Recorded 1992–93 Release date 9 November 1993 | Length 63:10 | |
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Released November 9, 1993 (1993-11-09) Genres Rhythm and blues, Contemporary R&B, Hip hop music, Soul music, New jack swing, Hip hop soul, G-funk Nominations American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Album Similar TP‑2com, Chocolate Factory, R, Black Panties, R Kelly | ||
12 Play is the debut studio album by American R&B and soul musician R. Kelly; it was released on November 9, 1993, by Jive Records. The album follows his tenure with R&B group Public Announcement, with whom he released one album, Born into the 90's (1992). It went on to top the R&B albums chart for nine weeks straight, while reaching the second position on the US Billboard 200 chart.
Contents
The album features the sexually-themed singles "Bump n' Grind" (US; number 1), "Your Body's Callin'" (US; number 13), and the more overtly direct "Sex Me, Pts. 1 & 2" (US; number 20). The album serves as the first of a trilogy of albums Kelly later released under the "12 Play" moniker including TP-2.com (2000) and TP-3: Reloaded (2005). Since its initial mixed response from critics, 12 Play has received more favorable retrospective criticism. This album earned Kelly the title King of R&B.
R kelly your body s callin
Background
Following the success of Born into the 90's, as the member of the R&B group Public Announcement, Kelly began touring as an opening act for Gerald Levert and Glenn Jones. During the tour, Kelly said that he became frustrated with the poor lighting and empty seats during his set. To generate more attention during his set, Kelly begin thinking of what would be his gimmick to take his show to the next level, something that would make people remember him. Kelly stated: "I thought about it for a couple of days, and I finally came up with a little skit, me just talking to the audience. At the point in the show where I would break down "Honey Love," I would start talking to the audience."
The audience yelled "YES!" and Kelly's piano player accompanied him with chords. Kelly then begun the countdown, "One. We'll go to my room of fun." The "12 Play" gimmick became so big that when Kelly went to radio stations to promote Born into the 90's, the DJ's wanted to hear "12 Play." The demand for "12 Play" was so big that R. Kelly decided to create an album titled 12 Play.
Success
"I didn't really know if the album would be as successful as it has been, but I hoped that it would. I was really taking a chance with the concept of this album." - Kelly on the concept of the 12 Play album, 1994.
Track listing
All tracks written by R. Kelly, except "Sadie" by Joseph B. Jefferson, Bruce Hawes, and Charles Simmons.
Personnel
Credits adapted from AllMusic.
Songs
1Your Body’s Callin’4:35
2Bump n’ Grind4:15
3Homie Lover Friend4:21