Singer & Songwriter Teddy Riley Shares Why He’s Working w/ R. Kelly Despite 30-Year Sentence For S*x Tr*fficking: ‘He Has Repented’

R.Kelly, Teddy Riley

Singer & Songwriter Teddy Riley Shares Why He’s Working w/ R.Kelly Despite 30-Year Sentence For S*x Tr*fficking: ‘He Has Repented’

Singer and songwriter Teddy Riley is standing firm behind his controversial stance on working with imprisoned R&B singer R. Kelly — and he’s not backing down from the backlash.

During a recent interview with The Los Angeles, while promoting his memoir “Remember the Times,” the legendary producer addressed his communication with Kelly and the possibility of collaborating in the future. Riley revealed that he and Kelly have “talked a few times” and that he’s “bringing in investors” to help release some portion of the 25 albums Kelly has said he’s recorded in prison.

“Everybody deserves a second chance,” Riley said. “Everyone deserves to repent, and everyone gets forgiven by God when you come to him. People miss his music. I’m the messenger to bring R&B back.”

Riley acknowledged that many fans believe Kelly is beyond redemption but made it clear he isn’t intimidated by public opinion.

“If I was afraid, I wouldn’t be in this business,” he said. “Everybody has controversy — everybody went through things… I don’t think he deserved getting the whole thing. I think he’s been punished.”

When asked directly whether he would produce music with Kelly, Riley didn’t hesitate: “I would. It’s music — it’s not an act of what he’s done before… He’s asking for forgiveness. He has repented. What does that mean to everybody?”

Would you be here for this collab?