So distracted were we yesterday by the humdrum endeavors of lesser artists and entertainers that we neglected to notice a new R. Kelly–assisted remix of Mariah Carey's "Touch My Body" had leaked to the Internet. In it, amid several less wholesome announcements, Kellz advertises the impending release of 12 Play: Fourth Quarter, his twelfth studio album, apparently due sometime this summer.

Where did he find the time to record a new album? We have no idea! As you'll probably remember, Kelly's most recent LP, Double Up, came out just last May, preceding the July debut of chapters 13–21 of his highly acclaimed Trapped in the Closet series. Then, in the fall, he mounted a massive three-month, 39-date U.S. arena tour. Also, why would he want to release a new CD now? His trial on fourteen counts of child pornography begins in three weeks and we're certain he'd never want to take the public's focus off the legal process, or taint the potential jury pool with a barrage of sublime, radio-ready R&B jams. But, hey, we won't look a gift horse in the mouth — here's hoping the rest of the album's as good as the first single, and that Kellz has thought of some new terrestrial things to compare his penis to this time.

R. Kelly Readying New Album For Summer [Billboard]
Mariah Carey ft. R. Kelly - Touch My Body Remix [Real Talk NY]