How the #MeToo movement took aim at R. Kelly, and missed
In March 2011, R. Kelly was named the most successful R&B artist of the last 25 years by Billboard. It shouldn't have come as too much of a surprise considering mega-hit singles such as 'Bump N' Grind,' 'Ignition,' and 'If I Could Turn Back the Hands of Time' that were punctuated by his distinctive sound and style saw him sell over 75 million records worldwide. He is not only one of the best-selling R&B artists, but also one of the best-selling music artists of all time, no mean feat considering that list is occupied by the likes of Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and Led Zeppelin, not to mention several others who are legends in their own rights.
But he will never be held with the same adulation and reverence that those artists command, at least, not anymore. Despite boasting of a Guinness World Record and countless other awards, be it the Grammies, the NAACP's, and the American Music Awards, Kelly's reputation will remain forever tainted, though possibly not to the extent as some would like.