R. Kelly's Sony Music Royalties Seized By Former Landlord Over Unpaid Debt

BYErika Marie7.1K Views
Link Copied to Clipboard!
Mike Pont/Getty Images
R. Kelly
They claim he stopped paying rent on his Chicago studio.

R. Kelly's legal troubles are more than just the sexual assault accusations that he faces. The singer allegedly owes his landlord back rent and the debt is steep. According to documents obtained by The Blast, Kelly's former landlord, Midwest Commercial Funding, has issued a subpoena to Sony Music Holdings in an effort to get them to freeze $264,535 in the singer's royalty account.

Kelly allegedly stopped paying rent on his Chicago recording studio and owed the company $173,855.08, but after Sony froze the account, Midwest was able to collect $154,527.22 from one of the singer's Bank of America accounts. That only came after a "turnover order" was issued for payment. Now, Midwest needs Sony to make payment on the remainder of Kelly's debt to the tune of $52,431.55. After that, Kelly will be in the clear.

Jason Kempin/Getty Images

It was recently reported that Kelly performed for a short 28 seconds at the Dirty South Lounge in Springfield, Illinois. TMZ stated that the 50-person crowd, each of whom paid $100 for the show, showed up at 10:00 p.m. to see Kelly perform, but he didn't come out until three hours later. When he did hit the stage, they say he sang the intro to "Bump N Grind" before leaving. He allegedly was paid $22,000 and walked away with $20K after paying his booking agent their $2,000 fee.


About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.
...