R&B veteran Kem has departed from Motown Records, his label home for more than 20 years.
The “Love Calls” singer is returning to his independent roots with the relaunch of Kemistry Records, which initially released his debut album, Kemistry, before reissuing it on Motown.
“For more than 20 years, the Motown Records label has been good to me,” Kem said in a statement. “I’m forever honored and grateful to have had the opportunity to share in the rich legacy of the many legendary Motown artists, producers, songwriters, musicians and arrangers who solidified Detroit’s position on the musical map.”
Kem confirmed that he had asked to be released from Motown after careful consideration. “Earlier this year, I made the difficult decision of requesting that the label I’ve loved and called ‘home’ for more than two decades, release me from my contract, and Motown graciously granted my request,” he explained. “I have now returned to my Kemistry Records label, where my musical journey and my first album, Kemistry, were born.”
He continues, “My move back to Kemistry Records is a return to everything I love and cherish about the music-making process. I’m returning to my musical roots and to my independence as an artist, a songwriter, and an entrepreneur. Most importantly, I’m returning to the ability to musically reach out and touch my fans in a more meaningful way.”
In addition to his new label announcement, Kem has also revealed that his new single “Give My Love” will release later this summer via Kemistry Records.
According to press materials, the song was inspired by his recent trip to South Africa: “His reflection led to the creation of sounds and lyrics that reflect the embracing love and emotional connection that he felt during his experience in the Motherland.”
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“Give My Love” will mark Kem’s first single since releasing his Full Circle EP in 2022. The five-track project included the No. 1 hit “Stuck On You,” plus features from Ty Dolla $ign and Rick Ross.
As indicated above, Kem signed to Motown Records in November 2001, following the successful sale of 15,000 copies of Kemistry without major backing. He reissued the album in February 2003, and it was certified gold by the RIAA in the summer of 2004.
Kem released five studio albums under Motown: Kemistry (2003), Album II (2004), Intimacy: Album III (2010), Promise To Love (2014), Love Always Wins (2020). He also released a holiday album, What Christmas Means (2012), and an EP, Full Circle (2022).
Over the years, the Grammy-nominated singer has collected eight No. 1 hits on the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay chart: “Love Calls,” “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” “Why Would You Stay,” “It’s You,” “Nobody,” “Lie To Me,” “Live Out Your Love,” featuring Toni Braxton and “Stuck On You.”
In 2023, Kem celebrated 20 years at Motown with his first-ever live album, Anniversary – The Live Album.
“Celebrating the 20th anniversary of my signing to the Motown label is exceptionally significant for me,” he said. “As a young man creating music, only in my wildest dreams could I envision a life that could encapsulate the magnitude of a moment like this.”
In other news, Kem has several upcoming tour stops this summer, which can be viewed below.
Kem’s Summer 2025 Tour Dates
Jul 11 – Virginia Beach, VA @ The Dome
Jul 12 – Hanover, MD @ Live! Casino & Hotel
Jul 17 – Westbury South, NY @ Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair
Jul 18 – Newark, NJ @ New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Jul 19 – Atlantic City, NJ @ Borgata Event Center
Jul 25 – Detroit, MI @ The Aretha Franklin Amphitheater
Jul 26 – Detroit, MI @ The Aretha Franklin Amphitheater
Aug 31 – Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Live Orlando
Get tickets at musicbykem.com.
