R. Kelly, born Robert Sylvester Kelly in 1967, is an American singer, songwriter, and producer who played a significant role in the R&B genre from the 1990s through the early 2000s. His style combines gospel, soul, and hip hop, resulting in a distinctive sound that is both smooth and rhythmic. Kelly is known for his sexually explicit lyrics and thematic versatility, with influential works such as "I Believe I Can Fly" and the hip-hop opera "Trapped in the Closet." Despite his musical success, his career has been marred by legal issues and allegations of sexual misconduct.