In December 2022, a new R. Kelly album titled I Admit It briefly appeared on major streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. The 13-track album, featuring songs such as "Freaky Sensation" and "I Found Love," concluded with a three-part title track where Kelly seemingly addressed the allegations against him. However, the album was swiftly removed from these platforms after being deemed an unauthorized release.
Kelly's legal team asserted that the album was a bootleg, comprising stolen music released without his consent. His attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, stated, "A police report was filed some time ago because his masters were stolen... People have had access to his intellectual property rights that they are attempting to profit off of, but unfortunately that does not include Mr. Kelly" . Sony Music, which owns much of Kelly's catalog, also denied involvement, clarifying that the album's appearance under their Legacy Recordings division was unauthorized.
The album's release sparked significant backlash online. Many drew parallels between this release and O.J. Simpson's controversial book If I Did It, criticizing Kelly for attempting to address his criminal convictions through music. Social media platforms were inundated with reactions, with users expressing outrage over the album's content and questioning the ethics of streaming platforms that briefly hosted it.
Despite the controversy, Kelly has indicated that he continues to work on music while incarcerated. In a recent podcast appearance, he claimed to have written 25 albums during his time in prison, stating, "Singing is a beautiful disease that’s uncurable. I’m always singing" .
The incident underscores the complexities of managing an artist's work post-conviction and raises questions about the responsibilities of streaming platforms in curating content. As debates continue over separating art from the artist, Kelly's case serves as a poignant example of the challenges involved.