R. Kelly Claims to Have Written 25 Albums While Incarcerated

R. Kelly’s Continued Musical Journey

R. Kelly mentioned that he has written 25 albums and continues to sing and create music while incarcerated.

The R&B artist was convicted on six of 13 charges regarding the possession and production of child pornography, alongside seduction of a minor, in September 2022. He was also found guilty of racketeering and sexual trafficking in 2021. Currently, R. Kelly is serving a 31-year sentence.

The singer recently featured on Prisoner Tea with A&P, a podcast episode where he discussed whether he continues his musical practice during his time in prison.

“Well, singing is an excellent disease that is incurable,” he stated. “Stopping singing will not happen, regardless of where I am. I always sing, I always write. I’ve written 25 albums since I’ve been here, and now I am simply focusing on getting out… I am using patience as a tactic.”

During the episode, he also performed his tracks “When The Woman Was Tired” and “A Step in the Name of Love.”

Daughter’s Allegations and Response

In October 2024, R. Kelly’s daughter, Buko Abi, spoke out about the alleged sexual abuse she endured during her childhood.

In the first episode of R. Kelly Karma: Daughter’s Journey, Abi claims that the singer abused her as a child. “He was mine to everyone. For a long time, I couldn’t even bring myself to believe that this happened,” Abi said during the initial installment of the two-part series, featured on People.

“I had no idea that even if he was a bad person, he could do something to me. I was too scared to tell anyone,” she continued. “I was too scared to tell my mother.”

In later episodes, she recounts “waking up to him touching me,” and subsequently went to her mother and later to the police. However, the authorities were unable to proceed due to delays in reporting. “At that moment in my life, I felt what he said,” she shared.

In a statement to People, R. Kelly’s attorney, Jennifer Bongjan, emphasized that Kelly “fiercely denies” the accusations.

“His ex-wife made similar claims many years ago, and this was investigated by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and found to be unfounded,” Bongjan stated.

“And the ‘filmmakers,’ whoever they are, did not reach out to Mr. Kelly or his team to allow him the opportunity to rebut these damaging allegations.”

To receive help, advice or additional information about sexual harassment, assault, and rape in the UK, visit Charity Web of Rape. In the United States, visit RAINN.