Despite being behind bars, R. Kelly has taken part in the viral “Residuals” challenge, which was started last month by R&B singer Tank. The challenge involves artists performing their own verse over Chris Brown’s song of the same name, with notable participants including Mario, Jacob Latimore, and Boyz II Men’s Shawn Stockman.
A surprising late addition to the challenge, Kelly recorded his own version over a prison phone call, addressing his incarceration and financial struggles. The audio was shared online by his producer and longtime collaborator Rodney East.
“They’re still selling my music, making all this money / Don’t even send shit to my folks for commissary / Though I’m in this place, I know I don’t deserve this / There’s questions on my mind / There’s questions on my mind,” Kelly sings.
He continues, “Tell me who, who’s getting all my checks? / Where is my money at? / Tell me who, who’s getting paid for my grind? / All of that’s supposed to be mine.
Who gave you 34 years? / Who made you billions of dollars? / Who put the R in R&B? / I swear that it’s killing me in my cell, making me holler, dammit.”
East confirmed that the vocals were indeed from R. Kelly and not AI-generated, writing on Instagram: “Big Bro Decided 2 Pull up On The Challenge. No AI, The Real Deal… IYKYK. Voice Is Definitely Missed Out Here.”
Kelly’s remix received praise from fellow musicians such as SWV’s LeLee Lyons, Jozzy, L.T. Hutton, and Tyrese, who commented: “How many times can I hit this KING BUTTON [crown emojis] [goat emojis] [fire emojis].”
R. Kelly Claims He Has Written 25 Albums Behind Bars
In a recent interview from prison, Kelly claimed to have written 25 albums’ worth of music while incarcerated. Speaking on the Inmate Tea with A&P podcast, he said he continues to hone his songwriting and singing abilities while serving his decades-long sentence for sex crimes.
“I’m always singing, I’m always writing,” Kelly said. “I’ve written like 25 albums since I’ve been in here.”
The disgraced singer also insisted that his legal battle is far from over, despite multiple appeals being rejected. He argued that key evidence against him was inadequate and that the law was misapplied in his case.
“I’m working on getting out,” he said. “I’m using patience as a tactic.”
Kelly’s attorney, Jean Bonjean, echoed his optimism, telling TMZ: “Our appeals process has not come to an end. We will continue to fight for justice and for his freedom.”
According to Bureau of Prisons records, R. Kelly is currently scheduled for release on December 21, 2045, at which point he will be 78 years old.
