When R&B recording artist Kem was introduced to the world as a singer, he had launched his own record label, Kemistry Records. But for over 20 years, starting in 2002, he was on Motown Records’ roster, where he released seven albums, one EP, and numerous singles.
Now, Kem has returned to his roots. His latest project, distributed on Kemistry Records, is already exceeding expectations and he has returned to the top of Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay with his latest hit, “Rock With Me.”
This song marks his ninth No. 1 record. He is tied with Maxwell for fourth place, right behind Tank and Usher (10) and Charlie Wilson (11).
Great company to be with.
BLACK ENTERPRISE caught up with Kem to discuss what has been happening over the past couple of years and what’s on the horizon now that he is an independent artist again.
“I would have, I think, that one of the only things that’s missing is a Grammy, right? I think that some of the things that I used to aspire to early on were being able to tour and to create music that lasted, you know, that stood the test of time, right?”
Having gone on the road with such legends as Wilson, the O’Jays, Frankie Beverly, and the Whispers, Kem’s goal was to make the type of music that would stand the test of time and the match the legends’ stage game. He aims to work as long as they have. The measure of success in music, for some, is to tour forever, as Frankie Beverly and Maze did.
As Kem has been in the game for more than two decades, there is always the
fear of returning after several years and finding no motion. Many artists face that reality when releasing new music. Now that Kem has re-entered the arena without Motown’s backing, it could present a challenge, but he already has a No. 1 hit. The talent is still there, although the overall environment has changed.“I am evolving, but I’m not necessarily reinventing myself. I’m just staying true to the game that I started playing,” he says. “You know? And there will always be room for great music.”
But, of course, technology changes as much, if not more than, the environment. Kem says he needs to change how he distributes the music, especially since streaming platforms have changed the game, while there is still traditional radio. With the two, at least, as an independent label, he can control how
the music is disseminated, rather than having to wait for the label to dictate that. It also gives him the option to release certain songs directly to DSPs (Digital Service Providers) while still having a traditional radio rollout. It also allows him to give his fans special releases because they are dedicated to his music/channel.But running Kemistry Records as an executive and being the marquee artist is a challenge. But it’s nothing new: Kem has always had creative control, even when he was signed to Motown Records. Instead of relying on the major label for support, Kem has enlisted a core team: Music Director Willie Burnett, A&R and Creative Manager Rex Rideout, Head of Publicity Tavia Mapp-Deterville, Stylist Nafeesa Baptist, along with Andrew Asare and Denise Brown.
And speaking of technology and the current landscape, Kem is ready to accept the wave of artificial intelligence that is seeping into the industry.
“I mean, there are ways that I think AI can be beneficial to the creative process,” he said. “I think that there are aspects of AI that can be beneficial to the creative process. And it’s here, you know what I’m saying? So it don’t matter how I feel about it, ’cause it’s present, you know what I’m saying? So how can I get in line?”
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