Before the first thump of “Bump N’ Grind” volleys through the speakers, R. Kelly was simply not that type of R&B artist. While many R&B acts before him were reluctant to conform to being overtly sexual, many songs being played on R&B stations at the time used innuendo to seduce the object of their affection–R. Yes, 12 Play is a sexually-themed collection of songs, but the music is so well executed, that crass songs like “Sex Me” could generate the same feelings as any Isley Brothers’ ballad without you feeling ashamed after listening. Invoking the bedroom bravado of the late, great Marvin Gaye, and over-sexed come on’s of Prince of the ’80s, 12 Play is probably the closest album that blurred the lines of secular and tasteful since Prince’s 1980 opus Dirty Mind.

Released in the fall of 1993, 12 Play was more than just a gimmick that turned into an album concept–it was a statement. It didn’t take Albert Einstein to figure out that, the singer from Chicago, whose full name, Robert Sylvester Kelly had something big on his hands, and from there, the plan was put into motion: Kelly’s proper debut will be entitled, 12 Play. The skit won the crowd over, and not before long, the rest of the music world wanted more of Kelly’s “12 Play”. After that, Kelly would begin to sing the song that would eventually become “12 Play” in the middle of his set. Kelly would say that the dream felt so real that it was more than just foreplay, it was 12 Play. Kelly would talk to the audience about a dream he had, where he made love to singer, Mary J. To generate more crowd participation, and bring more liveliness to his time on stage, Kelly thought of a gimmick–a gimmick that would not only make his set a must-see, but eventually would change the entire landscape of R&B itself.ĭuring a breakdown of the sensual song, “Honey Love”, R. Poor stage props, and low crowds, began to frustrate Kelly during his set. Kelly would learn firsthand about the disadvantages and hardships that come with being an opening act.

Kelly was still an underdog, and opening act when he set out on tour with Gerald LeVert and Glenn Jones–following the success of his Born Into the 90’s album, with group Public Announcement, back in 1990. R-Kelly_12-playIt’s hard to fathom–especially considering the status and legacy he has today, but R.

R kelly 12 play album