Syleena Johnson Believes R. Kelly Needs To Be In Insane Asylum, Not Jail

BY Erika Marie 11.4K Views
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Syleena Johnson, R. Kelly
She claims "they throw Black men in jail" but Kelly "needs real help."

The results of R. Kelly's New York trial continue to be a hot topic of conversation. His supporters mirrored a The Boondocks episode when they gathered outside of the courthouse to play his music and protest against the sex crimes trial, and the singer's detractors are hoping that the judge throws the book at him. Singer Syleena Johnson, who has worked with Kelly, notably on "Hypnotic" with Fabolous, offered an alternative sentencing that she believes is more in line with what Kelly needs.

"I don't think he needs to be in jail, I think he needs to be in an insane asylum," said Johnson. 

Pool / Getty Images 

"Don't get it twisted, I think he needs to be in a straight jacket," she continued. "I think some of the behavior that has been going down has been erratic and I think that a lot of Black men in jail have been misjudged. Like, a lot of them. I had a friend that went to jail, long time ago, he said his roommate was so damn crazy. He said that went on a lot in jail."

"Because what they do, is they throw Black men in jail. They just throw everybody in jail. If you're crazy...everybody go to jail. But this dude needs real help. He needs to be in an insane asylum. Real talk. Meds, drugs to the point where like, constant therapy."

There are many people who agree with her while others have argued that Kelly is not "crazy." Watch Syleena explain herself below.

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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