The Evolution of R. Kelly

Kellz believed he could fly—and he was right.

The Evolution of R. Kelly - Attention, steppers, lovers and happy people everywhere: Today is the born day of one Robert Sylvester Kelly, better known as R. Kelly. And he's done quite a lot with his 45 years on this planet: With classics like "I Believe I Can Fly" and "Bump N' Grind," the superstar singer/songwriter/producer has sold over 150 million records worldwide, making him one of the most most successful R&B artists—or artists of any genre—of all-time. Kellz believed he could fly, and he was right. Click on to follow R. Kelly's journey to legendary status. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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The Evolution of R. Kelly - R. Kelly broke into the music biz as a member of the new-jack swing group Public Announcement, who released their debut album Born into the 90's, in 1992. Kelly left the group a year later and embarked on his storied solo career.
The Evolution of R. Kelly - Kelly's solo debut, 12 Play, was released in the fall of 1993. Brimming with signature R. classics like "Your Body's Callin'" and "Bump n' Grind", his first number-one hit, the album went six-times platinum and immediately established Kelly as an R&B superstar.(Photo: Zomba Records)R. Kelly (@KellZodiac) - TWEET: "What up ya’ll! I’m finally near the end of writing my life story book, Soulacoaster. Now I know some of you guys didn’t think I was coming out with it- but I am - it’ll be out Spring 2012."Kellz dispels the rumor that his memoir won't be published. (Photo: Donna Ward/Getty Images for Arise Made in Africa)

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The Evolution of R. Kelly - Born on January 8, 1967 on the South Side of Chicago, Kelly began singing in church at eight years old. As a teenager, R. performed on the street under Chicago's elevated train tracks for change. (Photo: Zomba Records)

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