The Genuis of R. Kelly + "Same Girl" Video

Something - I can't really say what - compelled me yesterday to purchase R. Kelly's The R in R&B: Greatest Hits Collections Volume One. It does have 18 jams and was only $10 at Virgin. I'm rather unashamed of my fondness for R. Kelly, but this was actually my first ever Kells purchase. Leading up through 2003's Chocolate Factory, it is missing a few choice tracks. Personally, I would have traded out some of his early 90's work (or that crappy Celine Dion collaboration) in favor of, say, "Feelin' on Your Booty" but, what can you do? I'll just have to make my own R. Kelly mix at some point in time.

Kells is absolutely one of the most prolific artists in music today and he seems to just get better with time. His singles tend to be instantly memorable both for their simple, yet catchy beats, as well as lyrics that just stick with you. He can craft a great chorus, but his genius lies in the details of his verses. Whether or not he's being serious, his verses reflect a sense of humor must akin to Aqua Teen Hungerforce or something else you'd likely find on Adult Swim. His latest album finds him referring to himself as a "sexasaurus," while two years ago he was horny to have some "Sex in the Kitchen." He's totally unafraid to try new things - who would of thought that a ten song soap opera all set to the same beat would work, but it's totally brilliant. Furthermore, he seems to hop from raunchy sex jam to religious jingle to charity number back to raunchier sex jam with absolute ease. I don't think there's any other artist out there who could match that.

R's latest singles are no different - in fact they're some of his best work to date. The recent hit "I'm A Flirt (Remix)" is an instant classic. The track was originally recorded for (Lil) Bow Wow's recent release, however R must have figured it was too hot for him not to take over himself. Basically it's just a really mean song that is the antithesis of the "bro's before ho's" mentality, as R explains why you should not allow you're girl anywhere near him because he will likely steal her away from you ("she be calling you Kelly/when your name is Tommy"). He even warns his girl not to bring her friends around, because he'll probably have sex with them too. On "Same Girl," R and Usher trade hilarious verses, eventually coming to the conclusion that they're both dating the same woman, who - incidentally - "works at TBS." I don't know where in the writing process, R came up with "she works at TBS," but - then again - I'm not a genius.

"Same Girl" (R. Kelly and Usher)

R is just such a good actor - I love all of his facial expressions. The video really enhances the song in my opinion as Usher's facial reactions when he realizes R is describing his girl are positively priceless.