Singer-Songwriter R. Kelly Inspires Nation to 'Rise Up' In Memory of the Victims and Families of Virginia Tech Tragedy

Moved by the terrible events at Virginia Tech last week, singer-songwriter R. Kelly has written and recorded a song of encouragement in memory of the victims and in condolence to their families.

As the details of the tragedy were unfolding last week, Kelly was traveling across the country on his tour bus for a performance. Deeply affected by the news, he was inspired to write lyrics he shaped into a song entitled, "Rise Up," a moving anthem in honor and remembrance of the victims of this heartbreaking event.

At Kelly's request, his label, Jive/Zomba Records is making the track available as a digital single for sale on Tuesday, May 15th in hopes of spreading the message of hope and unity. R. Kelly and Jive will donate 100% of the net proceeds from the digital single sales to the university's official fund, The Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund, and listeners who buy the track will be able to access a direct link to the memorial website. Recalling the spirit of triumph in one of Kelly's previous celebrated anthems, "I Believe I Can Fly," "Rise Up" is meant to offer encouragement and solace in the face of this senseless tragedy; " ... We'll be strong together, Stand together, Pray together, Rise up." To learn more about the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund, visit http://www.vt.edu/tragedy/memorial_fund.php.

The label is shipping the song to radio stations this week. To hear a snippet of "Rise Up" visit: http://www.r-kelly.com/RiseUp/RISE_UP_clip.mp3.

                                 R. Kelly
                             "Rise Up" Lyrics

  INTRO

"The Victims are what mean the most to us and that we cared so much about ... ."

"I just really feel that we are going to be known as the school that overcame."

  VERSE
  (whoa) I know you're feelin' pain right now
  (whoa) And you don't wanna talk right now
  (whoa) I know you're going through something
  And you don't want to be bothered right now (whoa)
  Not gonna lie and say I understand
  (whoa) I just wanna be here for you if I can
  (whoa) To hold your hand and be by your side
  And together we will get through these times
  And we will cry together (uh huh)
  And we'll fight this together (uh huh)
  And we'll be strong together
  Stand together
  Pray together

  CHORUS
  Rise up
  When you feel you can't go on
  Rise up
  And all of your hope is gone
  Rise up
  When you're weak and you can't be strong
  Rise up (rise up)
  Rise up
  And when the tears start to fall
  Rise up
  And you feel you've given it your all
  Rise up
  When your back is up against the wall
  Rise
  Rise up

  VERSE
  (whoa) Now I know the burdens that you bear
  (whoa) And you don't think nobody cares
  (whoa) A storm comes out of nowhere
  And you feelin' like it just ain't fair (whoa)
  Not here to preach about the brighter side (no)
  Cause I understand and now is not the time (oh)
  See I just want to help you make it right
  Walk with you, holding up candle lights

  CHORUS
  And we will cry together (we will cry together)
  And we'll fight this together (stand up and fight)
  And we'll be strong together (hey)
  Stand together (stand together)
  Pray together
  Rise up (woo)
  When you feel you can't go on (feel like you can't go on)
  Rise up
  And all of your hope is gone (all your hope is gone)
  Rise up
  When you're weak and you can't be strong (hey)
  Rise (you gotta rise up yeah)
  Rise up
  And when the tears start to fall (yeah)
  Rise up
  And you feel you've given it your all
  Rise up
  When your back is up against the wall
  Rise (rise)

  BRIDGE
  You see struggle
  Struggle has no color hey
  No color (hey)
  In the midst of crisis
  You are my sister (hey) and I'm your brother (yeah)
  And side by side we'll face this thing
  Standin' tall (standin' tall)
  You and me (hey)

  VAMP
  Rise up
  Rise
  Rise up
  Rise (Woo)
  Rise up (Hey)
  Rise
  We will rise
  Rise up
  Heads up to the sky
  Rise up
  Rise
  When all hope has fallen yeah
  Rise up
  We'll stand tall and believe (yes we will)
  Rise
  Rise up
  And we gotta know tomorrow will come (yeah) and
  Rise
  Rise up
  You will have the victory
  Rise up
  Hey Rise up Rise up
  Rise
  Rise up
  Hey hey hey hey hey
  Rise
  Rise up
  In the middle ...  in the middle of your storm when you ...  (rise up)
  When you think you ...  when you think you cannot make it rise up
  Rise up (ooh)
  Rise

Rise up (God bless you Virginia ... our hearts go out to you and your families)

Peace

Rise up

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SOURCE: Jive Records

CONTACT: Wendy Washington, +1-212-824-1223, Wendy.Washington@sonybmg.com;
or Roberta Magrini, +1-212-824-1240, Roberta.Magrini@jiverecords.com; or Allan
Mayer, +1-310-556-1155, Allan.Mayer@42West.Net; or Regina Daniels,
+1-312- 787-8920, danielsentertainment@mycingular.blackberry.net, all for Jive
Records

Web site: http://www.jiverecords.com/
http://www.vt.edu/tragedy/memorial_fund.php.