You might want to think twice before signing for that package… After 22 chapters of repetitive, non-nonsensical, non-rhyming and seriously entertaining theatrics, it turns out that R Kelly’s viral Hip-Hopera, Trapped in the Closet, is actually a cautionary tale about AIDS. It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially from a man accused of being a water sports-loving pedophile, but that twisted love octagon wasn’t just an excuse for hilarity.
Between arbitrary displays of thug lady-love, wardrobe changes and mob deals, we learn that the pastor’s gay lover is in the hospital, and Rosie (the nosy neighbor) starts spreading rumors that he gave the pastor “the package.” It’s safe to assume this package is a new, potentially trendy, reference to HIV. 22 sees the phone lines buzzing, connecting the dots with lines that were only figurative for the last few years. Chuck slept with Rufus, Rufus slept with Kathy, Kathy slept with Sylvester, Sylvester slept with Gwendolyn, Gwendolyn slept with James, James slept with Bridget, and Bridget slept with a midget. Where the AIDS train stops (if it does at all), we know not. Tracing the origins of “the package” to a homosexual may not have been the most progressive move, but it’s still a thoughtful warning against philandering.
Who knows what’s actually going on in Kelly’s mind? The interviews with IFC News’ super-charmer Matt Singer are entertaining but shed little light on the subject. R Kelly’s exploitation of stereotypes within the urban black community could be his best vehicle for social commentary. He could also quite easily be taking the piss out of all of us. We know how much he loves that. Oh Shit!
Catch up with Trapped at IFC.com, and expect a new batch in the distant future.