“I Have Written 25 Albums in Prison,” Says Convicted Singer R. Kelly

Despite serving a decades-long sentence in federal prison, R&B singer and convicted sex trafficker R. Kelly says he remains dedicated to making music. In a recent interview on the podcast Inmate Tea with A&P, released on Sunday, Kelly opened up about his continued songwriting and legal battle.

“Singing is a beautiful disease that’s uncurable,” Kelly stated during the interview. He claimed that he has been highly productive behind bars, writing extensively. “I’m always singing, I’m always writing. I’ve written like 25 albums since I’ve been in here,” he revealed.

Beyond music, Kelly insisted that his legal fight is far from over. “I’m working on getting out,” he said, adding, “I’m using patience as a tactic.” His attorney, Jean Bonjean, echoed his sentiments, telling TMZ, “Our appeals process has not come to an end. We will continue to fight for justice and for his freedom.”

Kelly, who was convicted in New York in 2021 on multiple charges including sex trafficking and racketeering, was sentenced to 30 years in prison. His appeals have so far been unsuccessful, with the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan rejecting his attempt to overturn the conviction on February 12. The panel of judges determined that the singer had “exploited his fame to lure girls and young women into his grasp” over a span of 25 years.

“Evidence at trial showed that he would isolate them from friends and family, control nearly every aspect of their lives, and abuse them verbally, physically, and sexually,” the court stated in its ruling.

Kelly’s defense team argues that his trial was unfair due to issues such as improperly applied laws and biased jurors. Despite the recent appeal rejection, his legal team intends to escalate the case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

According to Bureau of Prisons records, R. Kelly is currently serving his sentence with a projected release date of December 21, 2045. While his legal efforts continue, Kelly maintains that his passion for music remains unchanged—even behind bars.