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R&B singer and produce R. Kelly is flying high despite his recent conviction on sex trafficking and racketeering.

According to Rolling Stone, from September 27 to October 3 Kelly’s post-verdict music sales soared to over 500%, streams increased by 22%, albums sales were up to 517% and the views on his music videos racked up a 23% increase from the previous week.

“In 2017, Kelly was averaging around 5.4 million on-demand audio streams per week, and this year he’s averaged around 6.4 million.”

In the week of September 27, the day the singer was found guilty of multiple sex crimes, his streams and radio play skyrocketed according to Billboard.

Based on data publish by MRC Data, the singer was doing big numbers, seeing a 14% increase in his music streams and a 55% increase in radio plays compared to the week before his conviction.

It appears that ‘music fans’ are sticking by Kelly, despite the #MuteRKelly  petitions. 

R. Kelly’s musical impact remains unshaken

Fans were outraged following Kelly’s guilty verdict in September, some even marched in solidarity with the singer, blasting his songs in the streets as they repeatedly shouted “Free R. Kelly”.

This sparked an open discussion within different groups, who questioned whether or not it is appropriate for people to still support Kelly’s music catalogue.

Fans of the disgraced singer argued that his impact is global and his influence will not be dismissed, “he makes great music regardless,” they argue.

Kelly’s steadfast supporters also believe that he is the victim of a racist conspiracy plotting to destroy  the lives of successful Black men, many comparing his downfall to that of popular actor Bill Cosby.

The Fiesta singer continues to maintain his innocence in a post to his social media following his guilty verdict, he said:

 “Today’s verdict was disappointing and I will continue to prove my innocence and fight for my freedom. #notguilty.”

The 54-year-old also used the opportunity to thank his fans for their support.

“To all my fans and supporters I love you all and thank you for all the support,” Kelly added.

YouTube announced the day after he was found guilty that they would be removing two of his Kelly’s official channels.

The platform follows in the footstep of the streaming services Apple Music and Spotify who kick-started a campaign called “MuteRKelly” when Kelly was booked on sex charges in 2017, blocking his music from promotions and playlists.

In light  of the streaming platforms like YouTube and Spotify publicly condemning Kelly, he music continues to put up impressive numbers.

When is R.Kelly’s sentencing date?

R. Kelly whose real name is Robert Sylvester Kelly is slated to be sentenced on May 4, 2022 by the same federal judge who presided over his racketeering and sex trafficking trial in Brooklyn.

Though Kelly is looking at life in prison, the “mandatory minimum” of 10 years for his crimes is also likely.

Until then he will remain in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn as he awaits sentencing.

The I Am The World’s Greatest continues to receive a ton of support from fans on social media, defending him against the allegations as they await his sentencing date.