R. Kelly Gets Up Close & Personal With Model Irina Shayk In V Magazine. Talks 'White Panties' Album & Possible Joint Project With Mary J. Blige. [Pics]

Pics After The Jump

R. Kelly is preparing release his thirteenth studio album entitled White Panties. He appears in the latest issue of V Magazine, which features a great photo shoot of the Chicago singer with 28-year old Russian Model Irina Shayk.

Kels talks about the direction he's taking on the sequel to his 2013's Black Panties album, working with 2 Chainz, Lady Gaga and Future, plus his upcoming tour with Mary J. Blige and possible joint album with the Queen of R&B.

Was it a strategic decision after 20 years to return to the original R. Kelly sound?
RK It was really for my fans. Everyone has been asking me when I’m going to do another baby-making album, because that’s what started me out. I’ve been all around the world musically, in every genre. I can write “I Believe I Can Fly,” and I can write “Bump ’N’ Grind.” Now is the time to bring it back around.

Is it true you’re planning a sequel to the record?
RK Absolutely. It’s called White Panties. And you can expect a whole other level.

Are you compromising your experimental side by creating something so specifically for your fans?
RK No. I always follow what my spirit tells me to do. When I get into the studio I write from my heart. I try to write life and not songs. People live life and when you write life you’re going to mess around and touch somebody’s heart, and they’ll relate to you and what you’re singing about.

Why did you decide to enlist artists like 2 Chainz and Future?
RK When I’m in the studio, I let my music and my lyrics do a kind of casting call. My music feels like a movie to me. I can hear in my head who should be on the song, and then I make a call. With 2 Chainz and Future, these guys respect my music and I respect what they do, so it’s just like a hand going into a glove.

Now you’re going on the “King & Queen” tour with Mary J. Blige. Do you have plans to sing together?
RK It’s a very exciting thing when two people like Mary and me come together. It’s never been done, but it kind of makes sense, and you’re like, Wow! And this is very exciting for me because I’m a fan of hers. I’m in the studio right now working on a song for me and Mary. I’m even looking forward to proposing that we do a whole album together. But this is the first I’ve mentioned it. The “King & Queen” album.

What about working with Lady Gaga? V has a special relationship with her. What has it been like collaborating and performing together?
RK It’s amazing, man. It’s an honor to be working with greatness. When I say that I say it with all my heart, because she is great on the stage and off. She is so talented. I was doing a show and she ended up on the side of the stage with her friends watching. I didn’t know what the hell was going on. I was wondering why people were screaming so loud! After the show she ended up giving me a call about a track and I was like, “Hell yeah! Send it to me, let me hear what it is!” The next thing you know, it was all over the radio.