Soulacoaster: The Diary of Me

by R. Kelly, David Ritz (Contributor)

Who is R. Kelly? Three-time Grammy winner, who has sold more than 35 million records worldwide. Legendary writer and producer, who collaborated with such music icons as Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, Jay-Z, and Aretha Franklin. Visionary cultural messenger, who created the hip hopera phenomenon Trapped in the Closet. Creative genius. Sex symbol. The man who puts the “R” in R&B.

 Through the iconic anthem “I Believe I Can Fly” and such sexy R&B mega-hits as “Bump N’ Grind,” “Ignition,” and “When a Woman’s Fed Up,” R. Kelly has proven to be one of the greatest musical talents of his generation. Yet his rollercoaster ride to the top has been as perilous as it has been exhilarating. In Soulacoaster: The Diary of Me, Kelly shares his life story through episodic tales and exclusive color photographs, exploring his meteoric rises and sudden falls.
 
From the crippling learning disorder that rendered him unable to read or write, to the teacher/mentor who prophesized that his destiny was in music, not basketball, we follow his evolution from Chicago street performer to struggling L.A. musician and beyond. Kelly reveals his hard-won ascent to superstardom and his battle to move forward after legal and personal ordeals that threatened to destroy his life.
 
Now back at the top, Kelly recounts the surprising twists and turns that have taken him to new heights of maturity and artistry. Part memoir, part keepsake, Soulacoaster unlocks the door to R. Kelly’s story as only he can tell it, promising his fans an intimate and unforgettable ride.

Genres: Biography, Music, Nonfiction

377 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2011

About the author

Robert Sylvester Kelly, better known by his stage name R. Kelly, is an American R&B singer-songwriter, arranger, performer and record producer. A native of Chicago, Kelly began performing during the late 1980s and debuted in 1992 with the group Public Announcement. In 1993, Kelly went solo with the album 12 Play. He is known for a collection of major hit singles including "Bump n' Grind", "Your Body's Callin'", "I Believe I Can Fly", "Gotham City", "Ignition (Remix)", "If I Could Turn Back the Hands of Time", "The World's Greatest", "I'm a Flirt", and the hip-hopera "Trapped in the Closet". In 1998, Kelly won three Grammy Awards for "I Believe I Can Fly".

Kelly has also written, produced and remixed songs for many artists including Ronald Isley and The Isley Brothers, Quincy Jones, Luther Vandross, N-Phase, Aaliyah, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton, Celine Dion, Michael Jackson, Maxwell, Gerald LeVert, Britney Spears, Usher, Ray J, B2K, Ciara, Mary J. Blige, and Jennifer Lopez among others.

Reviews

[Amar Pai · Rating 3 out of 5]

Couldn't decide if it was guileless or beyond disingenuous; then I got to the part where he talks about his infamous peeing-on-underage-girl sex tape. He dances and weaves around the topic and, absurdly, tries to paint it as a case of the world ganging up on R. Kelly. I think I laughed out loud at that point. Gonna go with 'beyond disingenuous.'

This isn't exactly a tell-all autobiography; he doesn't even touch upon getting married to Aaliyah when she was 15 (!) There are also weird omissions; most pressingly, did R. Kelly ever learn to read and write? A lot of the book focuses on his shame about being unable to learn to read; he has some kinda hardcore dyslexia, and even when he graduated high school he was functionally illiterate. And then he keeps referencing those dark days when he couldn't read and everybody made fun of him... and he keeps mentioning it as an issue in his adult life, like when he auditions for a musical and can't read the script... but at SOME point he must've learned to read and write, surely?

Or maybe he didn't. But if that's the case then it's pretty ironic that he 'wrote' this book! There's no ghostwriter credited on Soulacoaster. No 'with Gore Vidal' or 'as told to Toure' or anything like that. Just says R. Kelly. I suppose he could've dictated it.

Even though this book skips all the bad stuff and even though his portrayal of himself is ridiculously overripe ('saint vs sinner', 'I'm gonna be the best singer in the world for YOU mama!' as his mama lies on her deathbed, literally), R. Kelly is fascinating enough that it's still worth a read. He has this child-like quality about him, mixed with extremely adult sexuality... Trapped in the Closet basically encapsulates the mystery of R. Kelly. Dream logic, extreme literality, mysticism, a dose of the hood, 3 doses of knockin boots... is this even a sentence

Let's not forget the song where he compares his girl to his jeep. MULTIPLE songs! 'reignition' does it too. He's very proud of the jeep thing.

In conclusion, R. Kelly is a land of many contrasts

[Kimberly Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always felt a strong connection to R. Kelly, and I never quite understood why, but after having read his memoir, the answer has been revealed. Our artistry runs in the same form. It was so weird hearing how R gets songs to come out of him. Like R, I never chase a story or words, story and words automatically come to me, which is why he's been so successful all these years.

I learned a great many things about him, and I felt his sincerity and honesty shine through on the pages. For as gifted as he is, I was very surprised to learn of his mental handicap, which I feel he's dealt with perfectly. He doesn't delve deeply into his love life much, but he does touch on it. Soulacoaster is about R's musical journey, his pains, his struggles, his losses and his faith. He did a beautiful job taking the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride, and there were some parts that touched me deeply and brought me to tears because his pain was so heartfelt and truthful.

I have always been a fan of R. Kelly from the moment I first saw him on a talent show called Big Break, hosted by Natalie Cole. I remember watching the night his group won and I couldn't help but to wonder who this sexy soulful singer was. And who knew that decades later, I'd find out who that man was. Everything he went through was for a purpose, and I'm proud to say I own every single recording that he has ever put out. I never judged him, like so many did, about the child pornography scandal, because in my heart of hearts I just never quite believed what the media and folks were saying, and he put that scandal to rest in this book.

He does start out telling the reader that there are many details and some names that had to be changed to protect the innocent, and also for legal reasons in which he could not divulge all, and I applaud him for that. I can't stand when celebrities tell things just for the sake of selling a book, and R. Kelly did not do that. He has always been my musical hero, and he will continue to be. This was an outstanding book, and I'm so glad I got to read it. If you love memoirs, trust me, you will not be disappointed with this one. I wish R. Kelly all the continued success he deserves, and I'm truly his biggest fan! Well Done!

[OOSA · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Believe He Can Fly

“Even though I’ve had some struggles and downfalls in my music and in my life, I’m still standing – strong, confident and feeling good about life and love. I have no regrets whatsoever simply because whatever I’ve gone through has made me the man and artist I am today.” – R. Kelly

I love me some R. Kelly. Lord knows I do. I was very much looking forward to reading this once I heard about it. But I was scared at the same time. Been a huge fan of my boo, my homie, my lover, my friend for years. (We’re in a relationship, though he doesn’t know it. J ) Anywho, I was scared of how I’d feel afterwards. I know I’m not the only one that liked or admired someone’s talent until they heard them speak. And afterwards all you want them to ever do is sing, act or whatever it is they do. Anything but speak. I was so hoping Kells didn’t fall into that category. Sure I’ve heard his interviews and watched his specials. But this is different. He would be laying it bear for all to read and most to judge.

Throwing my bias and undying love to the side, I enjoyed “Soulacoaster: The Diary of Me.” Though having followed his career and already knowing a lot about him going in, I still found the book to be informative yet interesting. Looking more like a text book at over 300 pages, it was a rather quick read with short easy-to-read chapters and pictures. In addition to insight on his childhood and relationship with his mother, readers are given a glimpse at the man behind the music including details of encounters with the two MJs (Michael Jackson and Jordan) and other entertainers, his marriage and children, his creative process, his insecurities and the situation with Jay-Z.

On one hand it felt like R. Kelly pulled back the curtain on himself and we got to meet the great and powerful Wizard of Oz. On the other hand, some things, important things, were glossed over quickly. I felt like I got a deeper understanding of some situations and no understanding of others. I know I’m not the only one disappointed that there was absolutely no mention of Aaliyah.

“Soulacoaster: The Diary of Me” is a light-hearted memoir worth the read. If you’re a fan of R. Kelly, it will showcase his greatness and amplify your appreciation for him. If you’re not a fan of R. Kelly, you will come to appreciate him and respect his gift. Whatever your feelings are, the talent of R. Kelly is undeniable. His impact on the industry is immeasurable. The man is a musical genius.

“Soulacoaster: The Diary of Me” simply reaffirms that with a touch of insight into his personal life.

Reviewed by: Toni
3.75

[Erica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started out great, learning about his childhood was interesting and explained a lot. Everything after he became a big success was a narcissistic delusional lecture on every, single, one, of, his, albums and how he was "pregnant" by his gift of music. I would have enjoyed more about the scandals of his life, rather than knowing how many copies each album sold. He didn't mention Aaliyah AT ALL which was the biggest disappointment, barely spoke of his wife, and turned his sex crimes into an attack on him that made him sell more albums. Like no ones cares about your inspiration behind TP-2.com dude, talk about why you pissed on a teenager. Kept my attention and I read quickly but could have been a lot better.

[Kevin Krein · Rating 3 out of 5]

where do you even begin with a book like this? a long time ago, i read a news article about how kells was going to release this autobiography. right then, i knew i had to read it. why? BECAUSE IT IS CALLED SOULACOSTER!!!!! also, because i genuinely like the music of r.kelly and i find him to be a fascinating public figure.

much like any "autobiography" written by a celebrity, it's an exercise in patience reading it. i found the general conversational tone (obviously just transcripts of kells talking) similar to Moonwalk by MJ. kells details his difficult upbringing very well, but details start to get fuzzy once he becomes successful. certain things are kind of not explained super well (his divorce), certain things are only mentioned a little (his trial), and some things aren't mentioned at all (the rumors he was married to aaliyah when she was underage.) a good portion of the book is dedicated to his struggle with illiteracy, but it is never explained how he learned enough to get as far as he has come today. he mentions that he does still struggle with reading and writing as an adult.

he also spins tall tales of having prophetic dreams-- that the song "i believe i can fly" came to him in a dream when he was a child.

it's a book that walks the line between being terribly wonderful and wonderfully terrible. and i suppose that is what i expected from it, and what anyone should want from this book.

[A.C. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I want to start off this review by saying that I actually have full respect for R. Kelly. I think that he is one of the great R&B artists of our generation, maybe all time. That said, this book is a joke. I've never been so angry at an autobiography as I was at this one.

First things first, the tone of this book is extraordinarily weird. If R. Kelly talks like this book (which he doesn't because I've watched him give interviews and talk on the intro to Real Talk), he sounds stilted and very fake. It was disconcerting and actually soured reading multiple parts of the book.

Speaking of reading the book, I found the heavy handed use of photoshop to be very, very distracting. It's hard to focus on the poorly written story when you can barely make out what it says because it's overlaid on R. Kelly's cheesing mug.

Lastly, I've never personally read an autobiography that made me hate someone as much as this one did. Although I like Robert, I found him to be a completely egomaniacal, self-involved jerk. There were many sections where it seemed like he could have been rubbing his own nipples in pleasure while he told the story.

I was super excited for this book to drop. It did, and I read it. I've never been so disappointed in my entire life. No one should read this thing...ever.

[Matt Piechocinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

To live in Chicago, you must have an appreciation for Robert Kelly ... and by appreciation, I mean you have to forgive his eccentricities, because he's your city brother, and he represents our great city state. The guy came from nothing, hustled the L's street performing, and achieved his dream. Yeah, he allegedly peed on a girl, but you know what? That's just R, and he was found innocent anyhow.

With the help of David Ritz, Kelly takes you on the Soulacoaster of his musical genius, and love affair with not only himself, but ladies and the city of Chicago as well.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been an R. Kelly fan, but reading this book introduced me to Robert Kelly. Now knowing about his life long struggle, it makes me appreciate his creative genius even more. The writing style isn't the best, but I greatly loved the way he opened the door to what was going on and going wrong in his life with each hit song or album that he released. I definitely enjoyed this trip down memory lane with KELS!!!!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adore Kels! Happy to FINALLY read hos story from his own hand.

[Ian · Rating 2 out of 5]

The best part was when he referred to himself as "R. Belly" because he was getting fat.

[Tanya Thorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good read.... Lets you into the real Robert Kelly! He's really a musical genius

[Pantopicon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A concentrated study in delusion. Lots of pictures, with a splash of Oedipus.

[Jara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good case file to study if you're into psychology...

[Lynwood Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

R.Kelly "Soulacoaster"!

When I first heard R.Kelly was writing a "tell-all" book, I had mixed feelings. I thought to myself,as a music fan do I really want to know everything about the music industry's most celebrated male artist? I started to question what were his motives and intentions for writing this book? Then I sat and thought to myself; simply because he can! This man has a right to tell his story and not be judged or condemned by the public. For years he was quite about his personal battles and struggles and I guess he was ready to bare his soul. What's wrong with that? The man who was nicknamed "The R and B music" never seemed to have a problem revealing himself to his fans through his music videos or on stage. So why would the media expect such a bold personality to shy away from connecting with his fans and telling the world his side of the much speculated about stories.

Having recently released even more chapters of his infamous and seemingly never ending saga

"Trapped In The Closet". R.Kelly's musical career never really paused. Even through the notorious trial which ended in a not-guilty verdict in 2008. R. Kelly's music ( Double Up, Love Letter and Write Me Back") is even more powerful and soul-stirring after over 20 years as a solo artist R.Kelly has the unique ability to touch the masses with his powerful voice, while evoking pain, passion and pleasure.

R. Kelly's music career is moving at a rapid pace once again, due to his Write Me Back tour w/ r&b diva Tamia. R. Kelly's music has always been very honest and testimonial , so releasing a "tell-all" book was an extremely clever idea. It should help him to reconnect to his core audience, the music critics who wrote him off, as well as attract a new audience.

When I say audience I mean a younger generation of R&B music lovers. I'm talking about the one's who might have been concieved to the "12 Play" album. The one's whose junior high school graduation song was "I Believe I Can Fly. The same one's who are just know discovering the late-Aaliyah Haughton's music, and may be wondering "who is that man who wrote and produced her entire first album and is also in the background on the cover of her first album (Age Aint Nothin' But A Number") cover?"

Who is R.Kelly? Well, 'Soulacoaster" helps us understand exactly who Robert Kelly is.

This book invites us into the heart, mind and soul of a music icon whose personal life and controversial persona almost overshadowed the art and brilliance of one of R&B music's greatest writers, producers and composers. He talks about his pleasant experience working with Celine Dion, Biggie, Gladys Knight's encounter w/ his mom before she passed and meeting his former-manager Barry Hankerson. He also speaks about his not so pleasant experiences as a newcomer in the music industry. His beginnings with Public Announcement, the prize money that never came and sharing the stage with the late Gerald Levert. He even opens up about the day his first child was born and his odd-fixation with McDonalds coffee with cream and sugar. What really touched me is how he openly expressed his love and admiration for his mother and her last words to him on her death bed.

"Soulacoaster" chronicles the life of the self-professed "King of R&B". The book touches on the lost of his first girlfriend Lulu, his challenges with reading, and the lost of his dog as a child. In my opinion the best part of the book wasn't the beef with Jay-z while on tour,but about his love for his children; and being a father.



Written by: Lynwood W

[Delissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gg

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must confess I am a huge R Kelly fan. I've seen him perform a couple times and will go to see his shows everytime they come my way. I was excited to read this book because I like his music so much and so I was looking forward to learning more about him.

At first I found it difficult to engage with the book because of the conversational tone - seemed like someone just transcribing R Kelly talking. However, I eventually found the story powerful enough that I ignored the writing. I was truly fascinated to learn some of the details of his life especially his struggle with dyslexia. I am in awe that someone who reports being only barely able to read could write so many powerful songs.

There were definitely parts of the story that were skirted over. His relationship with Aaliyah is never mentioned and the dissolution of his marriage seems glossed over. I also was longing for more info about his friendships and relationships with his siblings.

The book talked a lot about his childhood and early career. His tenacity is definitely inspiring. He doesn't appear to pretend to be anything other than who he is - seemed willing to acknowledge his eccentricities and quirks.

I learned a lot about his music and his collaborations with other artists. Despite how one might feel about his sometimes disturbing personal life his musical genius cannot be denied.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of R Kelly. The book serves to show that humble beginnings do not mean a life of mediocrity. I think the book also does a good job of showing some of the down sides of fame.

I am very glad that I read this book and I look forward to the sequel :-). This is one of my favorite books read this year.

[Y H · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time i listened to his music was in third grade watching the opening scene of Space Jam. The song he wrote for Michael Jordan had my mind sent into the stratosphere. The songs he writes produces and performs with perfect power pitch and soul gives hope and has brought me up when i was down. The worlds greatest and "i wish" I've played on repeat during long training sessions & drives.
What i most enjoyed about the book was learning about how the love of his mother Joanne Kelly and the dream that his music teacher Lena Mclin has gave him the foundation and knowledge to let his creativity thrive. Even giving up his hoop dreams
Also enjoyed learning how he writes songs for others & how he puts himself in the shoes of Michael Jackson and wrote "You are not alone" . How he did the "worlds greatest" for Mohamed Ali.
Of course nowadays Rkelly is an easy target for piss jokes and a scapegoat for statutory rape. My opinion is he's had his day(years) in court and was acquitted because they couldn't prove when the tape was made and she refused to testify. Should we burn Elvis catalog for his teenage wife?
This isn't a book about gossip go read buzzfeed tmZ. This is about the making of one of the greatest singer/songwriter/producer and live performer in history of music.

[Alison Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned that R. Kelly loves McDonald’s and he loves music with all of his heart and soul and that music is his escape. I want to learn much more!!!

[emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

1) R. Kelly doesn't know how to read or write. It doesn't matter because he's an amazing storyteller and the man has a special way with words.

2) No, he doesn't mention, or even allude to, Aaliyah.

3) Yes, he tells his side of the drama with Jay-Z. As with many tales in the book, McDonald's makes an appearance.

4) Yes, he talks about the 7-year (!!!) trial. He maintains his innocence throughout and I believe him. Is there a video of him peeing on someone? Maybe. Is that someone an underage girl? I don't think so.

5) There's plenty of Real Talk, but he's also hilarious. I'm so happy to be one of the "silly" people who can appreciate "Feelin' on Yo Booty."

*Note: the only reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 is because some of the god talk is difficult to get through.

[Sassan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing forte by the legendary King of R&B in which he boldly takes us on his real life journey from the streets of Chicago to the legend that we have come to know him as today. Reading this book, I have come to appreciate Robert Kelly's honesty in all the various struggles that he has experienced throughout his life including the fact that despite his dyslexia he has been able to produce hit after hit through his lyrical genius and talent. R. Kelly holds no bars in the frankness with the depths of his struggles and all that he has had to overcome throughout his life in becoming the "R". A highly recommended read.

[Chanele · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I decided to read this, I went into this with an open mind. I think R. Kelly is a strange, yet intelligent musician. Was it masterful literature? No. But was it engaging and entertaining? More so than I expected. This book was unique and personal. I didn't expect that it would hold my attention as well as it did. In many ways, it felt as if I was having a conversation with R. Kelly. After reading it, I want than ever to actually sit down and chat with him. Do not underestimate R. Kelly. There is way more there than meets the eye.

[Lorin · Rating 4 out of 5]

R. Kelly can't stop writing hits and likes to relax at McDonalds when he has the time. The book is at it's best when R. Kelly tells a story about how he had a conversation with someone and they disagreed with him but later they realized how right he was. This happens a lot. But seriously, they guy is passionate about what he does, and the track record is real. R. Kelly quite literally has hits for days.

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was so excruciating that I didn't make it very far in. I thought it would be like Trapped in the Closet, so terrible it was fantastic; but I was wrong, Soulacoaster was just terrible. I think I appreciate R. Kelly most when he is an abstract idea and not more than that.

The best part of this book was the discussion that was had at the book club meeting for which I attempted to read it. Still, I would give Trapped in the Closet 5 stars, if this was a movie review.

[Lilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: Solid 3.75, and a good portion of that is due to the nostalgia I have surrounding R Kelly's music. The "writing" was okay, but it was the sincerity that got me, darnit! Left it impressed with what a prolific artist he is and touched by how genuine he comes across. In related news, I'll be first in line to see the new Trapped installments...

[Quinesia Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyable look into his life, a bit generalized through his possible vice, though, especially concerning the allegation. however, the stories behind his gift, how he views his gift, and stories behind songs and collaborations were definitely heartfelt and intriguing to fans of his music and or genre.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good considering Kells is illiterate. He had help, of course. Learned lots of interesting stuff, such ass R. Kelly left the tour with Jay Z in St. Louis and went to a local McDonalds to work the drive thru for the night. Also, he used to perform as a stripper dressed as Darth Vader.

[Charlene Richardson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not going to say it was horrible, but it could have been better. Majority of the book was full of pictures and huge font. There were a few things I learned about him, but not much. Things were stated but nothing was actually described in depth.

[Mike Siegel · Rating 4 out of 5]

My man R Kelly didn't disappoint - a great book of fascinating life stories with R Kelly's trademark quirkiness and narcissism. I wanted him to be more forthcoming with his legal troubles but he did address them - just didn't quite fess up to things like I was hoping for.

[Shà]

this book is a bit boring as well. it paints the picture of how and why r. Kelly has such a raw natural talent for music but otherwise a lot of it lost me. im still a fan but I would not recommend no one to read this book.

[Rayburn Wilkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freaking great

I want to retread this book, this brings me great joy to read his story, R. Kelly is truly a man blessed by God regardless of the sexual assault allegations this brother is the oracle of music