Will R Kelly's 'I Believe I Can Fly' end up just as a thing of the past? A look at rise and fall of global hit
You've heard the expression: judge the art, not the artiste, and while this may be true in many ways, can the works of a controversial artiste still be called art if it is eventually forgotten? Additionally, is the strength of its remembrance measured by how bad the controversy is? There's an extensive list of artistes out there who have controversy tethered to their names, and it oftentimes boosts their careers, but there are some whose offenses are so great, that fans choose to forget their idol entirely and move on. This is especially true when the artiste has been inspirational to their fans and not just an entertainer.
R Kelly entered the music scene with his debut album '12 Play' on this day (November 9) and we want to discuss the rise and fall of the R&B singer, particularly in light of his most successful single 'I Believe I Can Fly'.
'I Believe I Can Fly'
A track that would see Kelly earning numerous accolades, including three Grammy Awards, 'I Believe I Can Fly' has been the go-to track for many aspiring artistes. The staple choice for singers auditioning on competition reality shows like 'American Idol' or 'The Voice', Kelly's track was imbued with a certain kind of faith. The idea that one could soar higher than earthly-level success and achieve something almost spiritual was captivating and uplifting. It spoke of looking above current circumstances and it resonated with most - or anyone who's ever felt their individual strength is the primary fuel for achieving their dreams. The word "I" is also repeated in the title, emphasizing self-empowerment at its core. Perhaps such as spirit also led to its downfall.
The fall of R Kelly
Along with the sweet, we give the bitter and share how Kelly lost all that he worked hard to achieve. The singer has a history of allegations made against him for sexual crimes and is currently in Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago, facing anywhere from 10 years to life in prison if convicted on federal charges. Such charges include kidnapping, forced labor, child sexual exploitation and child pornography production and obstruction of justice, among many others.
Does it still fly?
As an artiste, it is nearly impossible to make your works understood without an image. Music goes hand-in-hand with an image as audiences want to connect and add the sense of sight to sound to fully grasp what it's all about. This is also where artistes have to keep up perfect appearances at all times. They're idolized and followed, and the moment an offense doesn't agree with the moral fiber or principles of the general public, they have failed and failed hard. Even hardcore fans who might agree with your demons aren't enough to keep your career afloat because the numbers simply don't add up. That also goes without saying that cancel culture is rife since this past decade.
As questioned above, could the clincher be that when an individual who has demons is empowered, the end result is harm and tragedy? We can all agree that every human being needs confidence and the ability to stand on their own two feet has become a near mandate in today's world, but Kelly and his famous track 'I Believe I Can Fly' begs further assessment on the subject of self-empowerment entirely. Would the world be a better place if potential idols are psychoanalytical checked before signing up with a major entertainment organization? It may seem like a bizarre thought at first but perhaps Kelly's crimes wouldn't have occurred on such a large scale if he wasn't given power in the first place.
Now, media organizations are sweeping 'I Believe I Can Fly' under the rug and hope it never gets aired on their respective platforms. It barely gets any radio play anymore, and if you're thinking of singing it at any future auditions for competitions, it's a near guarantee you may lose points 'cause there's always the bitter taste in the mouth left by Kelly's crimes.
Last year, ABC reportedly cut 'I Believe I Can Fly,' from the pilot episode of the network's series, 'Schooled'. In January 2019, Kelly was also banned from ever visiting Philadelphia. The Philadelphia City Council unanimously voted yes to the "Mute R Kelly" resolution, introduced by Councilwoman Helen Gym. While the Chicago singer won't be arrested or removed if seen in the city, Gym said that the bill is "a public declaration" meant to send a message of support to survivors and condemn sexual abuse. "I believe that RKelly and predators like him should be shamed and banished from the public sphere," Gym said in a statement to Philadelphia Inquirer, according to Newsweek.
Even the subscription-based music streamer Spotify said that Kelly's music is no longer featured on its popular playlists, although it stopped short of banning his catalog altogether, according to Deadline. The move came with the “public hate content and hateful conduct policy,” in which the company reserves the right to remove “content that expressly and principally promotes, advocates, or incites hatred or violence against a group or individual based on characteristics, including, race, religion, gender identity, sex, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, veteran status, or disability.”
What do you think about the longevity of 'I Believe I Can Fly'? Do you feel it still inspires or is doomed to fade away from the minds of future generations altogether? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.