Though he’s still seen as one of the most influential artists to touch R&B by many lovers of the genre, it’s hard to deny the disappointment of R. Kelly’s downfall. It’s been an especially rough few years for the vocalist. He’s set to remain behind bars for the near future due to his heinous crimes against Black girls and women. We haven’t heard much from the embattled star directly. However, on Friday (June 9), his former cellmate, Ronnie Bo, spoke with Hip-Hop News Uncensored about what his time locked up with Kelly was like.
According to Bo, the “I Believe I Can Fly” hitmaker had a few theories about one past collaborator. Specifically, he believe that Jay-Z may have been involved in a murder conspiracy. “He felt like JAY-Z was kind of insecure because, at the time, R. Kelly was technically bigger than him,” Kelly’s cellmate told the outlet. “He felt like [during] one of the shows when they was in Madison Square Garden [in 2004] prior to that event, he said days before the event that he was getting death threats that he felt was coming from JAY-Z.” At the time, both artists were touring together. They had just dropped The Best of Both Worlds in 2002, and Unfinished Business two years later.
“I don’t know if this is going to sound outrageous… He felt like JAY-Z was trying to get him killed for whatever reason,” Ronnie added. During their joint tour, the convicted sex offender left the stage during a Madison Square Garden show as he believed men were pointing guns at him. On his way back out, he was infamously pepper-sprayed by Tyran “Ty Ty” Smith, a close friend of Hov’s. This ultimately resulted in the end of his and Kelly’s complicated working relationship.
Elsewhere in the news, it was reported earlier this month that Jay-Z’s former New York apartment has been listed for sale for $1.4 million. It’s obviously got nothing on the $200M home he and Beyonce just purchased in California, but still, it’s a significant piece of hip-hop history and the Roc Nation head’s come-up in the industry. Read more about the listing at the link below, and check back later for more pop culture news updates.
It’s been 22 years since we lost R&B icon Aaliyah. Her contributions to music helped redefine the genre with her unique mix of old school and new school. She continues to inspire and influence music, fashion and culture decades after her untimely death in an August 2001 plane crash. ABC News just announced “Superstar: Aaliyah,” a one-hour special that follows the legendary artist’s life, music and enduring legacy.
The primetime event will explore how Aaliyah emerged as a chart-topping musician, actress on the rise and fashion trendsetter as a young teenager. The program sheds light on the circumstances of her underage marriage to R. Kelly, who has since been convicted as a sex offender, and shows how Aaliyah’s relevance continues as a new generation experiences her music decades later.
The program features exclusive interviews with those who were close to Aaliyah, including music executive Damon Dash, her former boyfriend; Barry Hankerson, her manager and uncle; and recording engineer and producer Jimmy Douglass, who worked with Aaliyah in the studio. ABC News also has exclusive interviews with recording artists who cite Aaliyah as an influence, including Justine Skye, Sevyn Streeter and will.i.am. In addition, the program features exclusive interviews with fashion designers Karl Kani, who opens up about what it was like to style Aaliyah, and designer and stylist Aleali May, who reflects on Aaliyah as an enduring sartorial muse. “Superstar: Aaliyah” airs Wednesday, June 14 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC, next day on Hulu.
Social media has been buzzing with Gunna versus R. Kelly debates. This comes after a video emerged showing an Atlanta nightclub coming to a halt when Gunna’s new song was played. Fans took to Twitter to express their thoughts, questioning why the rapper was being ostracized. They pointed out that people still listened to and defended R. Kelly despite his decades of sexual misconduct and imprisonment. Some argued that it was hypocritical to condemn Gunna while still supporting other artists with controversial backgrounds. Some praise people like such as Kodak Black and Dr. Dre, calling them legends, even given their controversies. They felt that Gunna should receive love and support despite his plea deal in the YSL RICO case.
However, there were others who defended R. Kelly and were disgusted by the comparison between Gunna and the disgraced R&B singer. They argued that Gunna being labeled a snitch was different from R. Kelly’s alleged predatory behavior towards women. R. Kelly has been behind bars since June 2022 and was convicted in a federal sexual assault case. He received a 20-year sentence. Gunna, on the other hand, was released from jail in December. The rapper pleaded guilty to a racketeering conspiracy charge as part of the YSL indictment.
Gunna Brings The Club To A Complete Halt
The whole club in Atlanta came to a complete stop when the DJ started playing Gunna’s music.pic.twitter.com/D8M97WXsqx
Gunna’s recent release from incarceration might have been good for him on a personal level. However, it certainly hasn’t shielded him from intense scrutiny. In fact, he’s currently facing heightened criticism. This stems primarily from his alleged betrayal by snitching on Young Thug. Of course, he vehemently denies these allegations, even after accepting a plea deal in the trial. Numerous former friends and collaborators have distanced themselves from Gunna. Boosie Badazz even said that he wouldn’t entertain a collaboration with the artist. Apparently, he wouldn’t do it even for a staggering sum of $1 billion.
Moreover, Lil Gotit recently took to Instagram to vent his frustrations about Gunna. He boldly declared that it’s the end for the 29-year-old rapper. These sentiments seem to align with a video that has gone viral on Twitter. The video, which is linked above, showcases an Atlanta nightclub coming to a screeching halt when Gunna’s verse in 21 Savage’s track “Can’t Leave Without It” is played. The video was subsequently shared on Instagram. What do you think of the R. Kelly vs. Gunna debate? Do you think that the rapper is being treated unfairly? Let us know in the comments below!
R&B singer/songwriter R. Kelly was infamously convicted on all counts in his New York sex trafficking trial in New York. Kelly was found guilty of sexual exploitation of a child, bribery, kidnapping, racketeering and sex trafficking involving six victims. He is also facing two more trials, one in Illinois and one in Minnesota . Now R. Kelly’s royalties are being garnished and handed over to his victims.
Radar Online reports:
R. Kelly’s royalties are set to be seized as prosecutors are making moves to collect on $500k owed to his victims, RadarOnline.com has learned.
According to court documents obtained by RadarOnline.com, the government filed an application for a writ of continuing garnishment in Kelly’s criminal case.
The prosecutors said Kelly owes $504,289.90 plus interest as part of a judgment in his criminal case. They said he has already been credited $27k.
In the filing, the prosecutors said Kelly is locked up in North Carolina at the moment but has failed to make the required payments.
The government has demanded Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music hand over any money owed to Kelly from his music sales.
The notice asks Sony to answer, “Whether the Garnishee has in its possession, custody or control any property of the Debtor, including non-exempt, disposable earnings.”
The way Timbaland sees it, those two sides of Kelly can be separated, to the point that he still considers the controversial singer the “king of R&B.”
During a recent episode of Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast, Sharpe spoke about how he believes “you can separate art from an artist” before specifically mentioning Kelly. After he said he doesn’t believe you can “throw everything he’s done artistically away,” Timbaland said, “No you cannot.” Sharpe continued, “I believe you can separate the two,” and Timbaland chimed in, “Yes you can. I agree. I agree.”
Timbaland then elaborated:
“R. Kelly’s the king of R&B. We all know that, man. And it’s funny, I’m glad you talk about that, because I be having talks… everybody jump when you say ‘R. Kelly.’ I’m like, ‘So we just gonna ignore his music that he gave us, that we all jam to?’ No, we can’t do that. His art is his art. I’m not going to bash the man’s art. […] To me, we have to learn how to… I think, as a culture, we have to learn how to separate that.
And if I say, ‘OK, who can battle R. Kelly,’ I don’t want to see in the comments, ‘How you gonna have this…’ Don’t mix music up with personal. Music is a feeling, it stands alone. Music is something that don’t have no race. It brings people together. It don’t have no drama with it. It is a place of enjoyment, a feeling, so don’t bring drama into music. Leave that outside. His art is his art.”
Timbaland just caught a lot of heat online for proclaiming that R. Kelly, convicted sex offender, is “the King of R&B.” Moreover, the producer made such comments during his conversation with Shannon Sharpe on the latter’s Club Shay Shay podcast, where they also broached Timbo’s struggles with addiction. However, his praise of the disgraced R&B star didn’t come without its caveats, as he acknowledged that it was a loaded subject that people quickly bash on. Still, he maintained the importance of separating the art from the artist when it comes to their greatness and impact, and Sharpe was actually the first to do so in the conversation. Many fans expressed disappointment and anger with this take, especially considering that the Virginia native produced for one of Kelly’s victims, Aaliyah.
“R. Kelly’s the king of R&B,” Timbaland stated. “We all know that, man. And it’s funny, I’m glad you talk about that, because I be having talks- everybody jump when you say R. Kelly. I’m like, ‘So we just gonna ignore his music that he gave us, that we all jam to?’ No, we can’t do that. His art is his art, I ain’t gonna bash the man’s art. Don’t mix music up with personal. Music is a feeling, it stands alone. Music is something that don’t have no race, it brings people together. It don’t have no drama with it. It is a place of enjoyment, a feeling, so don’t bring drama into music. Leave that outside.”
Furthermore, the 56-year-old currently serves a 30-year prison sentence stemming from a New York conviction. In addition, authorities convicted him of sex trafficking, child pornography, and other federal and civil charges in Chicago this year. While the Chicago sentence is technically an additional twenty years, only one of those will be added to his total time, as the rest serve concurrently with his New York sentence. Undeniably, his legacy saw a massive and irreversible taint as a result that re-contextualized his entire work under a dark light. Check out reactions to Timbaland’s take below.
Twitter Reacts To The “King Of R&B” Take
Timbaland’s comments regarding R.Kelly aren’t surprising, seeing that he and Kelly shared the same sick obsession over Aaliyah. pic.twitter.com/SLZKz1uCCq
Thanks for joining 1djhelix yeah i forgot that timbaland said he was in love with a young Aaliyah I feel you can only do one of those things 1. Defend r Kelly 2. Say you had a crush on a teenager you were interacting with Both aren’t things you should do but the combo whoo https://t.co/ZADn8TNvy0
Timbaland very likely knew what R Kelly was up to before the law caught up with him. Harvey, R Kelly etc, they were open secrets in the industry. Not surprised. https://t.co/HXlyMHbWji
Not going to speak too much on the Timbaland/R. Kelly so I don’t overstep but I think people would be willing to accept the “separate the art from the artist” thing if ya’ll actually gave more of a fuck about what the artist in question DID and were more vocal about that.
— Ali Nahdee #WGASolidarity #BoycottTheFlash (@AliNahdee) May 25, 2023
R Kelly’s music wasn’t good enough and his crimes were too disgusting for me to separate the art from the artist.
It’s a wrap. R. Kelly wasn’t caught stealing from a store or something small which if that was the case we can separate it from the music. He hurt people. He hurt black women & black girls. It’s really nasty and telling that he wants to separate it from the music.
— to hell in a Moses basket (@neurodismal) May 24, 2023
I love Timbaland and all but this was an airhead comment it be one thing if R.Kelly was locked up for merkin someone or drugs but he was taking advantage of children MIND YOU CONTINUED AFTER BEATING THE FIRST CASE FOR IT FUCK HIM AND HIS MUSIC https://t.co/JTTLVjJszk
Regardless of his thoughts on legacy and artistic separation, the case of R. Kelly precedes much of his work in today’s discussions. As such, many out there continue to make sure his crimes are not forgotten in probably the most extreme example of a tarnished musical legacy. Whether that persists for years to come remains to be seen, and whether others will face a similar fate is a mystery. For more news and the latest updates on R. Kelly and Timbaland, stick around on HNHH.
Multi-platinum producer Timbaland recently shared that R. Kelly is still the R&B G.O.A.T., despite being convicted of sex-trafficking women.
“R. Kelly’s the king of R&B. We all know that, man,” the award-winning music producer said during a recent appearance on the “Club Shay Shay” podcast while discussing with host Shannon Sharpe whether it’s possible to separate Kelly’s art from his crimes.
In June 2022, Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison by a New York Court after being found guilty on nine counts of racketeering and sex-trafficking charges related to Kelly’s decades-long practice of grooming women and girls for illegal sex.
In February of this year, the 56-year-old was then sentenced by a Chicago court to an additional 20 years in prison after being found guilty of producing child pornography and abusing minors.
“Everybody jump when you say R. Kelly,” Timbaland said. “I’m like, so we just gonna ignore his music that he gave us, that we all jam to?”
“No, we can’t do that. His art is his art, I ain’t gonna bash the man’s art,” he added. “Don’t mix music up with personal. Music is a feeling, it stands alone. Music is something that don’t have no race, it brings people together. It don’t have no drama with it. It is a place of enjoyment; a feeling, so don’t bring drama into music. Leave that outside.” Thoughts?
We’re about to dive deep into the world of Aaliyah, an artist who left an indelible mark on the industry. Her ethereal voice and cutting-edge productions created iconic tracks that still resonate with listeners today. Despite the controversies that may have unfolded, it’s clear that Aaliyah’s legacy has stood the test of time. “Baby Girl” is fondly remembered—and missed—today.
First, it’s impossible to discuss Aaliyah’s music without mentioning her breakthrough single, “Back & Forth.” Consequently, this track cemented her place as an R&B sensation and paved the way for future success. We can’t ignore her collaborations with acclaimed producer Timbaland, such as “Try Again” and “Are You That Somebody?” showcasing her versatility and undeniable talent. OF course, her work with R. Kelly was her introduction to the masses. Their relationship, working and personal, continues to spawn debates.
The mesmerizing ballad “One in a Million” also demonstrated Aaliyah’s ability to captivate audiences with her sultry vocals and emotive lyrics. Following her death, her posthumous release “Miss You” stands as a poignant tribute to her influence on the Hip Hop and R&B landscape. Ultimately, Aaliyah’s biggest hits are a testament to her timeless artistry and enduring appeal, proving that she remains a beloved icon in the hearts of fans worldwide.
“Are You That Somebody?” (1998)
Aaliyah’s “Are You That Somebody?” is a true hip-hop and R&B gem that continues to captivate fans even decades after its release. Produced by the legendary Timbaland, this catchy tune hit the airwaves in 1998 as part of the Dr. Dolittle movie soundtrack. It didn’t take long for it to become an instant classic. The track quickly gained traction and climbed the Billboard charts, peaking at an impressive No. 4 on the Hot 100. Moreover, it maintained a strong presence on the R&B/Hip Hop chart, securing the No. 1 spot.
“Try Again” (2000)
Released in 2000, Aaliyah’s iconic song “Try Again” quickly became a chart-topping hit and a fan favorite. Another Timbaland smash, the song was featured on the Romeo Must Die soundtrack, a film in which Aaliyah also starred. The song’s success was evident as it reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making Aaliyah the first artist to ever achieve this feat with a song that didn’t receive an official commercial release. “Try Again” also earned Aaliyah a Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. The accompanying music video, featuring Aaliyah’s unforgettable dance moves that made her a multihyphenate talent, further solidified her status as an R&B icon.
“Rock the Boat” (2001)
Aaliyah’s “Rock the Boat” is a classic, even as it remains tragically tied to the singer’s untimely passing. Released in 2001 as the lead single from her self-titled album, this sultry, mid-tempo track once again highlighted Aaliyah’s undeniable talents. “Rock the Boat” climbed the Billboard charts, peaking at No. 14 on the Hot 100 and achieving a notable No. 2 position on the R&B/Hip Hop chart. Sadly, the song’s success marked the beginning of her final chapter.
Tragically, Aaliyah’s life was cut short when she died in a plane crash on August 25, 2001, while returning from filming the music video for “Rock the Boat” in the Bahamas. The music video and song have become poignant reminders of the immense talent and potential lost with her passing. The visual acts as a bittersweet tribute to the icon she was and the legacy she left behind.
“One in a Million” (1996)
As the title track of her sophomore album, this seductive ballad is a staple among Aaliyah’s fans. Unsurprisingly, Timbaland and Missy Elliott’s creative hands were all over “One in a Million.” The track climbed up the Hot 100 charts and reached No. 1 on the Hot Y&B/Hip Hop Airplay list. The slow-grinding groove made for a seductive love song that helped move Aaliyah from an adorable songbird to an artist oozing with sex appeal.
“More Than a Woman” (2001)
“More than a Woman” was released in 2001 as a single from Aaliyah’s self-titled album. Timbaland held down production, making yet another collaboration that fans didn’t know they needed. “More than a Woman” made its way to No. 25 on the Hot 100 and No. 7 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop chart. This song steered away from Aaliyah’s usual love ballads and instead was delivered as more of a powerful anthem.
“We Need a Resolution” (2001)
Slithering its way onto this list is “We Need a Resolution.” In this track, Aaliyah looks to mend the tension in her relationship. Produced ny Timbaland and co-written by Aaliyah herself, “We Need a Resolution” showcases the collaborative chemistry that made them a formidable musical duo. The song made waves on the Billboard charts, reaching No. 59 on the Hot 100 and No. 15 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop chart. Another bittersweet moment for fans, as this was one of the last singles to be released during the singer’s life.
“Back & Forth” (1994)
Let’s take a moment to appreciate Aaliyah’s debut single, “Back and Forth,” which propelled her to stardom in 1994. This R&B track, produced by the one and only R. Kelly, later became a conversation starter. Co-written by Kelly and Aaliyah, “Back and Forth” showcased the young singer’s immense talent and marketability at such a young age.
Fans now love the song as much as they did when it was released. While it reached the No. 75 spot on the Hot 100, it grabbed the top position on the R&B/Hip Hop charts. However, the sordid history between Kelly and Aaliyah would place their working relationship in a negative light. It was learned that Kelly was 27 when he secretly wed the 15-year-old singer.
“If Your Girl Only Knew” (1996)
Take a trip down memory lane with this iconic hit, “If Your Girl Only Knew.” Released in 1996, this track featured an unforgettable production paired with Aaliyah’s sassy edge. The dynamic duo of Timbaland and Missy Elliott teamed up to produce and write this one. The trio of superstars never missed and received yet another No. on Billboard‘s Hot R&B/Hip Hop chart. This song, too, strayed from the ethereal love songs that Aaliyah is also known for. The track showed her versatility in being both the industry’s beloved “Baby Girl” and a force you shouldn’t mess with.
“Age Ain’t Nothin But A Number” (1994)
“Age Ain’t Nothin But A Number,” which was released in 1994, stirred up quite a bit of controversy. This smooth R&B track, penned and produced by R. Kelly, became the title track of Aaliyah’s debut album. Her arrival onto the music scene was welcomed with open arms. Albeit not without dissension, which would rear its head much later.
The song enjoyed some chart success, reaching No. 75 on the Billboard Hot 100 and an impressive No. 6 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop chart. However, “Age Ain’t Nothin But A Number” also attracted attention for reasons beyond music. Aaliyah’s relationship with Kelly raised eyebrows and sparked conversations about the appropriateness of their connection. Some regarded this song as Kelly’s way of grooming the then-rising star. When she became an adult, Aaliyah didn’t address her relationship with Kelly.
“4 Page Letter” (1996)
One of Aaliyah’s most popular love songs is “4 Page Letter.” The Timbaland production was another chart-topping success for the two artists. The single arrived on the singer’s sophomore effort, One in a Million, and it was added to the list of songs displaying Aaliyah’s buttery vocals. Because Tim and Aaliyah worked so well together—and frequently—his ability to match their talents makes their pairing unmatched.
Cassidy just came through with some not-so-criticial statements on the sex crimes and musical legacy of R. Kelly. Moreover, the two collaborated on the 2003 track “Hotel,” which came out a year after abuse allegations against him started to surface. Not only that, but it was around the time that his sex tape with an underage girl was also under heavy discussion and unfortunate dissemination in pop culture. In an interview with RealLyfe Productions, the rapper addressed these crimes and convictions while making reference to R. Kelly’s musical legacy. In his mind, there’s a clear distinction between the two, yet his comments on his abuse seemed to brush it aside.
“I probably wasn’t aware of it that time,” Cassidy stated regarding the tape and his accusations. “It probably came to my attention later. And I wasn’t sure about it. At that time it was weird. I was a superfan of R. Kelly, and this was my first album, my first single. So to be working with somebody of that magnitude, your first go-round… For me to be trying to argue that about some tape that I don’t even know… I wasn’t doing no research and digging deep at that time ’cause I ain’t the law.
“I don’t got no problem with n***as being mad at R. Kelly,” the 40-year-old continued. “If that’s how y’all feel, if y’all feel like what he did actually makes you mad at heart, cool. But be mad at heart at anybody that’s in that bag. There’s a bunch a n***as, not even famous n***as like R. Kelly, just in my neighborhood alone… These industry n***as [are] worse. These n***as are crazy… So now I can do no records then.
“I ain’t here to point the finger at R. Kelly and these n***as,” Cassidy concluded. “That ain’t my job. I just respect the n***a’s music.” The R&B singer now faces thirty years in prison for his various sex crimes. While many still advocate for and respect his music, context becomes almost too overpowering in most cases. Regardless, come back to HNHH for the latest news and updates on R. Kelly and Cassidy.
A transcript of texts between R. Kelly’s 16-year-old ex-girlfriend and her mother was released, where the mother tells her daughter to entice or arouse him. The new documents have also caused upset reactions on Twitter. In a new transcript released through social media on April 10, it shows his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend’s mother texting her daughter […]
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