"Heaven I Need a Hug" is a song by R&B singer

R. Kelly Robert Sylvester Kelly (born January 8, 1967) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and sex offender convicted of racketeering and multiple sex offenses. During his recording career, Kelly sold over 75 million records worldwi ...

. It was featured on his fifth solo studio album ''

Chocolate Factory ''Chocolate Factory'' is the fifth studio album by American recording artist R. Kelly, released on February 18, 2003, by Jive Records. Recording sessions took place mainly at Rockland Studios and Chicago Recording Company in Chicago, Illinois, and ...

'', on the bonus disc '' Loveland'', it reached number 26 on the R&B chart and 4 on the ''Billboard'' Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart. It was written and produced by

himself. No music video was made for the song. The song charted quite well without getting heavy promoted.

Background

The song was written in response to the 2002 sex tape scandal, according to WGCI Program Director Elroy Smith, who said he met with Kelly and waited until he got permission from Kelly's label before airing the track. In the mid-tempo ballad, Kelly accuses his detractors of rushing to judgement, criticizes women for dependence on men, asks the media to give him a break, and begs for a little human tenderness ("Heaven, I need a hug/ Is there anybody out there willing to embrace a thug?" goes the chorus). Kelly sings, "I gave 13 years of my life to this industry/ Hit song or not, I've given all of me/ You smile in my face and tell me that you love/ But then before you know the truth you're so quick to judge me." Kelly goes on to blame his current troubles on his celebrity, a belief he also put forth in his May interview with MTV News (see "R . Kelly: In His Own Words"). He sings, "Seems like the more money I make/ The more drama y'all try to create/ The more I try to move into the positive/ The more y'all don't want to let me live/ When will you realize that I don't owe you nothin?/ Need to get up off your butt and go make your own something"

Live performances

Kelly has only occasionally performed the song at concerts.

Critical response

The song has been getting a good reaction in Chicago. WGCI reports that within 90 minutes of adding the song to the playlist Tuesday evening, "Heaven, I Need a Hug" became one of the station's most requested songs. The song has mostly received positive reviews.

Formats and track listings

* CD promo # "Heaven I Need a Hug" – 5:12

Charts

References

{{authority control 2002 songs R. Kelly songs Songs written by R. Kelly Song recordings produced by R. Kelly