We too agree that any musical output from Kells is “essential,” including every chapter of the rap opera Trapped in the Closet. There are limits to how many songs can be pressed onto 2 pieces of vinyl, however, and taking such handicap into consideration, R.Kelly - The Essential does a fine job of collecting the absolute musts from “the Pied Piper of R&B”: “Bump N’ Grind,” “Feelin’ On Yo Booty,” “Your Body’s Callin’,” “Ignition (Remix),” “Step in the Name of Love (Remix),” “Honey Love,” and even Karaoke favorites like “I Believe I Can Fly,” and “I’m Your Angel.” Whether you’re a DJ or a vinyl lover with appreciation for sex music (most of y’all are both, we’re guessing), jump on this 2LP release real quick and help bring some babies into the world.

• music label: RCA 2016

reviewed by donut savage 06/2016

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