| R. Kelly Statistics: Full Name: Robert S. Kelly DOB: January 8, 1969 Hometown: Chicago, Illinois Profession: Singer, Songwriter, Arranger, Producer,Rapist Record Label: Jive Discography: Best of Both Worlds (2002) In Conversation (2001) TP-2.Com (2000) R. (1998) R. Kelly (1995) 12 Play (1993) Born Into The ‘90s (1992) Various Soundtracks (2003) Chocolate Factory His Story: After developing a profound appreciation for music in high school, Chicago native Robert Kelly created the R&B band, Public Announcement, in 1991. Within a year, the group’s debut album, Born Into the ‘90s, was certified platinum and produced a string of hits, including the number one tracks “Honey Love” and “Slow Dance (Hey Mr. DJ).” More importantly, the music world made room for a rising star named R. Kelly. Kelly’s 1993 sophomore effort, 12 Play, received critical acclaim in both the Pop and R&B sectors by selling over five million copies. Multiple hits and awards quickly followed, and the self-made music mogul solidified his crossover triumph with the gospel-tinged anthem “I Believe I Can Fly.” Recorded for the 1996 blockbuster movie “Space Jam,” the international smash garnered three Grammy awards the following year. It’s undeniable that Kelly is one of those rare, consistently successful artists, with album sales over 20 million in the U.S. alone. Many of today’s top performers have embraced his ingenious songwriting and production abilities. Kelly’s collaborative efforts with music’s elite, including Celine Dion, Michael Jackson, Jay Z, Quincy Jones, Mary J. Blige and the Isley Brothers—just to name a few—have proven extraordinarily successful. But perhaps the most compelling element of R. Kelly’s commercial achievements is the sexually explicit content of his material. Although Kelly has earned respect within the music industry, edgy lyrics in songs like “Sex Me” and “Bump n’ Grind” don’t offer favorable support in light of recent allegations. In February, a 27 minute tape was anonymously delivered to the Chicago Sun-Times, allegedly showing R. Kelly engaged in sex acts with a teenaged girl. Kelly publicly denied involvement, but soon after settled a civil suit with another woman claiming he lured her into having sex when she was a minor. Chicago police obtained the tape and two more women filed similar suits against Kelly. Exactly two months after his settlement, Kelly was arrested for violating Illinois’ child pornography laws. Further court proceedings await the multiplatinum singer, who is currently free on bail. Timeline: 2/08 - Alleged R. Kelly sex tape emerges 2/12 - R. Kelly denies involvement in sex scandal 2/25 - “R. Kelly Triple-X” available online 4/05 - Civil suit settled with Tracy Sampson; Kelly declares innocence in radio interview 4/18 - Girl in alleged R. Kelly sex tape may be Sparkle’s niece 4/30 - Patrice Jones seeks $50k in damages, claiming R. Kelly impregnated her at 17 5/24 - Montina Woods files $50k suit against Kelly for taping sexual encounter 6/05 - R. Kelly indicted on 21 counts of child pornography, results in Florida arrest 6/06 - Released on $750k bail 6/07 - Returns to Chicago; June 26th court date scheduled 6/10 - Investigation underway: Parents of girl on alleged R. Kelly sex tape confront probe 6/11 - Participation in children’s sing-along at Chicago’s Salem Baptist Church may violatile bond 6/17 - New track, “Heaven, I Need a Hug,” speaks of current scandal and is aired on Chicago radio station Investigation: R&B crooner, R. Kelly, once thrashed Sisqó in a song, calling him a “bum.” Sisqó’s last album may have flopped, but at least the King of Thongs isn’t in trouble with the women who wear them. While performing at the opening ceremony of the 2002 Winter Olympics, little did the public know that R. Kelly was under criminal investigation in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois. A video tape was anonymously mailed to the Chicago Sun-Times, reportedly containing 27 minutes of footage showing R. Kelly and a young girl having sex. The girl, who remains unnamed, is said to be the 17-year-old niece of R. Kelly’s former protégé, Sparkle (Stephanie Edwards). Judging by her appearance, Sparkle claims that her niece was about 14 years old at the time of the taping. Interestingly, Kelly affirms that he “was like a godfather” to the girl, whose parents wholly deny her presence in the tape. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, a forensic investigation and interviews with 40+ witnesses persuaded authorities that R. Kelly is indeed in the sex tape. The singer was subsequently arrested on 21 felony counts of child pornography. Asserting his innocence and deeming the tape a hoax, Kelly issued the following statement on June 5th: "I have complete faith in our system of justice, and I am confident that when all the facts come out people will see that I'm no criminal." His lawyer, John M. Touhy, stated that no underage girls were on the tape—after Kelly’s indictment. Kelly was later released on a $750,000 bail. The singer, who has turned to his pastor for guidance, candidly admitted to MTV’s John Norris: “…I have a problem with women. But I'm not these things that people are saying about me.” Indeed, Kelly’s history presents a peculiar and sordid picture. In 1994, he secretly wed the late singer/actress Aaliyah, who was only 15 at the time. After receiving an annulment, Aaliyah switched from Jive to Blackground Records and the former couple never spoke of the affair. More recently, Kelly settled out of court with Tracy Sampson and Tiffany Hawkins, who alleged they were sexually exploited by the singer as minors. Two lawsuits are still pending: Patrice Jones, 20, claims she became pregnant by R. Kelly and that he funded her abortion some three years ago. Dancer Montina Woods, 33, accused Kelly of covertly taping their sexual encounter. The music world does not favor artists accused of sexual misconduct, as in the former cases of George Michael, Michael Jackson and Jerry Lee Lewis—among others. Undoubtedly, R. Kelly’s professional career has been tarnished and many radio stations have dropped his songs from their playlists. But this hasn’t stopped Kelly from making new music. His latest release is seemingly an emotional response to the scandal. “Heaven, I Need A Hug” made its debut on Chicago’s WGCI-FM on June 17th. Is R. Kelly a statutory rapist, or are the women involved in the court procedures simply money-hungry groupies abusing our justice system? Regardless of opinion, sexual abuse, especially in the case of minors, must be taken seriously. According to a 1993 report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 15% of reports substantiated sexual abuse against minors. A 1994 study indicates that half of female rape victims were under 18 years of age at the time of their assault. Some of the most common long term effects of sexual abuse are fear, guilt, depression, anger, poor self esteem and potential substance abuse. Hawkins reportedly attempted suicide and Sampson dropped out of college after her relationship with Kelly was publicized. Was he aware that he was being filmed or was he framed? “I want to apologize to my fans for all of this and thank them for being there for me through thick and thin…And I want to ask people out there to pray for me, not just that I come through this situation, but that I be the man that I want to be and a better person,” Kelly told Norris. Solid facts, not strong assumptions, should be the sole basis of judgment. Regardless of belief, one actuality remains. By law, R. Kelly is “innocent until proven guilty” and should be punished only if there is “clear and convincing” evidence. |
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