by Paula Neal Mooney
We all know R. Kelly could use some good PR at this point in his life. But I hope and pray that R. Kelly's new Virginia Tech song is from his heart, and not for reasons of getting good press.
Listen to a snippet of R. Kelly's "Rise Up" song for the Virginia Tech victims right now.
Despite all his truly heinous sins -- in no way do I ever justify child abuse in any form -- I still have a soft heart for R. Kelly.
I dogged him out a bit in my Oprah post about hip hop, but wrote that I'm always pulling for him.
We went to Kenwood Academy High School in Chicago together, and though I never met him personally, I remember the day he did an impersonation of Eddie Murphy impersonating Stevie Wonder.
R. Kelly sang "My Cherie Amour" and the crowd went wild. Later R. Kelly talked about that moment in Vibe magazine and I couldn't believe I was there to witness the tall and gangly, unsure of himself teenage baller get his first dose of on-stage love.
And so now R. Kelly sings "Rise Up" for the Virginia Tech victims.
And "100 percent of the net proceeds from its sale will go to the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund," said Jive Records, Kelly's record label.
So check this site to download R. Kelly's "Rise Up" song for the Virginia Tech victims when it's available May 15th.
It harkens back to his "I Believe I Can Fly" era, from the portion I've heard.
Maybe not as monumental as what R. Kelly's "Trade in My Life" meant to me, but prayerfully "Rise Up" will bring some kind of comfort to someone...
Comments
I just listened to the lyrics of his (i'm a flirt) song.
And um.....well...nevermind.
In the case of those that a genius' in their field there always an internal conflict and R. Kelly is no different.
He has fought demons in his life from the start, sometimes the demons win and sometimes he wins over his demons.
When he is winning he makes beautiful music like "I believe I can Fly" or "You saved me".
Let's just continue to pray for this brother's internal battle and the hopes that he can one day have control over his demons.
much love to you Paula!
I'm delighted to learn that you were one of the first to hear Robert's musical genius. I've thinking of posting about R. Kelly's new music, which I'm loving!! When I do, I'll be sure to shout out a link to this excellent post!