R. Kelly
“Genius” (from Black Panties, November 11)
(RCA/Sony)
Shoutout to R. Kelly for naming the tracks on his new album like an R&B sextape–see “Poetic Sex,” “Throw Money on You” and “Fuckin’ with the Lights On.” But at this point, maybe an official, unurinated sextape soundtrack is the last frontier for a man with 54 million albums sold, a 33-part music video, and his own skit on Chappelle’s Show. While “My Story,” Kellz’ single with ATL MC 2 Chainz, can’t hold weight to his career-making hits, if Black Panties produces one “Ignition”-caliber banger from a collection of otherwise B-level porn-R&B, it’s all good. That career cut might just be “Genius,” an R. Kelly-branded mix of earnest compassion and all-out raunch climaxing in a bold boast on his bedroom I.Q.—“Tonight you’re lying with a sex genius.” Oh Robert, so humble for the ladies.
This article appears in Sep 25 – Oct 1, 2013.