Tyrese believes that R.Kelly is the one and only King of R&B.
On Sunday (August 31), the singer/actor was performing at the Summer Jam R&B festival at Illinois’ Maywood Veterans Park, near Kelly’s hometown of Chicago. During his set, he took time to give a shout-out to he disgraced singer, calling him the “King of R&B.”
“I know the city I’m in,” Tyrese said. “Imma say it again. Feel whatever you wanna feel, n***a, I got no f**ks to give. The King of R&B is R. Kelly. Chi-Town, baby.”
This isn’t the first time that the “Sweet Lady” singer has declared that Kelly was the King of R&B. In September, during an interview with The Shade Room, Tyrese called Kelly the King of R&B without any hesitation.
“Who else but him?” the singer and actor said. “We’re not talking about him being in jail and all the shit that he did and controversy-wise.”
Tyrese’s proclamation ignited controversy due to Kelly being found guilty of numerous sexual crimes including exploiting children, kidnapping, forced labor, and sex trafficking. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison in 2022. Also, he was found guilty on child pornography charges during his federal trial in Chicago.
Along with Kelly, Tyrese has expressed his affinity for another legendary singer, Mary. J. Blige.
Taking to his Instagram Live on Labor Day (Sept. 1), the singer/actor shared that Bilge passed on two of his songs that he sent to her.
“I tried my best to get Mary J. Blige on both songs; she passed on it,” Tyrese said. “It’s okay. I feel a way about it, I’m hurt. I’m really hurt, I can’t lie.”
In July 2023, Tyrese asked for help as he sought to connect with Blige.
“Can someone please help me to get a hold and reach Mary J. Blige? I’ve been trying to reach her for two weeks,” Tyrese’s post read. “I really didn’t want to post this, but I’m really trying to reach my Capricorn queen Mary J. Blige. I have something so important that I need to get to her.”