Music saw singer/songwriter/producer, KEM, through the darkest moments in his life as a child, which is where his love of music began.
After high school, his life took a downward turn, and he eventually found himself in and out of drug rehabilitation centers and homeless shelters. Music was his solace during those times, and he played the shelter’s piano every night. He hit rock bottom when after breaking shelter rules, he was relegated to sleeping outside. It was there that he became determined to change his life.
He began waiting tables, and booked weddings and other gigs in town that would allow him to perform his original music. He continued to write, and eventually, record his music. In February of 2001, KEM independently released his first CD, KEMISTRY, and sold nearly 15,000 CD’s, piquing the interest of Universal Motown. The label signed KEM to a five-record deal in November 2001 and re-released KEMISTRY.
KEM previewed music from his second release, KEM ALBUM II, for audiences on a 20-city underground tour, after which the CD was certified gold after just two weeks of release in May 2005. Combined, KEM’s two first albums have sold in excess of than 1.6 million units.
KEM’s popularity continued as his third project, INTIMACY, debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. The first single, “Why Would You Stay,” spent several weeks at #1 on the Urban AC Radio charts, and the album’s second and third singles, “Share My Life” and “If It’s Love” both climbed into the chart’s top five.
INTIMACY was officially certified Gold in March 2012. After the release of INTIMACY, KEM headlined his sold-out national ‘Intimacy Tour’ with Special Guests Musiq Soulchild & Ledisi. Combined, KEM’s three albums have sold in excess of 2.2 million units.
In recognition of his talent, KEM was nominated for two NAACP Image Awards in 2006 for Outstanding Male Artist and Outstanding Song (“I Can’t Stop Loving You”); for a Soul Train Award for Best Male R&B/Soul Artist in 2010; two Grammy Awards in 2010 for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song (“Why Would You Stay”) and the BET Centric Award.
KEM’s acting debut comes with the release of the movie, “SPARKLE,” starring Jordin Sparks and the late Whitney Houston, in which he plays the role of club owner, Buddy.
In 2012, KEM founded Mack & Third, Inc., a Michigan domestic non-profit corporation that assists organizations that support the homeless community, including shelters and organizations which supported KEM throughout his journey from homelessness & addiction to sobriety & success. KEM’s annual ‘Mack & Third’ event is an all-day free concert to benefit and recognize Detroit’s homeless citizens. KEM will present his third ‘Mack & Third’ event in Detroit on August 26, 2012.
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