Kem biography
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When he signed to the venerable Motown music label and his debut release, Kemistry, climbed to the top reaches of industry urban-music sales charts, these events marked the beginning of a new chapter in Kem's life. Kem was probably born, therefore, in the late 1960s. He also sang with the Church of Today choir, based at Renaissance Unity Church.
National critics like Ebony's Lynn Norment praised Kem's "emotionally rich" music; his sound was often compared to Al Jarreau's, but his lyrics had a depth and a tendency to take unexpected turns even when they dealt with conventional romantic subjects. He independently released his debut album, KEMISTRY, in 2002, leading to his recording deal with Motown Records.
This powerful memoir provides a glimpse into his tumultuous path leading up to and through his darkest moments.
Music became KEM’s sanctuary during a challenging upbringing, a medium through which he could communicate when words fell short. The CD also includes guest appearances from superstar rapper Snoop Dogg on “Downtown” and the legendary Ronald Isley on “My Favorite Thing.”
In 2015, KEM toured with Charlie Wilson on his 44-city “Forever Charlie Tour,” followed by headlining his own wildly successful first ever sold out “PROMISE TO LOVE Tour.”
On April 24, 2020, KEM released “Lie To Me,” the first single from his upcoming album, LOVE ALWAYS WINS.
From his darkest days of addiction and homelessness to the pinnacle of R&B success, he personifies the idea of ‘triumph over adversity.’
KEM’s story inspires – not only through his music, but also through his unwavering commitment to making the world a better place, one song and one act of kindness at a time.
MUSICAL HISTORY
On February 28, 2002, KEM independently released his first album, KEMISTRY, but it wasn’t an overnight success.
KEM received his third career GRAMMY® nomination for “Nobody” (in the ‘Best Traditional R&B Performance’ category), which topped the chart for a total of 10 weeks. But he told the New York Amsterdam News that "I grew up in the late '70s, early '80s, when most of the radio stations were Top 40." He said in 2002 that he had been sober for 12 years, and the period of his life that he lost to drug and alcohol abuse took place during his late teens and early 20s.
He wrote, produced, and financed his self-released debut album, Kemistry, by singing in a wedding band and waiting tables. The album includes features from GRAMMY® Award winners Toni Braxton (“Live Out Your Love”), Erica Campbell (“Love Always Wins”) and acclaimed musician Brian Culbertson (“Lonely”). Subsequent albums, including KEM ALBUM II, INTIMACY, PROMISE TO LOVE, WHAT CHRISTMAS MEANS, LOVE ALWAYS WINS, and FULL CIRCLE, yielded eight #1 chart-toppers, platinum and gold certifications, and multiple GRAMMY® nominations.
KEM’s philanthropic endeavors mirror his generous spirit.
A revelation struck him – one that would lead him to surrender to faith and propel him toward his destiny as one of music’s most vital voices.
KEM’s musical journey is studded with remarkable achievements. "And I left as a teenager who was lost, depressed, insecure, full of fear and trying to mask all of that with alcohol and drugs." His descent into homelessness was gradual; at first he limped along by staying with friends, and then, when he had to take to the streets, he stayed at first in shelters in Detroit's affluent suburbs and was relatively well taken care of.
Kem has refused to discuss his life on the streets in much detail, but it seems clear that his life went into a downward spiral.
To further support his vision, KEM launched the “Mack & Third LIVE” event, a large-scale, all-day concert fundraiser and food drive to benefit and recognize Detroit’s homeless citizens.
Kem has carved a niche for himself in the music world. PROMISE TO LOVE produced two #1 hit singles (‘It’s You” and “Nobody”), marking the first time KEM had two #1 songs from the same album.
He did not overcome these issues until he turned to spirituality and music, as he has said, “My career didn’t take off until I connected with my spirituality.