*In the weeks following Lifetime’s release of the jaw-dropping documentary detailing R. Kelly’s alleged history of sexual assault, his money and influence seem to have not been affected by the controversy.
As previously reported, Kelly is no longer represented by his label or publisher — after protests and pressure from music fans and powerful industry players. But as noted by Rolling Stone, “what may seem like a major blow to Kelly’s career, or at least a significant victory in the popular movement to diminish his influence, is actually neither.”
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“I don’t know if anybody knows exactly what ‘dropping R. Kelly’ means. Presumably, Sony and RCA will continue to distribute his back catalog and the royalties will continue to flow as they were,” Lisa Alter, a top music attorney who specializes in copyright law, tells Rolling Stone. “If the label had a contractual obligation to release additional material and didn’t want to do it, it might make a financial settlement with the artist, because otherwise they could be potentially sued by the artist for that loss of income,” Alter says.
In other others, despite the controversy and backlash, R. Kelly will continue to bag millions from his artistry.
Kelly reportedly has two albums left on his contract with RCA, according to Don Russell, an advisor and consultant for the artist, who says several record labels have expressed interest in working with Kelly.
“He’s ready for the next level of life, anyway. It makes sense for them to shake hands and say, ‘This train has run its course and I wish you guys the best and let’s move on,’” Russell says.
Asked if R. Kelly was planning any legal action against RCA and Sony, Russell added, “Our goal is not to go after anybody because he wants everybody to be happy.”
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