R. Kelly is recovering after undergoing emergency throat surgery last month. The 44-year-old singer was rushed to Chicago’s Northwestern Memorial to drain an abscess on one of his tonsils after complaining of throat pain. In a pre-recorded video message, Kellz thanked his fans for their support.

“I want to say thanks to all the prayer warriors out there for supporting me, praying for me,” he said while covering his mouth with a surgical mask. “The doctor said the surgery went well. I know it may not look like it, but it did. I want ya’ll to continue to pray for me, be strong out there. I will be back. I know it’s a lot of negativity out there, please don’t believe the hype. God is good all the time.”

The R&B mastermind is already planning his return to music. “As soon as I get a chance I’m going back in the studio to work on my next album,” he added.