Jay-Z and R. Kelly’s Collaborations Before Their Feud

Many celebrities spoke out against R. Kelly, but Jay-Z still praised him in 2002. Despite multiple accusations of underage sex and assault, Jay-Z expressed his hope that Kelly would get help if he was guilty. The two even released an album together and embarked on a tour in 2014, though it was canceled due to their own personal issues. Damon Dash, Aaliyah’s boyfriend when she died, was reportedly disgusted by Jay-Z’s decision to continue working with Kelly and stopped talking to him. The tour ended early, but only because of their disagreement. Jay-Z commented that “certain things aren’t meant to be.”