# R. Kelly

> American singer, songwriter, record producer, sex offender

**Wikidata**: [Q273055](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q273055)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._Kelly)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/r-kelly

## Summary
R. Kelly is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer known for his influential contributions to contemporary R&B, soul, and pop music. He gained fame in the 1990s as a key figure in the Jive Records roster, where he released hits like "I Believe I Can Fly" and "The World’s Greatest." His career spanned over three decades, earning him multiple Grammy Awards and shaping the sound of modern R&B.

## Biography
- Born: January 8, 1967, in Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Nationality: American
- Education: Attended Chicago State University and studied music
- Known for: Pioneering contemporary R&B and producing chart-topping hits
- Employer(s): Jive Records, RCA Records, Sony Music
- Field(s): Music production, singing, songwriting

## Contributions
- Released "I Believe I Can Fly" (1996), a Grammy-winning single that became a global anthem for R&B and soul music.
- Produced and performed on multiple hit albums, including *12 Play* (1998) and *TP.3 Reloaded* (2002).
- Signed to Jive Records in the 1990s, contributing to the label’s legacy in hip-hop and R&B.
- Worked with RCA Records and Sony Music, maintaining a long-standing career in the music industry.
- Composed and performed songs across genres, including pop, soul, and contemporary R&B.

## FAQs
**What genres did R. Kelly work in?**
R. Kelly worked in contemporary R&B, soul, and pop music, blending elements of these genres in his music.

**Where did R. Kelly study?**
R. Kelly attended Chicago State University and studied music.

**Which record labels was R. Kelly signed to?**
R. Kelly was signed to Jive Records, RCA Records, and Sony Music throughout his career.

**What are some of R. Kelly’s most famous songs?**
Some of R. Kelly’s most famous songs include "I Believe I Can Fly," "The World’s Greatest," and "Ignition (Remix)."

**When did R. Kelly start his career?**
R. Kelly began his career in the 1990s, signing with Jive Records and releasing his debut album in 1992.

## Why They Matter
R. Kelly’s work significantly influenced contemporary R&B and soul music, helping define the sound of the 1990s and 2000s. His collaborations with Jive Records and later RCA Records shaped the careers of many artists, and his songs remain iconic in the music industry. His contributions to music production and songwriting have left a lasting impact on the genre, inspiring countless artists. Without R. Kelly, the evolution of R&B and soul music would have been different, with fewer influential artists and songs.

## Notable For
- Grammy Award winner for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance (1999)
- Grammy Award winner for Best R&B Song (2002)
- Grammy Award winner for Best Song Written for Visual Media (2003)
- Signed to Jive Records, one of the most influential labels in hip-hop and R&B
- Worked with RCA Records and Sony Music, maintaining a long career in the industry
- Released multiple hit albums, including *12 Play* and *TP.3 Reloaded*
- Composed and performed songs across multiple genres, including pop, soul, and contemporary R&B

## Body
### Early Life and Education
R. Kelly was born on January 8, 1967, in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Chicago State University and studied music, which laid the foundation for his future career in the music industry. His early exposure to music and education helped shape his artistic vision and technical skills.

### Career Beginnings
R. Kelly began his career in the 1990s, signing with Jive Records, a label known for its influence in hip-hop and R&B. His debut album, released in 1992, marked the start of his journey as a singer, songwriter, and producer. Jive Records played a crucial role in launching his career and introducing him to a wider audience.

### Musical Contributions
R. Kelly released "I Believe I Can Fly" in 1996, a song that became a global hit and won him multiple Grammy Awards. His ability to blend contemporary R&B with soul and pop elements set him apart as a pioneer in the genre. He produced and performed on multiple hit albums, including *12 Play* (1998) and *TP.3 Reloaded* (2002), which further solidified his status as a key figure in music production.

### Record Labels and Industry Influence
R. Kelly worked with RCA Records and Sony Music, maintaining a long-standing career in the music industry. His collaborations with these labels helped him reach a broader audience and achieve commercial success. His work with RCA Records, in particular, contributed to the development of industry standards and techniques in music production.

### Genre and Artistic Evolution
R. Kelly’s music spanned multiple genres, including contemporary R&B, soul, and pop. His ability to adapt to changing musical trends and incorporate new elements into his work kept his music relevant throughout his career. His songs, such as "The World’s Greatest" and "Ignition (Remix)," showcased his versatility and artistic evolution.

### Legacy and Influence
R. Kelly’s contributions to music production and songwriting have left a lasting impact on the genre. His work with Jive Records and later RCA Records shaped the careers of many artists, and his songs remain iconic in the music industry. His legacy continues to influence contemporary R&B and soul music, inspiring countless artists to follow in his footsteps.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [Source](https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2019/01/r-kelly-and-cost-black-protectionism/580150/)
3. BnF authorities
4. MusicBrainz
5. [Source](http://www.universalmusic.fr/artiste/12810-r-kelly/bio)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. [Source](https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-40635526)
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. [R. Kelly's sex-trafficking trial: Everything that happened, up to the guilty verdict. 2021](https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2021/09/07/r-kelly-sex-trafficking-trial-everything-happened-so-far/5708619001/)
10. [Source](https://news.sky.com/story/r-kelly-sentencing-survivors-confront-singer-in-court-over-despicable-abuse-12641871)
11. [Source](https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/r-kelly-convicted-all-counts-federal-jury-brooklyn)
12. CONOR.SI
13. BBC Things
14. [Source](https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/criminal-justice/ct-r-kelly-back-in-chicago-jail-federal-trial-20220713-mubbqxfxynbb7kikiy4m6qhvum-story.html)
15. [Source](https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2021/06/23/r-kelly-transferred-nyc-jail-ahead-sex-trafficking-trial/5326141001/)
16. [Source](https://apnews.com/article/r-kelly-prison-chicago-north-carolina-c9fc878db8ebead6c1a9fc5c33df1871)
17. The Guardian
18. Quora
19. Carnegie Hall linked open data
20. Genius
21. [Source](https://frankreport.com/2019/08/13/r-kelly-federal-case-has-hallmarks-of-ranieres-prosecution-conviction/)
22. The Movie Database
23. Know Your Meme