Jay Kelly, known professionally by the stage name Jaah Baby, is a 24-year-old transgender man born on November 26, 2000, in Los Angeles, California, USA. Standing 5 feet 8 inches (172 cm) tall, Jay carries the legacy of a close-knit family, with parents R. Kelly and Andrea Lee, and siblings Joann (Buku Abi) and Robert Jr.
Jay began their educational journey early on and has nurtured a lifelong passion for music. As a talented singer and songwriter, Jay has made a name in the music industry, blending creativity with authentic expression. With dedication to their craft, Jaah Baby has amassed an estimated net worth of $400,000 as of 2025.
B. Jay Kelly – Quick Bio Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jay Kelly |
| Stage Name | Jaah Baby |
| Date of Birth | November 26, 2000 |
| Age (2025) | 24 years |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (172 cm) |
| Gender Identity | Transgender Man |
| Parents | R. Kelly and Andrea Lee |
| Siblings | Joann (Buku Abi) and Robert Jr. |
| Profession | Singer and Songwriter |
| Net Worth (2025) | $400,000 |
Who is Jay Kelly?
Jay Kelly, commonly known by his stage name Jaah Baby, is a 24-year-old transgender male singer and songwriter from Los Angeles, California who was born on November 26, 2000. He is the son of R&B artist R. Kelly and choreographer Andrea Lee, and has two siblings, Joann (also known as Buku Abi) and Robert Jr.
Jay, who identifies as a transgender man, has been outspoken about his journey of self-discovery, attracting public attention not only for his familial history but also for his uniqueness and artistic aptitude. His music exemplifies personal expression, emotion, and a strong creative personality.
Early Years of Jay Kelly
Jay Kelly was born on November 26, 2000, in Los Angeles, California, to a family with significant roots in the entertainment industry. Jay, the kid of Grammy-winning R&B performer R. Kelly and professional dancer and choreographer Andrea Lee, grew up around music and performance. Jay grew up with his siblings, Joann (Buku Abi) and Robert Jr., and experienced both the benefits and drawbacks of being in the public glare.
Jay had a natural interest in music from a young age, and he would frequently experiment with composition and vocals. Despite the public scrutiny directed at his family, he stayed grounded and focused on self-expression and creativity. His early upbringing, formed by both musical influence and emotional suffering, had a significant impact on his personality and creative expression.
Jay began to explore his gender identity during his childhood years. Coming out as a transgender guy was a critical moment in his life, one that he faced openly with courage and honesty. This phase of self-discovery fueled his passion for music as a form of genuine self-expression.
Parents and siblings
Jay Kelly was born into a prominent Hollywood family. His father, R. Kelly, is a Grammy-winning R&B singer, songwriter, and producer who helped shape the genre in the 1990s and early 2000s. However, R. Kelly has been the subject of numerous legal and personal scandals, which have cast a lengthy shadow over his family life.
Andrea Lee, Jay’s mother, is a professional choreographer, dancer, and former backup performer for R. Kelly. She has publicly spoken about her previous marriage experiences, particularly those involving domestic abuse, and has since campaigned to promote women’s empowerment and recovery.
Jay has two siblings.
Joann Kelly, commonly known by her stage name Buku Abi, is a singer and creative artist who has followed a musical career independent of her father’s heritage. She is recognized for her deep melodies and independent artistic personality.
Robert Kelly Jr., the youngest sibling, spends most of his time away from the spotlight and in private.
Despite the hardships associated with his family’s public image, Jay and his siblings have supported one another on their own journeys, each creating their own path forward with strength and independence.
How Jay Kelly’s Family Reacted To His Transition
Jay Kelly came out publicly as a transgender guy during his adolescence, which was a highly personal and difficult move. His coming out elicited a range of emotions, but one of the most significant came from his personal family.
Jay has stated in interviews and public declarations that his mother, Andrea Lee, was both supportive and understanding of his transition. Andrea, who has been vocal about safeguarding her children and fostering their individuality, stood with Jay during this pivotal moment. Her support gave him a sense of security and empowerment to live authentically.
Jay has not revealed many specifics regarding his present connection with his father, R. Kelly, and there has been no public discussion of how R. Kelly reacted to Jay’s gender identity. Given R. Kelly’s legal difficulties and the family’s complicated past, it’s unknown how close Jay is to his father and son now.
Jay’s siblings have also demonstrated understanding and love, and he is grateful to have family members that appreciate his individuality. Despite the emotional hurdles he faced, particularly under public scrutiny, Jay has underlined that being true to himself is what is most important.
His experience has touched many young transgender people, particularly those negotiating identity in high-profile or difficult families. Jay continues to inspire people by honestly and proudly discussing his experiences.
Jay Kelly Passion for Music
Jay Kelly’s passion for music has always been central to his identity. Jay was raised in a musically rich atmosphere, with a father who was one of the most important R&B figures of his day, so he was exposed to rhythm, melody, and performance from a young age. However, rather than simply inheriting a tradition, Jay chose to forge his own creative path.
Jay started writing songs and developing his own voice as a vocalist and songwriter while performing under the name Jaah Baby on stage. His love of music became not only a creative outlet, but also a means of self-expression and healing, particularly during his personal journey of gender identification and self-discovery.
Jay’s musical style combines heartfelt lyrics with modern R&B and hip-hop elements. While his early experience in the profession shaped his foundation, heartfelt storytelling his work displays a desire to create something unique, personal, and distinct from his father’s history.
For Jay, music is more than a career; it’s a chance to connect with others, tell his truth, and encourage those who are on similar paths. His commitment to honing his voice, both literally and metaphorically, continues to define his changing position in the music industry.
Overcoming Identity Challenge
Jay Kelly experienced unique challenges as a transgender man, particularly in the spotlight due to his family’s renown. With help from his mother and brothers, he overcame the mental and social challenges of transitioning while in the spotlight.
Despite concerns about judgment and industry bias, Jay remained true to himself. Today, he uses his platform to share his story and encourage others via music and authenticity.
Jay Kelly’s Net Worth
Jay Kelly, also known as Jaah Baby, has an estimated net worth of $300,000 to $500,000. This money is mostly derived from his music career, which includes earnings from live concerts and royalties from tunes made available on platforms such as SoundCloud Legit. His debut single, “Reservoir,” published at the age of 13, signaled the start of his musical career. Since then, he has expanded his footprint in the sector, contributing to his expanding financial success.
FAQs
Who is Jay Kelly?
Jay Kelly, aka Jaah Baby, is a 24-year-old transgender singer and songwriter from Los Angeles, California. He is the son of R. Kelly and Andrea Lee.
What’s Jay Kelly’s stage name?
He uses the stage name Jaah Baby.
When did Jay begin his music career?
Jay started his music career young, recording his debut track, “Reservoir,” when he was only 13.
What is Jay Kelly’s net worth?
As of 2025, his net worth is believed to be between $300,000 and $500,000, primarily from his music career.
Is Jay Kelly married?
There is currently no public information on Jay Kelly’s marriage.
How has Jay Kelly’s family assisted him in his transition?
Jay’s mother and siblings have been supportive of his transition, but his relationship with his father is private.
Final Thought
Jay Kelly’s path exemplifies the resilience required to embrace one’s own self, especially while dealing with the intricacies of family legacy and public attention. Jay has built out his own identity outside of his illustrious bloodline through his love of music and genuine self-expression.
As Jaah Baby develops as an artist and campaigner, his tale speaks to many others who seek acceptance and courage in their own life. Jay’s tenacity and commitment to living openly inspire others to pursue their dreams without hesitation, making him not only a growing musical talent but also a valuable voice for the transgender population.
