Album: R. Kelly

Introduction
"R. Kelly" is the self-titled 2nd studio album by American singer, songwriter, and manufacturer R. Kelly, launched on November 14, 1995, by Jive Records. The album includes a more metropolitan and modern R&B sound compared to its predecessor, "12 Play". Production was mainly managed by Kelly himself, alongside a couple of partnerships with other artists and producers. The album was an industrial success, with four of its singles making it to the United States Billboard Hot 100 charts, and it went on to be licensed 5 times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Background and Production
R. Kelly was affected by the prevailing urban music scene of the early 90s, particularly the works of artists like Marvin Gaye, Prince, and Michael Jackson. Preferring to develop himself as a distinctive voice and force in R&B, Kelly set out to craft an album that would showcase both his smooth vocal style and his skills as a producer.

Recording sessions for the album happened at numerous studios, including Battery Studios and Chicago Recording Company in Chicago. The production procedure was labor-intensive, with Kelly composing, arranging, and producing most of the tracks. The album integrates elements of hip-hop, gospel, and funk, which provides it a rich sonic palette that speaks to Kelly's musical versatility and artistry.

Album Content and Musical Style
"R. Kelly" spans a vast array of musical designs, from emotional ballads to uptempo dance tracks. Kelly's lyrics focus primarily on romance, with styles of love, relationships, and desire permeating throughout the album. His smooth vocal style is the focal point of each track, communicating both vulnerability and strength simultaneously.

The album opens with the sultry ballad "Hump Bounce", which sets the tone for the remainder of the record. Other significant tunes include the funky "You Remind Me of Something", a hit that reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and No. 1 on the R&B chart; the gospel-infused "Religious Love", showcasing Kelly's ability to sing powerful ballads with a spiritual impact; and the sexy "Down Low (Nobody Has To Know)", which includes visitor vocals from Ronald Isley of The Isley Brothers.

The album also boasts cooperations with rapper and producer Notorious B.I.G. on the track "(You To Be) Be Happy", in addition to a duet with Aaliyah on "Summer Bunnies (remix)", demonstrating Kelly's ability to work easily with artists from different musical backgrounds.

Business Performance and Reception
"R. Kelly" was an industrial success, debuting at No. 1 on the United States Billboard Top R&B/ Hip-Hop Albums chart and reaching No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart. It has actually offered over 5 million copies in the United States alone and helped seal R. Kelly's status as one of the most effective R&B artists of the 90s. The album got generally positive reviews from critics, who applauded its production values, ballads, and Kelly's vocal performances.

The album's songs also delighted in massive success on the charts, with "You Remind Me of Something" and "Down Low (Nobody Has To Know)" both arriving 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. Other effective singles include "I Can't Sleep Baby (If I)" and "Thank God It's Friday".

Tradition and Impact
"R. Kelly" was a crucial album in R. Kelly's career, marking a considerable shift in his musical direction and strengthening his reputation as a knowledgeable artist and producer. The album's blend of contemporary R&B, gospel, and hip-hop elements would go on to influence countless artists in the following years. Regardless of the debates that would later on swallow up Kelly's personal life and profession, "R. Kelly" remains a landmark album in the development of 90s R&B music.