Posts Tagged ‘R. Kelly’

Just in case you thought there was no such thing as poetic justice. I don’t see nuthin’ wrong…with an IRS fine…

He owes $1.47 million for 2005, $710,000 for 2006, $380,000 for 2007, $1.12 million for 2008, $170,000 for 2009 and $990,000 for 2010, the records state.

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The Mo’Kelly Report is a syndicated politics and entertainment journal. Visit http://mrmokelly.com for the latest from Mr. Mo’Kelly. Tune into The Mo’Kelly Show Saturdays from 6-8pm PDT on KFI AM640 and Sirius XM 166 Saturdays and Sundays from 8-9pm PDT. Contact Mo’Kelly at mrmokelly@gmail.com.

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Lately, singer Brian McKnight has received more publicity for his rather explicit music offerings, generally related to criticism for them.

Regardless of how you may feel or not feel about the explicit nature of his music lately, you have to take notice of his rant, throwing elbows at not one…not two…but three influential members of the African-American entertainment community.

Evidently McKnight is less than pleased with the scrutiny of his career, relative to those mentioned in the Twitter rant.  It seems McKnight senses a double-standard as to what is “acceptable” behavior for stars these days.  A triple-decker “beef” sandwich for Brian McKnight.

He does have a point…but the real question is, is McKnight credible enough to be the one to make it? Hat tip to allhiphop.com for the story.

The Mo’Kelly Report is a syndicated politics and entertainment journal. Visit http://mrmokelly.com for the latest from Mr. Mo’Kelly. Tune into The Mo’Kelly Show Saturdays from 6-8pm PDT on KFI AM640. Contact Mo’Kelly at mrmokelly@gmail.com.

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If we in the African-American community are outraged at the behavior of Jerry Sandusky, then we should have equal diligence and outrage in regards to R. Kelly.

Let’s be clear, R. Kelly was acquitted of CHILD PORNOGRAPHY charges, NOT anything in relation to pedophilia, which is behavior-related.  Do not come in here and allege his “innocence” in regard to these issues.

Below was the first interview given by R. Kelly after being acquitted on the aforementioned charges.  Pay close attention to how he dithers on the definition of “teenage girls,” as if the question was unclear.  And no, Mo’Kelly is not responsible for the silly captions and misspellings/poor grammar in the video.  This was unfortunately the only clip of length that could be found on the interview.

The Mo’Kelly Report is a syndicated politics and entertainment journal.  Visit http://mrmokelly.com for the latest from Mr. Mo’Kelly.  Contact him at mrmokelly@gmail.com.

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The controversial forthcoming memoir Soulacoaster reportedly has been “delayed”…and may not ever be released at all, depending on whom you believe.

Originally the autobiography was slated to be released this week…which would have been more than odd and awkward given the ongoing controversy at Penn State.  One can imagine that conducting interviews trying to promote a book by a purported pedophile right about now would not be a good look.

That aside, there may be even more to the story…no pun intended.

From the Village Voice

_________________

Meanwhile, Hay House imprint SmileyBooks, also responsible for Cornel West titles, appears to have withered into near-oblivion. (The publishing arm’s standalone site has been absorbed into www.tavistalks.com; the PR contact’s email account is no longer active.) Indigo has Soula Coaster listed as a hardcover Hay House release–strange bedfellows considering that the publisher is known for gifting the world with “self-help,” “transformational,” and “inspirational” projects.

As far as we can tell, there’s been little promotion for the “diary,” even though it was supposed to come out sometime next week. We’ve contacted Hay House for comment; Ritz declined to offer any other information.

_________________

Mo’Kelly will reserve comment…for now.

RELATED: The Lies of R. Kelly (And His Truth for 25.95)

The Mo’Kelly Report is a syndicated politics and entertainment journal.  Visit http://mrmokelly.com for the latest from Mr. Mo’Kelly.  Contact him at mrmokelly@gmail.com.

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Evidently, the checks aren’t rolling in like they used to…maybe they need to move up the sale date of his forthcoming memoir.  :/

After failing to pay more than a year of mortgage payments, Grammy winner and “R&B king” R. Kelly now faces a $2.9-million foreclosure lawsuit on his 11,140-square-foot Olympia Fields mansion, Crain’s Chicago reported Tuesday.

Kelly’s home, which sits on a 3.7-acre lot, was constructed in the far southern suburb 11 years ago and its value has plummeted in recent years — falling 26 percent in its most recent appraisal to $3.8 million, as compared to its $5.2 million 2009 value, according to Crain’s. Therefore, Kelly, who has not lived in the home for more than a year, faces debts on the property that likely exceed its current value.

A person reportedly close to Kelly told Crain’s the singer had stopped making payments on the mortgage in order to force the bank to renegotiate the loan.

Full story HERE.

RELATED: The Lies of R. Kelly (and His Truth for 25.95)

The Mo’Kelly Report is an entertainment journal with a political slant; published at The Huffington Post and EURWEB.com. For the most recent posts of Mr. Mo’Kelly, visit http://mrmokelly.com.  Mr. Mo’Kelly can be reached at mrmokelly@gmail.com.

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Everybody must be lying except R. Kelly.

R. Kelly

For you to support R. Kelly, that is what you must believe. Otherwise it’s difficult to reconcile supporting the singer/songwriter on any level, artistic or otherwise. We can have the shallow and rehashed debate of separating the artist from his/her artistry, but to do so is to deny the alleged yet systemic underlying criminal behavior in this particular case. If I am of the minority opinion that dangerous criminal behavior always supersedes artistic brilliance, so be it. I sleep well nightly.

Along those lines, for the expanse of Kelly’s career there has been a documented pattern and pathology, one allegedly connected with pedophilia.

If you are indifferent to the treatment of girls and women, stop reading now and retire with my opening sentence.

“Everybody must be lying except R. Kelly.”

This week, Kelly’s former manager Jeff Kwatinetz filed suit against the singer/songwriter, alleging that a million dollars owed to him was instead used to pay off multiple, underage accusers related to statutory sexual misconduct.

Everybody, including the former manager must be lying, except for R. Kelly.

Last month, Kelly’s former personal assistant and road manager Demetrius Smith released the book, Man Behind the Man, which chronicles among other things, Kelly’s marriage to then-15-year-old Aaliyah and other relationships with numerous underage girls.

Something tells me that Jeff Kwatinetz has a forthcoming subpoena with Smith’s name on it.

Everybody, including the former manager and road manager must be lying, except for R. Kelly…right?

Another one of Kelly’s managers, George Daniels and wife/publicist Regina Daniels simultaneously walked out of R. Kelly’s life after it was revealed that Kelly had “courted” their then-underage daughter.

He (Kelly) denied it. He lied to me to my face. The reason that I’m talking abut this, it’s not just for me, it’s not for my wife, it’s not for my daughter (Maxine), but it’s for the public. It’s for other fathers and mothers because it doesn’t have to be a superstar, it could be the dude on the corner. There are guys who sit around and give your child a couple of bucks to go to school and then wait until they get a little older, then they set that trap. See, so I’m doing this really for everyone.”

George Daniels on 102.3 KJLH Radio – Feb. 2008

Something tells me that Jeff Kwatinetz has two more subpoenas with the Daniels names on them.

Everybody, including two former managers, road manager and his publicist must be lying…because that’s the only way R. Kelly isn’t rightfully treated as a sexual predator of the worst kind. The pedophilia, its pattern and pathology are being corroborated by multiple sources via public statements, books and now a lawsuit. These aren’t anonymous sources of vague connection or questionable association to Kelly. They are reputable, separate and unrelated confidantes who have worked with and by the side of Kelly for the better part of his career.

Yes, everybody must be lying except R. Kelly. That must be the case. It’s the only reasonable explanation for why he’s received such a free pass.

Kelly supporters will be quick to cite the fact that he was found not guilty of child pornography charges almost three years ago to the day. This is the legalese Jedi mind trick that some use to deflect from the obvious. The “not guilty” verdict of 2008 only spoke to one videotape of one girl on one given occasion. In no way did the verdict serve as a blank check to cover the fullness of Kelly’s behavior.

R. Kelly may have been found “not guilty,” but he sure as hell is not innocent.

If the Bishop Eddie Long saga taught us anything, it’s that truly innocent men don’t pay people off to avoid prosecution or embarrassment due to sexual behavior. Jeff Kwatinetz is clear on this distinction and has gone on the record in the form of a lawsuit to make sure the rest of us are clear too.

Curiously enough, one of Kelly’s supporters as of late has been media personality Tavis Smiley, whose book imprint SmileyBooks is publishing Kelly’s forthcoming memoir Soulacoaster.

(Full disclosure: I worked for Smiley from 2005-2010)

We are thrilled to be the conduit through which R. Kelly will tell his own story,” said Tavis Smiley, founder and publisher of SmileyBooks. “He has earned the right to tell his story his own way.”

Tavis Smiley – SmileyBooks press release December, 2009

Actually, R. Kelly didn’t “earn” anything. A book deal is a privilege, as are Smiley’s television and radio properties. Nevertheless, the personal endorsement says volumes.

Then, here in 2011…

I’m suggesting to you if you think that the way we treat women in this country, with patriarchy still alive and well, sexism still alive and well, is determinative or demonstrative of how well our democracy runs, I think you don’t understand how maltreated women are still in this society. That’s all I’m saying.”

Smiley went further…

I don’t think there is a worser (sic) version of sexism.  It’s either right or it’s wrong, it’s acceptable or it’s unacceptable. You’re trying to shade this thing Bill.”

Tavis Smiley – HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher – Feb. 2011

Full video of exchange HERE.

Nothing says “patriarchy” and “sexism” quite like one man singing the praises (pun intended) of the male, oft-alleged sexual predator.

Being “thrilled” at the prospect of profiting from R. Kelly is curious given the well-documented history. Patriarchy and sexism go beyond the obvious actions of the offenders. It also involves who we passively support, what we consciously uplift and the public justifications of both.

If patriarchy and sexism were crimes, then complicity in either would make one an accessory.

Smiley publishing R. Kelly’s memoir while simultaneously criticizing the treatment of women in America is akin to publishing and profiting from the biography of former BART officer Johannes Mehserle, while decrying police brutality and the murder of Oscar Grant.

Advocacy requires consistency…and dare I say…

Wait for it…

Accountability.

If Smiley is truly of the mind that women are maltreated in this society, providing a platform for R. Kelly (and profit stream for himself) is not only confusing, it’s a strong indictment of everything in which Smiley’s advocacy is purportedly based.

(Sexism) It’s either right or it’s wrong, it’s acceptable or it’s unacceptable.

Let’s not try to shade this thing.

It is more than slightly problematic, reconciling the idea of a youth foundation and a widely-alleged pedophile under the same banner and brand. Who knows, maybe Roman Polanski’s schedule was full and Woody Allen was on vacation; let’s not jump to conclusions. We don’t know all the details and back story.

But of course…everybody is lying except for R. Kelly, so it’s all good…right?

I get it, really I do. Make that paper, playa.

Sometimes, principles get in the way of profit. Or vice-versa, depending on how married one is to one’s principles. I suspect nobody begrudges Smiley’s desire to make an honest buck, just the lack of intellectual honesty in making that same buck.

Reveling in signing R. Kelly to a book deal on Monday and demonizing America’s historical mistreatment of women on Tuesday would give any dues-paying member of the Common Sense Association of America pause. Justifying their compatibility on Wednesday is not only insulting to our intelligence, come Thursday it calls into question the authenticity of Smiley’s historical advocacy.

There is nothing inherently unethical per se about publishing Kelly’s memoir. Social pariahs have had books published for eons. But as long as Smiley is in the business of lecturing the masses on the ills of patriarchy and sexism in America; it’s more than a bit questionable.

Smiley should pick one side of the road and stay there, driving soberly, safely and remaining in his lane.

Smiley is likely aware of this glaring contradiction on some level. As of this writing, Kelly is not mentioned as a SmileyBooks author and Soulacoaster is not listed as “coming soon” title on the company’s website. In fact the link to the original press release is no longer active.

http://www.tavistalks.com/sites/www.tavistalks.com/files/RKelly_PR120809.pdf

Coincidence…I think not…

(A copy of the release in its entirety can be found HERE)

Nevertheless, the R. Kelly memoir is still slated for sale, November 1. It would seem that all principles come with a price tag. It’s backpedaling for sure, but only for the sake of minimizing public criticism, not a private epiphany of right and wrong.  It’s either right or it’s wrong, it’s acceptable or it’s unacceptable.  Let’s not try to shade this thing.  Website and press release removal are clear examples of “shading.”

Everybody must be lying except for R. Kelly.  That said, you can read Kelly’s “truth” for $25.95; coming soon to Amazon.com and other fine retailers.

There are soundbites and then there is sincerity.  Do not confuse the two. Smiley is loathe to publicly acknowledge certain realities, such as when viewing a person head-on, it is easy to see when words emanate from both sides of his/her mouth.

If we as a country are truly about the business of changing the way women, especially women of color are treated, then we should not ever uplift those who are directly connected to their mistreatment. Respecting women requires more than televised fiery oratory and cool, catchy slogans on “leadership.”

It requires sincerity, consistency and authenticity.  Sexism is either right or it’s wrong.  If it’s the latter, then it’s also wrong to sell it for a profit.

The Mo’Kelly Report is an entertainment journal with a political slant; published at The Huffington Post and EURWEB.com. For the most recent posts of Mr. Mo’Kelly, visit http://mrmokelly.com.  Mr. Mo’Kelly can be reached: mrmokelly@gmail.com.

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This should surprise absolutely nobody.  The former manager for

Jeff Kwatinetz

singer/songwriter R. Kelly Jeff Kwatinetz is suing the artist for supposed unpaid fees.  Kwatinetz also contends that Kelly was both unable to pay as well as unwilling due to secret payments to multiple sexual misconduct accusers.

From TMZ:

The manager – Jeff Kwatinetz — filed a lawsuit against Kelly today in L.A. County Superior Court … claiming he single-handedly resurrected R. Kelly’s career back in 2008 … when the singer was drowning in child pornography charges.

Jeff claims he “guided Kelly through the recording of two new albums, substantial multi-million dollar tours … a book deal, and a myriad of other appearances and events” — and “Kelly reaped millions of dollars” while under his management.

But according to Jeff, Kelly left him in the lurch — and “has failed and refused to pay” the 15% commission rate they allegedly agreed on.

According to the lawsuit, Kelly’s business manager regularly told Jeff he couldn’t be paid “because the monies were needed for payments to avoid lawsuits and adverse publicity resulting from Kelly’s alleged [sexual misconduct].”

Now, Jeff wants Kelly to pony up at least $1 million in unpaid commissions and punitive damages.

FULL STORY HERE.

“Innocent people” don’t pay people off to remain quiet about one’s transgressions.  R. Kelly being found “not guilty” in a court of law does not mean in any way he is “innocent.”  This is a lesson that can not be stressed enough and the allegations by Kwatinetz speak to the heart of the matter.

The “book deal” in which he refers is with SmileyBooks, the publishing arm for Tavis Smiley.  Kelly’s forthcoming memoir Soulacoaster is to be released sometime this fall.

Yes, a very odd business alignment between Smiley and Kelly.  Very odd indeed.

We are thrilled to be the conduit through which R. Kelly will tell his own story,” said Tavis Smiley, founder and publisher of SmileyBooks. “He has earned the right to tell his story his own way.”

Tavis Smiley – SmileyBooks press release December, 2009

I was going to say that first of all, obviously what happened to Lara Logan is reprehensible, horrific, we can’t find a language to describe what happened to her. But having said that, if our democracy, Bill, if, if, if our readiness for democracy in this country is based upon, determined by, demonstrated by our respect for women, then we ain’t ready for democracy…

I’m suggesting to you if you think that the way we treat women in this country, with patriarchy still alive and well, sexism still alive and well, is determinative or demonstrative of how well our democracy runs, I think you don’t understand how maltreated women are still in this society. That’s all I’m saying.”

Tavis Smiley on HBO’s Real Time w/ Bill Maher – Feb. 2011

Very odd indeed.

The Mo’Kelly Report is an entertainment journal with a political slant; published at The Huffington Post and EURWEB.com. For the most recent posts of Mr. Mo’Kelly, visit http://mrmokelly.com.  Mr. Mo’Kelly can be reached: mrmokelly@gmail.com.

Free Subscription to The Mo’Kelly Report HERE

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Poor Chris Brown…

Too much, too young, too fast. You see it with young stars all of the time. Too much fame and too little life experience in which to adequately maneuver the pitfalls; balance the fantasyworld of fandom with real life responsible behavior.

Life is difficult enough just simply trying to make it through adolescence into young adulthood. It’s even more complicated as a major entertainment star and on the heels of a domestic violence gaffe of cataclysmic proportions.

No excuses (or sympathy) for Brown though; his world and the problems in it are all of his own creation.

There’s no need to relive the history that is pop singer Chris Brown’s. You know it, Mo’Kelly knows it and just about anyone with access to the internet knows it. A momentary indiscretion has led to a permanent blotch on the life résumé; one referenced in every…single…story…or footnote connected to Brown.

From now until his obituary is finally written.

Now, Brown can add one more line to his eventual obit and at this rate it will be complete before he hits age 30. It seems that Brown let loose on former B2K boy band member Raz-B in a homophobic rant in the 21st century version of hip-hop beefs.

Chris Brown "You Talk Too Much"

It used to be artists would “bang” or “beef” on wax. (That would be “vinyl records” for those born after the invention of the internet. Wax pre-dates CDs and MP3s…jus’ sayin’.)

But vinyl is so, so 20th century. Now artists “keep it real” on Twitter. On Twitter you (or some lackey you hire) can type away on all things irrelevant, 140 characters at a time. Chris Brown has found a new way to use Twitter…throwing away “the rest” of his career.

Instead of trying to explain “how” it happened, just read it. Start from the bottom and make your way to the top.

(Please excuse the vulgarity and profanity.  Here it is in the short form.  It’s much longer but you’ll get the point.  Keep in mind, Brown has 1.2 million Twitter followers, which is the equivalent of saying this on national TV.  Each follower received these messages in their feed, be they 8 years old or 80.)

See how that works, the internet saves EVERYTHING. The tweets, this post, the picture of the tweets contained in this post…

FOREVER.

Oops for Brown. Not a good look for (now former) music superstars.

So much for all of those anger management classes and that nifty certificate he earned since beating the snot out of Rihanna. All that went straight out the window with one tweet from Raz-B (which was directed to him and other artists).

Chris Brown is now the resident authority on career self-sabotage. It’s not easy to do and Brown is about the best there is. Lindsay Lohan is up there. T.I. definitely deserves to be in the conversation too but neither had attained the heights of Brown before flushing it down the toilet.

In fact, rumor has it that Brown’s self-help, er uh “self-sabotage” book is almost complete.

How to Throw Away THE REST of Your Career in 140 Characters: A Love Story

It will probably be available at Wal-Mart and other fine retailers.

Chris Stokes

For the unaware, Raz-B once made allegations of being sexually molested and assaulted by former manager Chris Stokes in 2007, which has now served as the reference point for Brown’s poorly conceived attempt at “humor.”

In addition to being a domestic violence pariah, Brown evidently wanted to branch out and become the poster child for homophobic pop singers and also be vilified for child sexual molestation “humor.”

Great marketing strategy there. Brown wasn’t trying to be just “an a-hole”…he was swinging for the fence to become “KING a-hole.”

Talk about living the dream…

Well, never let it be said that Brown didn’t have aspirations. He’s not trying to just end his career, he’s trying to go down in a ball of flames while wearing bacon-grease drawers with the world watching and commenting via Skype.

What comes next you ask?

First the denial, (an employee or associate wrote the tweets). If that doesn’t work, invariably the “apology” comes next, probably in the form of a press release and a written statement on his website. Then, the videotaped appeal for public forgiveness of his non-specific transgressions will “somehow” make its way virally around the net. And to close the 2011 Chris Brown “apology” Tour, he will be waist deep in sensitivity training on sexual orientation discrimination and child sexual abuse. Expect the public service announcement(s) to air on BET sometime around April of next year. Check local listings for details.

Then…(wait for it…wait for it…)

The “comeback” music project! Let’s see if we can guess the title of his next album!

Gay-hater, Woman Beater: Take Me As I Am

I Can Transform Ya…(Just Not Me)

Take You Down?…No Twitter Took Me Down!

Bitter About Twitter – Unplugged

Rihanna is a Very ‘Tweet’ Girl

You get the point. Let’s not and just say we did.

G’nite Chris Brown. Thanks for coming. You’re done. Turn off the lights on your way out.

Chris Brown is who he is and no amount of training or public relations strategy meetings will change it. He was unprepared for superstardom and its inherent responsibilities. More importantly, he is still unaware what it means to be a man.

How any public figure thinks for one moment such behavior is acceptable, sensible or forgettable is beyond Mo’Kelly.

Chris Brown was given a second chance and is not deserving of a third (in an entertainment stardom sense.) No amount of future “hits” can obscure who he is. Let him look for success in another line of work…like as a self-sabotage author as Mo’Kelly has suggested. His musical talent is not and will not ever be the issue. It’s his lack of manhood and wanton disregard for all things akin to common sense that are the issues.

To recap:

Domestic abuse is unacceptable and unfunny.

Homophobia is unacceptable and unfunny.

Child molestation and sexual abuse are unacceptable and quite unfunny.

Chris Brown is now also unacceptable.

Happy New Year Chris. You can go back to writing that future bestseller book now.

The Mo’Kelly Report is an entertainment journal with a political slant; published at The Huffington Post and www.eurweb.com. It is meant to inform, infuse and incite meaningful discourse…as well as entertain. For more Mo’Kelly, http://mrmokelly.com. Mr. Mo’Kelly can be reached at mrmokelly@gmail.com.

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