"I Wish" is a song by American singer-songwriter R. Kelly from his fourth studio album, TP-2.com (2000). It was released as the album's first single on September 19, 2000. It spent three weeks at number one on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart and peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song is dedicated to Kelly's mother Joanne as well as friends and other loved ones of his who have died. This song was originally going to feature rapper 2Pac, but he died before recording his verse. The remix, which was titled "I Wish – Remix (To the Homies That We Lost)" features hip-hop duo Boo & Gotti, who were then signed to his Rockland Records imprint.
Music video The official music video for "I Wish", directed by R. Kelly and Christopher Erskin, complements the song's deeply emotional tone, which is a tribute to lost loved ones. The video features Kelly visiting a cemetery, where he mourns and reflects on the people he has lost in his life, including his mother Joanne and close friends. These visuals align with the song's lyrics, offering a personal glimpse into Kelly’s grief. In various scenes, he is seen walking through his old neighborhood in Chicago, illustrating the connection between his fame, community, and personal struggles.
The video's emotional depth is enhanced by the appearance of Kelly's daughter, Joann, symbolizing the importance of family in the midst of loss. It further reflects Kelly's personal life, grounding the viewer in the reality of his experiences, rather than a purely fictional narrative. The video also includes shots of urban life, invoking themes of remembrance, loyalty, and longing for the past.
Additionally, a remixed version of the video was produced for the track "I Wish – Remix (To the Homies That We Lost)," featuring the hip hop duo Boo & Gotti. This version included extra scenes and performances that expanded the narrative to honor fallen friends within the larger hip hop community, extending the tribute beyond Kelly's personal experiences.
Awards and nominations Grammy Awards 2001, Best R&B Vocal Performance – Male (nominated) MTV Video Music Awards 2001, Best R&B Video (nominated) NAACP Image Awards 2001, Outstanding Music Video (won) Soul Train Music Award 2001, Best R&B/Soul Single, Male (won) BMI Urban Awards 2001, Most-Performed Song (won)
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (2000–2001) Peakposition Australia (ARIA) 77 Canada (Nielsen SoundScan) 22 Europe (Eurochart Hot 100) 17
Year-end charts Chart (2000) Position Germany (Media Control) 99 Netherlands (Dutch Top 40) 50 Netherlands (Single Top 100) 52 US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks (Billboard) 52 Chart (2001) Position US Billboard Hot 100 87 US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks (Billboard) 48 US Rhythmic Top 40 (Billboard) 50
Release history Region Date Format(s) Label(s) United States September 19, 2000 Jive United Kingdom October 9, 2000 United States December 5, 2000 Contemporary hit radio
References