Everyone knows R. Kelly. They may have their own perception of him, some good, some bad, some really bad, but everyone knows of him. He’s a well rounded artist with a tremendous R&B career, a few apparent fetishes and an outlandish persona. His most endearing endeavor, a Rap Opera titled “Trapped in the Closet,” has been the target of both mockery and praise since its initial 2005 release. It’s one of kind, an innovative approach to rap and storytelling unlike anything we’ve ever seen. It’s also ridiculous. Regardless, it’s an endlessly entertaining series, and now the R&B singer plans to debut its next installment on IFC next year.

In a press release, Kelly promises “more chapters filled with intense drama, crazy situations and tumultuous relationships” for “this epic saga with more secrets, infidelity and unyielding passion to save their relationships.” More of the same, basically.

The most recent chapters aired at the end of 2012, but now after a two year hiatus, Sylvester, Rufus, Cathy, Tina, Roxanne, Rosie the Nosy Neighbor, Randolph, Twan, Pimp Lucius, Dr. Perry, Reverend Moseley, and Beeno will all return, reuniting a lovely and colorful collection of characters.

Kelly describes the series as a “hip hopera.” He debuted the first 12 chapters in November 2005 on a DVD titled “Trapped in the Closet,” although the first five chapters originally appeared as the final tracks on his album “TP.3 Reloaded.” In August 2007, he released 10 new chapters on another “Trapped in the Closet” DVD in collaboration with Jive Records. Nearly four years later, in December 2011, Kelly stated that he had written thirty-two additional chapters and needed investors to continue to project. In October 2012, IFC hopped on board and agreed to air the new chapters, 23 through 33, on November 23, 2012.

Kelly wrote and produced all 33 chapters, telling the story of a one-night stand that sparks a chain of events that unravels a thick web of lies, sex, spoiled relationships and deceit. All chapters of the song follow the same E major pattern and similar melodic theme, which is more spoken word than singing.

You can watch the first 33 chapters of "Trapped in the Closet"on the IFC website. They will also be broadcasted on IFC Saturday, December 7. If you missed the first 33 chapters, now’s your chance to make up for lost time before the saga continues. It’s an R. Kelly hip hopera. It’s time to hop on board.