R. Kelly pays tribute to Michael Jackson with video clip at New York City concert (video)

AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast

R. Kelly who has written hit songs for just about everyone in the music business (including Michael Jackson), payed tribute to Michael Jackson at his New York City concert, Friday night.

R. Kelly who is on his 'Ladies Make Some Noise Tour' kept the audience happy with performing many of his greatest hits.

According to VH1, R. Kelly talked about his legal woes saying,"I'm still here. I'm still here! Thank you, Jesus. When I was walking outta court, I was singing to myself, 'Heaven, I need a hug/ Is there anybody out there ready to embrace a thug?'" On a break, according to VH1, Kelly saluted Michael Jackson. "He played a videotaped message of himself in his studio surrounded by plaques he received from working with the King of Pop. He then showed footage of MJ dancing in a car to "Ignition (Remix)" while director Brett Ratner drove."

Watch Michael Jackson dancing with Brett Ratner to R. Kelly's Ignition (Remix):

R. Kelly is planning on releasing some of the unfinished songs that he worked on with Michael Jackson. Kelly said, “We’re going to get it out,” he said of the songs, which were recorded in Kelly’s home studio. “Michael liked the way I would try to sing the songs just like him. I recorded five joints for [Jackson].”

Attention Michael Jackson supporters: There is a wonderful new project in the form of a portrait that millions of fans worldwide can take part in. A Portrait of Michael Jackson created from millions of hand-drawn dots will invite millions of fans worldwide to become part of Jackson's legacy by getting a free dot in the portrait in their name. A dot is not drawn on the canvas until someone signs up for it; at least one million fans (dots) are needed to complete the image of the King of Pop, with room in the portrait for many more millions to participate. The organizers of this tribute have the support of Ken Kragen, who was responsible for "We Are the World," The Robson Family (Joy, Wade and Chantal), and Don Wilson, the creator / director / producer of the "Man in the Mirror" video. Proceeds will be donated to several charities that were dear to Michael, including The Make A Wish Foundation. Every single hand-drawn dot David places on his canvas represents a real person. People have joined David's projects from over 150 countries. Every Michael Jackson fan will be able to get a free hand-drawn dot added to the portrait in their name. Thus far people representing over 100 countries have signed up to take part in this project. The Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait is a partner of The Michael Jackson Fan Club (http://www.MJfanclub.net), the largest Michael Jackson fan club in the world, which was supported by Jackson himself.

You can now sign up at SupportJacksonPortrait.com for your dot. The portrait starts on August 28th.  A dedicated website will be created so people can sign up for their free dot. People will be able to attach a message to their dot if they choose. Every time someone signs up, a dot will be hand drawn in the work of art in their name. People will be able to go online to see the portrait as it evolves toward completion and read some of the messages.

Please sign up at SupportJacksonPortrait.com and be a part of this tribute to the King of Pop.

Read the interview with artist David Ilan here. Allan 'Big Al' Scanlan and Brian Friedman remember Michael Jackson, read the interview here.

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