No. 5 R. Kelly
No R&B songwriter of the last 20 years casts a musical shadow quite like the controversial singer from Chicago. His own career has provided the soundtrack for a generation of urban music fans, and his skills as a writer have led to him penning hits for a wide spectrum of acts–from boy bands to the King of Pop.
Notable songs: “Quality Time” (Hi-Five), “Back & Forth” (Aaliyah), “Fortunate” (Maxwell), “You Are Not Alone” (Michael Jackson), “Contagious” (The Isley Bros), “808” (Blaque)
