R. Kelly has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for using his R&B superstardom to subject young fans to systematic sexual abuse.

The singer and songwriter was convicted of racketeering and sex trafficking last year at a trial that gave voice to accusers who had once wondered if their stories were ignored because they were Black women. U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly imposed the sentence at a courthouse in Brooklyn.

The sentence caps a slow-motion fall for Kelly, who is 55. He remained adored by legions of fans even after allegations about his abuse of young girls began circulating publicly in the 1990s.

“You made me do things that broke my spirit. I literally wished I would die because of how low you made me feel,” said one unnamed survivor, directly addressing a Kelly who kept his hands folded and his eyes downcast. “Do you remember that?”

Kelly’s lawyers had argued he should get no more than 10 years in prison because he had a traumatic childhood “involving severe, prolonged childhood sexual abuse, poverty, and violence,” the Associated Press reported.

The hit maker is known for work including the 1996 hit “I Believe I Can Fly” and the cult classic “Trapped in the Closet,” a multi-part tale of sexual betrayal and intrigue.

CINCINNATI — For local music fans, Jess Lamb and the Factory are a staple of Cincinnati music. Others may remember Lamb from Season 14 of American Idol.

This Thanksgiving, the band will help celebrate with music.

The group teamed up with Arnold’s Bar and Grill, Neltner Small Batch, Otto Printing and Mus-i-col Records to offer hand-crafted limited edition 7-inch vinyl records. The records feature two songs from Jess Lamb and the Factory and the sleeves were hand dipped at Maker’s Mark. They’ll be giving away 150 on opaque red vinyl.

Jess Lamb and the Factory will take the Arnold’s stage Wednesday at 8 p.m. Records will also be available then.

FACEBOOK EVENT: Maker's Mark Presents: Thanksgiving Eve w/ Jess Lamb & the Factory

A limited number of copies pressed on clear, pink and black splatter vinyl will be available at local record stores Shake It Records, Everybody's Records, Plaid Room Records, Torn Light Records and Herzog Records on Black Friday.

The 7-inch record features music from the band’s 2020 album, You Are.

You can watch Jess Lamb and the Factory perform songs from You Are live for WCPO Lounge Acts in the video player above.

Recorded during the lockdown, You Are contains a collection of what Lamb calls “misplaced songs.”

Making music during a pandemic can be a challenge.

“I felt like I needed to be more calm and centered and still,” Lamb said.

Keyboardist and producer Warren Harrison found a silver lining. “Honestly, it’s been a great opportunity to not be distracted by gigs,” he said.

The album’s first single, “Beautiful” has been called a “celebration of personal empowerment.” The track features a collaboration with rapper and activist Siri Imani.

Lamb describes the track as “a bunch of sisters telling each other ‘you are beautiful, you are powerful, you can make it.” Adding, “it’s a mantra for us all.”

Upcoming Jess Lamb and the Factory performances:

Vinyl release:
November 24, 8-11 p.m.
Arnold's Bar and Grill
210 E 8th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Cincinnati Alchemy Fest:
November 26, 8-8:30 p.m.
Arts' OTA
2141 Central Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45214

Holiday pop-up concert:
December 4, 5:00 p.m.
Findlay Market
1801 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Get more info about Jess Lamb and the Factory at https://www.jesslamb.com/