R. Kelly remains a polarizing figure in modern music. The once-celebrated R&B icon was found guilty of federal racketeering and sex trafficking involving minors in 2019. Since then, he has been serving time behind bars, unable to record new music. Yet, his financial standing tells a different story—his old catalog continues to generate significant revenue.

On November 29, R. Kelly satisfied a substantial $520,549.90 federal judgment connected to his criminal convictions. According to AllHipHop, the judgment, announced on December 7, 2022, included $379,649.90 in restitution, a $100,000 fine, $40,000 under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, and a $900 special assessment. Kelly managed to pay the entire amount in one lump sum, largely thanks to ongoing income from streaming royalties.

R. Kelly’s Catalog Sees Boost in Streaming

The 2019 Lifetime docuseries Surviving R. Kelly exposed graphic allegations of abuse and misconduct, featuring detailed accounts from his alleged victims. The series had a devastating impact on Kelly’s reputation and career, effectively halting his ability to release new music. However, it also reignited public interest in his older works.

Following the release of the docuseries, Billboard reported a staggering 4.3 million on-demand streams of R. Kelly’s music in the U.S., a 116% increase from the week prior. Songs like “Ignition (Remix),” “Bump N’ Grind,” and “Same Girl” experienced dramatic surges, with “Same Girl” alone seeing a 126% spike after the series finale.

While interest in his catalog has decreased since the initial surge, R. Kelly’s music continues to attract loyal listeners. His streaming revenue remains robust, ensuring a steady income despite his ongoing incarceration. Whether this trend will persist throughout his sentence remains to be seen, but for now, the embattled singer’s music endures in the digital age.

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TIME IN PRISON

R. Kelly’s time in prison has been marked by significant challenges, both physical and mental. Since his arrest in 2019 and subsequent sentencing to 30 years for racketeering and sexual exploitation crimes, Kelly has faced harsh realities in the prison system.

In 2020, Kelly was attacked by a fellow inmate, reportedly due to frustrations over lockdowns caused by protests outside the facility. Although he sustained minor injuries, the assault led to increased paranoia and fear for his safety, affecting his mental well-being.