After debuting with the group Public Annoucnment, Kelly went solo in 1993, starting off a successful career with the release of the album 12 Play. He has since released a further nine albums, collaborated with Jay-Z on two albums and has had many successful singles including Bump N? Grind, I Believe I Can Fly, Ignition, The World?s Greatest and the hip-hopera Trapped in the Closet.

Kelly has also produced and performed in many tracks by other R&B and hip-hop artists. In 1994, Kelly produced and wrote the debut album of the late R&B singer Aaliyah and in 1995, Kelly co-produced and wrote the song ?You Are Not Alone? for Michael Jackson, which was included on Jackson?s album, HIStory. Kelly has sung the hooks for many notable hip-hop songs, such as ?Fuckin? You Tonight? by The Notorious B.I.G., ?We Thuggin?? by Fat Joe, ?Gigolo? by Nick Cannon, and ?Go Getta? by Young Jeezy, and has collaborated for two albums with Jay-Z.