ Grind” is a popular R&B song by American singer R. Kelly, released in 1994. The song is about the sensual experience of dancing close to someone and grinding against them. The lyrics are explicit and describe the physical sensations and desires of the singer. The song features a slow, seductive beat with a catchy chorus and R. Kelly’s smooth vocals. “Bump N’ Grind” became a massive hit and was praised for its smooth production and catchy melody, cementing R. Kelly’s status as a leading figure in contemporary R&B music. However, the song’s subject matter has also been criticized for promoting a sexually objectifying attitude towards women.
8. “When A Woman’s Fed Up”
“When A Woman’s Fed Up” is a soulful R&B song by American singer R. Kelly, released in 1998. The lyrics describe the emotional turmoil of a woman who has reached the breaking point in a relationship, and has finally decided to leave her unappreciative partner. The slow and melodic tempo of the song, coupled with Kelly’s powerful vocals, conveys the raw pain and frustration felt by the protagonist. With its relatable message and memorable chorus, “When A Woman’s Fed Up” has become a timeless classic and a testament to the enduring power of R&B music.
7. “Ignition (Remix)”
“Ignition (Remix)” is a popular R&B and hip-hop track by R. Kelly from his 2002 album “Chocolate Factory”. The song features an upbeat tempo, catchy hook, and playful lyrics, making it a favorite for parties and social gatherings. The remix version of the song became a chart-topping hit, reaching number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy Award nomination for Best Urban/Alternative Performance. Despite the controversy surrounding Kelly’s personal life, “Ignition (Remix)” remains a beloved track and a cultural touchstone of the early 2000s.
6. “Down Low (Nobody Has to Know)”
“Down Low (Nobody Has to Know)” is a hit song by R&B artist R. Kelly, released in 1995. The song tells the story of a man who is secretly seeing a woman who is also in a relationship with another man, and urges her to keep their relationship “on the down low” to avoid being caught. The song features a slow, sensual beat with Kelly’s signature smooth vocals and a catchy chorus. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and has been praised for its storytelling and R. Kelly’s vocal performance. However, the song’s theme of infidelity and secrecy has been criticized for promoting unhealthy relationship dynamics.
5. “Sex Me”
“Sex Me” is a sensuous R&B song by American singer R. Kelly, released in 1993. The lyrics are explicitly sexual, describing the physical pleasures of lovemaking in detail. Kelly’s smooth vocals and the seductive melody create an intimate atmosphere that’s designed to set the mood. The song was a commercial success and cemented Kelly’s reputation as one of the leading voices in contemporary R&B. However, the song’s explicit content and themes of sexual objectification have been criticized, especially in light of the sexual abuse allegations that have been levied against Kelly. Despite this, “Sex Me” remains a notable example of R. Kelly’s early work.
4. “Step in the Name of Love (Remix)”
“Step in the Name of Love (Remix)” is a soulful R&B track by R. Kelly from his 2003 album “Chocolate Factory”. The song has a classic and nostalgic feel, drawing inspiration from classic soul music of the 70s and 80s. The remix version of the song features a more upbeat tempo and a call-to-action for listeners to step and dance along. The song became a hit, reaching the top 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and inspiring a line dance craze. Despite the controversy surrounding Kelly’s personal life, “Step in the Name of Love (Remix)” remains a popular party anthem and an example of Kelly’s talent for creating infectious, feel-good music.
3. “I Believe I Can Fly”
“I Believe I Can Fly” is a soulful and inspirational song by American singer R. Kelly, released in 1996. The song speaks to the power of believing in oneself and encourages listeners to pursue their dreams and overcome obstacles. It features a slow tempo, soaring chorus, and orchestral arrangements that create a powerful and emotional impact. The song was a huge commercial success, winning multiple awards, including three Grammy Awards, and was used in many movies, TV shows, and advertisements. Despite R. Kelly’s later controversies, “I Believe I Can Fly” remains a beloved and inspiring song that continues to resonate with audiences today.
2. “You Remind Me of Something”
“You Remind Me of Something” is an R&B hit song by American singer R. Kelly, released in 1995. The song features a sample from Michael Jackson’s hit “The Lady in My Life” and showcases Kelly’s unique blend of soulful vocals and contemporary beats. The lyrics are focused on the physical attributes of a woman and how they remind the singer of something he can’t quite put his finger on. The song’s catchy chorus and infectious melody made it a chart-topping hit, and its influence can still be heard in modern R&B and hip hop music. However, the song has been criticized for its objectification of women and suggestive content.
1. “12 Play”
“12 Play” is the title track and lead single from R. Kelly’s debut studio album of the same name. The song is a slow jam R&B ballad that showcases Kelly’s smooth vocals and his ability to create sensual and explicit lyrics. The song’s title refers to the twelve tracks on the album, which revolve around themes of sex and romance. “12 Play” became a hit, reaching the top 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Gold certification. The song and album helped establish Kelly as a prominent figure in the R&B genre and a master of creating seductive slow jams.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
