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Soulacoaster: The Diary of Me Hardcover – January 1, 2012

by R. Kelly (Author), David Ritz (Contributor)

4.6 407 ratings

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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.

Print length

377 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Smiley Books
Publication date

January 1, 2012
Dimensions

7.75 x 1.25 x 10 inches
ISBN-10

1401928358
ISBN-13

978-1401928353
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

R. Kelly, the king of R&B, makes music of epic proportions. After 18 years of stardom, the prolific multi-instrumentalist, producer, and vocalist continues to forge an artistic path that caters to fantasy and captures the hearts of adoring fans. This is, in essence, how an artist sells over 34 million records, and wears the crown of a king. It is this uncanny ability to compose countless classics and deliver electrifying live performances that defines everything that is essential R. Kelly. It’s why he is the recipient of multiple Grammy, Billboard, BMI, and American Music Awards. R. Kelly lives and produces music out of his Chocolate Factory Studio in the heart of Chicago.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Smiley Books; First Edition (January 1, 2012)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 377 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1401928358
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1401928353
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.97 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.75 x 1.25 x 10 inches

Customer Reviews:
4.6 407 ratings

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David Ritz
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David Ritz (born December 2, 1943 in New York City) is an American author who has written more than 50 books. In addition to his work as a co-author of autobiographies for a range of entertainers from Ray Charles to Don Rickles, he has written lyrics ("Sexual Healing"), novels (Search for Happiness), profiles ("Stevie Wonder: Never Ending Song of Peace" in Rolling Stone), critical essays ("Robin Thicke, You’re No Marvin Gaye" in Rolling Stone) and over a hundred liner notes for artists such as Michael Jackson, Sammy Davis, Jr., Sarah Vaughan and Nat King Cole.
Bio from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Photo by Joe Mabel [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC BY 2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons.
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R. Kelly
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4.6 out of 5

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Kiwes

R. Kelly Puts the "R" in R&B, the Pied Piper! Oh Yes!

Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2012

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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!

11 people found this helpful

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Sonya Lavette Bell

The Soul of Me: R. Kelly's Music in My Life...

Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2012

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A Journey Into The Mind of a Black Woman: In Search Of Black Men Who Live With Purpose R. Kelly and I don't know each other and probably never will, but I have been a part of his life, and he, a part of mine, for over 20 years. His music has been the soundtrack of my life--literally. Everywhere I've been, he's been there. We always speak. We never miss each other and I enjoy his company. I'm a real fan. I new R. Kelly was special from the beginning and as a proud Chicagoan--the boy did good. He came up at a time when I too was going through much growth. I read the book in one day. Although the chapters were short, I felt R. Kelly was honest. I became angry at the deception and treachery by Jay-Z during the Best of Both World's tour. In my honest opinion, Jay-Z was and is a snake. And his insecurity showed boldly. It's my opinion that he was concerned that R. Kelly would upstage him (easily...)However, cream always rises to the top. I felt R. Kelly was honest when talking about the "sex tape" trial and giving information about the case that many didn't know. Kellz is a great entertainer. I've purchased his great new album, Write Me Back (5-stars), which is yet just another example that you can't stop someone who was born to do something. No matter what, R. Kelly is human and he deserves respect and love.

*Someone once told me that the richest place on earth is a graveyard. Why? Because in a graveyard, there are many people buried who never lived up to their potential. This was that catalyst that inspired me to write my book, A Journey Into The Mind of a Black Woman: In Search of Black Men Who Live With Purpose (currently available on Amazon.com) partly because I know how much genius is lost in the inner city. R. Kelly beat the odds.

6 people found this helpful

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JB

A real introduction into the life of a musical genius

Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2012

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Always a fan of R.Kelly, it was eye-opening to learn about his childhood, his mother, his mentor and how they helped shape his craft. One of the most interesting things in this book to me, was how music comes to him, and what he sees and thinks before the hits pour out. I enjoyed this book immensely, and whether you're an R.Kelly fan like me, or not, it is an enjoyable, interesting and inspiring book to read. I have always acknowledged R.Kelly's talent, and he continues to be on my list of greats, along with Michael Jackson, Prince and Steve Wonder who all touched my soul with their music. But this book takes my admiration for his talent to a different level, after learning about his abilities (which I already knew about) and his challenges with reading/writing. I wonder what he's doing right now? Well, I'll bet the tunes are dancing in his head, and he's at his piano, or in the studio crafting another hit for us, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for him! I feel fortunate that R.Kelly decided to let us MORE into his life through this book, and get a glimpse into his soul in Soulacoaster! This book is a must-read.

One person found this helpful

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CAPTAIN Pirate Jon Watson

Enjoyable to learn of his life up to the trial days

Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2023

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A musical wonder who is a troubled spirit and a troubled man...snippets of chapters tell of his life.

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T. Mack

A book worth reading.

Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2022

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R. Kelly bares his soul in this book. He pretty tells you why he is the way he is. He doesn't speak on the late Aaliyah that much, if at all.

One person found this helpful

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tweetie

Arnita g.

Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2013

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This is an wonderful. I ddnt realize all the artist whom you had written songs for. Robert u have been a fan of mines since public announcement. I have every cd u have written I have your videos. I go to every concert u have performed. From new orleans to houston. I was very excited when I fnd out you were writing a book. The book is amazing. I'm really glad you had the chance to put everything out in the opening. The love you have for your mom, grandma and your kids I cld feel it when I was reading your book. There were a couple of times I was reading and started crying. No matter what I've always loved you for the person you are. I feel like I know you. Hopefully, one day I will get the opportunity to meet you. YOUR BIGGEST FAN ARNITA G.

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piedpiper

Il diario segreto del Re del R&B

Reviewed in Italy on June 20, 2021

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Il dono e la maledizione accompagnano il più grande autore contemporaneo di musica Rhythm and Blues. In questo libro vengono raccontati gli episodi più significativi della sua vita sino a pochi anni prima del suo arresto. Molte spiegazioni dei suoi comportamenti futuri provengono da un’infanzia difficile, senza in alcun modo giustificarlo.
Un libro da leggere. La sua musica resterà eterna. È la “R” di R&B.

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Susanne Beithan

Empfehlenswert

Reviewed in Germany on May 15, 2019

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Die Lieferung ging sehr schnell. Das Buch ist sehr schön geschrieben, mit viel Herz. Die Aufmachung gefällt mir sehr gut. Es ist auf jeden Fall lesenswert.

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hubert

After reading this, I believe I can fly!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 25, 2018

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Amazing inspirational. Makes u wanna quit ur job n do music all day
Fire in the belly for sure!

Soulakosta

Lina Pizzo

Highly recommended

Reviewed in Australia on March 17, 2019

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Love the book

淳子

Love this book!

Reviewed in Japan on February 17, 2013

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I always love him, and best thing about him is talks about God.
I guess noboby know the fact or truth from outside but him.
He gave me so much motivaton.

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