Out Of The Groove

Kelly says he wasn't fazed by the flak--that he wasn't even hurt when he was snubbed by both the Grammys and the American Music Awards, which failed to give him a single nomination. "People are allowed to think what they want, and I have a right to sing about what I want," he says, relaxing in the lavender tour bus he takes everywhere because he's afraid of flying. "I wouldn't say my music is raunchy--just sexually aware. Criticizing me is like criticizing the evening news for showing what's really going on."

"12 Play" got the attention of Janet Jackson, who asked Kelly to remix one of her singles, and her brother Michael, who recorded Kelly's ballad "You Are Not Alone." The song recently debuted at No. 1--a first in the history of the Billboard chart. "Michael came to Chicago to work with me," says Kelly, beaming. "It's amazing to know that five years ago I was writing songs in a basement in the ghetto and now I'm writing for Michael Jackson. I'd be a fool not to say it's a dream come true."

Kelly has also written four tracks for diva Toni Braxton's forthcoming album and contributed to Quincy Jones's new project, an album called "Q's Jook Joint." The singer still lives on the South Side, and visits Los Angeles and New York only when absolutely necessary. He says his preferred release is playing basketball. Kelly travels with a hoop and roll-out court everywhere he goes, including the Canyon Country video set, so he can unwind during breaks. Like the other Michael he idolizes (Jordan, of course), he never misses the opportunity for a slam dunk-on the boards or on the charts.

© 1995