R. Kelly

One of the most popular artists during a period lasting from the early '90s into the mid-2010s, R&B singer, songwriter, and producer R. Kelly picked up where new jack swing left off by developing his own mix of soul, funk, hip-hop, and gospel. Fourteen of Kelly's studio albums reached the Top Ten of the Billboard 200, a count that includes the RIAA-certified multi-platinum sets 12 Play (1993) and R. (1998), as well as Chocolate Factory (2003) and Happy People/U Saved Me (2004). Among his Top Ten pop singles are the Hot 100-topping "Bump N' Grind," the Grammy-winning "I Believe I Can Fly," and the remixes of "Step in the Name of Love" and "Ignition." He was also behind Top Ten hits by other artists. In 2021, Kelly was convicted on nine counts of sex trafficking and racketeering. The next year, he was sentenced to 30 years in prison.