R. Kelly ‘Tired of Being Misunderstood,’ Prepping Autobiography

R. Kelly is about to expose himself -- but it's not what you're thinking. The R&B artist is penning an autobiography scheduled to hit stores next year. "I'm writing this book as Robert, not R. Kelly," Kelly said in a statement released on Wednesday (Dec. 9.) "I'm tired of being misunderstood. I will show you the tears, fears, and sweat. I will open my heart and reveal the good in my life as well as all the drama."

The Chicago native will team with celebrity author David Ritz, who has penned memoirs for Smokey Robinson, Ray Charles and other soul artist. The book will zero in on the death of Kelly's mother plus the inspiration behind hits like 'I Believe I Can Fly,' and 'You Are Not Alone,' the latter which he wrote for Michael Jackson's 1995 album 'HIStory.' The 42-year-old father of two will also address the child pornography charges against him that he was later found innocent of in 2008. "I want to tell it like it is," he explained.

The as-yet-untitled memoir will be published by SmileyBooks, which is owned by talk show host Tavis Smiley. "We are thrilled to be the conduit through which R. Kelly will tell his own story," said Smiley. "He has earned the right to tell his story his own way." Founded in 2004 the publishing company is home to authors like Dr. Cornel West, Henry Louis Gates and Iyanla Vanzant.

Kelly's autobiography will hits stores in 2011. His ninth album 'Untitled' was released Dec. 3.