R. Kelly is following Tory Lanez’s lead by releasing music directly from his prison cell. The Pied Piper of R&B surprised fans with a new song by joining Chris Brown’s Residuals challenge. The challenge, sparked by R&B veteran Tank last month, has seen artists like Mario, Jacob Latimore, and even Boyz II Men’s Shawn Stockman putting their own spin on Brown’s 2023 smash hit. But nobody expected R. Kelly to jump in, dialing in his signature sound over a prison phone.
Posted online by his longtime collaborator Rodney East, the stripped-down freestyle finds the disgraced R&B icon venting about his incarceration, music royalties, and the battle for his legacy.
“They’re still selling my music, making all this money / Don’t even send shit to my folks for commissary,” he croons with his rich, unmistakable, soulful delivery. He doesn’t stop there, demanding answers:
“Who gave you 34 years? / Who made you billions of dollars? / Who put the R in R&B?”
Rodney East made sure to clarify: “No AI. The real deal… IYKYK. Voice is definitely missed out here.”
Kelly’s verse is a reminder that even from behind bars, he’s still watching, still creating, and still questioning the system that built him up and then tore him down.
The internet wasted no time picking sides. SWV’s LeLee Lyons, Jozzy, and L.T. Hutton gave him props, while Tyrese, never one to hold back, crowned the performance with GOAT and fire emojis. Meanwhile, others weren’t so forgiving, slamming any support for Kelly given his history.
And that’s the truth; whether people want to admit it or not, Kelly’s vocals still hit different.
While most people in prison focus on doing their time, R. Kelly claims he’s been doing something else, building an entire catalog. Recently, he spoke with Inmate Tea with A&P, revealing that he’s penned 25 albums’ worth of music since his incarceration. “I’m always singing, I’m always writing,” he said. “I’ve written like 25 albums since I’ve been in here.”
Despite his conviction, Kelly insists his legal fight isn’t over. Multiple appeals have already been denied, but he remains hopeful, stating: “I’m working on getting out. I’m using patience as a tactic.”
His attorney, Jean Bonjean, doubled down in a statement to TMZ, confirming they’re still pushing through the appeals process. But as of now, federal records have his release date locked in for December 21, 2045, meaning Kelly would be 78 years old before he walks free. Whether he ever sees the outside again remains a question, but if nothing else, Residuals just proved one thing: R. Kelly’s voice, influence, and controversy aren’t fading anytime soon.
