R. Kelly: The "R" Don't Stand for "Read"
By STEVE BRYANT
Updated 3:37 PM EDT, Thu, Oct 8, 2009
R. Kelly don't even read really.
Don't take our word for it though. Just ask R. Kelly:
"I don't even read really."
See?
The Grammy award-winning and pee-lightfully talented music man spoke recently at Chicago's Midwest Music Festival, where he discussed how his illiteracy has affected his life.
"I don't even read really and I'm not afraid to say that," Kelly said. "My cousins and brothers used to tease me 'you can't even read right. How you think you're going to come up?' The only reason I graduated from grammar school is because I had a great jump shot."
Kelly, who grew up in tough conditions on Chicago's South Side, said that his high school teacher told him he would be one of the greatest writers of all time.
"I believed," Kelly said. "You [have to] believe it. You can't believe [anything] if you're hating. You can't achieve [anything] if you're hating."
Kelly's revelation is the latest glimpse into the troubled personal life of an all-star singing talent. Just last year, Kelly was exonerated from child pornography charges.
At the time, Kelly said he was undaunted by his critics. "I got ya'll beat if you're hating on me," he said. "Because I love you. That's why I keep doing what I do."
Kelly's forthcoming ninth studio album is due in stores Oct. 12. Below, Dave Chappelle's classic tribute to Chicago's No. 1 R&B star. Get it? No. 1? Zing!
First Published: Oct 8, 2009 11:52 AM EDT on NBC Chicago
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