R. Kelly addresses misconduct allegations in new song ‘I Admit’

Embattled soul singer R. Kelly has released a new 19-minute song that addresses the news stories that have accused him of being a sexual predator. Most notably, Kelly sings about allegations that he has abused women. He also calls out journalist Jim DeRogatis, who has doggedly pursued the case against the singer.

“I Admit” is a rambling work that, as if he’s taking the stand in his own defense, poses questions that most artists never have to ask.

“What’s the definition of a cult?

Whats the definition of a sex slave?

Go to the dictionary, look it up

Let me know I’ll be here waiting”

Kelly’s new song is a response, in part, to renewed efforts to draw attention to his accusers’ alleged experiences. At the end of April, the Time’s Up campaign, which was formed in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal, set its sights on Kelly.

“We demand appropriate investigations and inquiries into the allegations of R. Kelly’s abuse made by women and their families for more than two decades now,” the campaign said in a statement. “And we declare with great vigilance and a united voice to anyone who wants to silence us—their time is up.”

He then turns to DeRogitis, whom Kelly claims has been “trying to destroy me for 25 whole years/ Writing the same stories over and over.”

Tribune News Service ■ Recording artist R. Kelly sings about his troubles and battles in a new 19-minute song addressing sexual abuse claims against him that re-emerged and put a screeching halt on his career. The song, “I Admit ,” was posted to Soundcloud on Monday.