R. Kelly Rushed Back to Chicago After Falling Ill

R. Kelly was rushed back to his hometown Chicago on Wednesday for medical treatement after falling ill while en route to New York. The singer had been scheduled for a press tour in support of his new memoir, Soulacoaster: The Diary of Me. 

“Initial indications are that he is suffering from complications from surgery he had last year to treat an abscess on his vocal cords,” reads a statement released on behalf of the singer. “It is unclear how long Kelly may be sidelined.”

A book launch party and signing in New York were cancelled, as well as appearances on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and the Today show.

Kelly’s latest album, the throwback-soul set Write Me Back, was also released this week.

Read an exclusive excerpt from Soulacoaster, in which Kelly recalls his encounters with the Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac, here.