Jermaine Dupri has stepped into the fray, defending R. Kelly’s musical legacy amid his legal troubles.
In a recent Instagram Live session, the acclaimed producer highlighted R. Kelly’s undeniable influence on R&B. “R. Kelly put the ‘R’ in R&B,” Dupri asserted, dismissing any debate over Kelly’s musical prowess.
Dupri acknowledged the controversies surrounding the embattled singer, emphasizing that his focus was strictly on the music. “I get it,” he said regarding Kelly’s legal issues, “but hands down, he is the R in R&B.”
Meanwhile, R. Kelly is fighting to overturn his convictions for sex crimes. His legal team presented an argument to the United States Supreme Court, claiming that the statute of limitations should exempt him from his charges.
Back in 2022, Kelly was convicted of multiple sex crimes, including making illegal videos. His team contends that the PROTECT Act, which he was charged under, should not apply since it became law after the alleged incidents.
The Supreme Court is expected to decide soon whether it will hear Kelly’s appeal. However, the impact of these convictions continues to loom over his once-celebrated career, as Dupri’s comments spark further discussion.
While Jermaine Dupri praises R. Kelly’s role in shaping R&B, the legal battles and public perception of Kelly remain complicated and contentious.