Recorded 1994–1995 R. Kelly
(1995) R.
(1998) | Label Jive
Zomba | |
Released November 14, 1995 (1995-11-14) Genre R&B
soul
hip hop soul
gospel Producer R. Kelly
Barry Hankerson (exec.) | ||
R. Kelly is the self-titled second studio album by R&B singer R. Kelly. It was released on November 14, 1995. The album was somewhat of a departure from his previous album's sexual innuendos, featuring slightly more introspective lyrics. R. Kelly was the artist's second #1 R&B album and the first one to top the Billboard 200; it spawned three #1 R&B singles in chronological order: "You Remind Me of Something", "Down Low (Nobody Has to Know)" and "I Can't Sleep Baby (If I)".
Contents
Critical reception
R. Kelly received mostly positive reviews from music critics. Jim Derogatis of Rolling Stone wrote, Kelly "has grown out of his unthinking misogyny to the point where he makes a plea in 'As I Look Into My Life' to 'brothers in the ghetto' to 'love and respect that woman and bring her happiness.' Make love not war is an old message, but Kelly delivers it with sincerity. By spreading it in the hood in these violent times, he believes he's doing God's work, and who's to say he is wrong? Predecessors like Marvin Gaye and Prince have shown that great sex is spiritual, and Kelly's make-out music ranks with the best."
Accolades
American Music Awards – 1997 Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist (nominated)
BMI Awards – 1998 Pop Songwriter of the Year (won) ("I Believe I Can Fly", "I Can't Sleep Baby (If I)", and "I Don't Want To" by Toni Braxton)
MTV Video Music Awards – 1996 Best Male Video for "Down Low (Nobody Has to Know)" (nominated)
Track listing
All tracks written by R. Kelly, except "(You To Be) Be Happy" co-written with C. Wallace.
Personnel
Credits adapted from AllMusic.
Uses in media
In 1996, songs from this album were featured several times in the first season of the UPN sitcom Moesha. "Hump Bounce" featured in the third episode, "Down Low (Nobody Has to Know)" was featured in the tenth episode and "You Remind Me of Something" can be heard and was referenced in the fifth episode.