Three years into a 30-year prison sentence, disgraced R&B singer R. Kelly made a surprising claim in a recent telephone interview. During an appearance on Inmate Tea With A&P, Kelly argued that he had written 25 albums in prison. But is this a testament to his songwriting abilities or a boast?
Speaking from a monitored prison phone line, Kelly said he was initially asked to sing “Happy Birthday” to someone. However, the conversation quickly shifted to his music. The 58-year-old singer, who once was
“R&B king,” veteran hosts reported that he has never quit composing music.
“Music is a beautiful disease, It’s uncurable. That’s not gonna happen, not singing.”
He said. Kelly sang a few lines from his 1998 hit When a Woman’s Fed Up to prove his point. One of the podcast hosts joined in, singing along and praising his voice.
But is it realistic that he has recorded 25 albums? Is it another exaggeration by the controversial artist?
Before legal troubles, R. Kelly had a history of a tireless work ethic. Between 1992 and 2016, he released 18 studio albums and created the infamous Trapped in the Closet series in 33 parts between 2005 and 2012. His ability to make music within a short space of time is well-documented.
But producing albums in prison is not so simple. Kelly has no professional studio or team of producers at his disposal. Composing is one thing; producing full albums is something else. With no equipment to record on, how will these so-called 25 albums come about?
Despite that, Kelly is hopeful. He has stated that he would like to return to music.
“I just want to get back to what it is God gave me, my talent,”
He explained. His legal struggle is not yet finished. In June, the 2nd Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals declined to overturn his conviction in New York. If he serves out his complete sentence, he could be in prison until he is in his 80s.
Producing music in prison is not impossible, yet it is greatly restricted. Federal prisons have strict policies regarding inmates’ use of music equipment, and professional music production is not a likely prospect in jail. Creating lyrics and melody is achievable, yet fully recording and producing albums is a logistical challenge.
Artists like Tupac Shakur and Boosie Badazz have previously made music in prison but not full albums in their cells. Unless Kelly had unauthorized equipment or outside help, imagining him professionally recording 25 albums in jail is complicated.
Before being convicted, R. Kelly was a prominent artist in R&B music with chart-topping numbers like “I Believe I Can Fly” and “Step in the Name of Love.” His life is now forever tarnished by his crimes. In 2022, he was sentenced to 30 years in prison for sex trafficking and racketeering. He subsequently received a conviction on other charges of child pornography and sexual exploitation of children and received a 20-year sentence to be served concurrently.
The response to Kelly’s assertion has been divided. Some fans support him and feel he deserves a separation between talent and crime. Others think that he should not be provided with a platform or a means to gain financially from music while he is in prison for such severe crimes.
Record labels and streaming sites have since distanced themselves from Kelly since he was convicted, and it is unknown whether future music he produces will be released. Even if such purported albums are made, would anyone be willing to listen to them with knowledge of who created the music?
