(September 9, 2025) Detroit-raised crooner KEM has spent much of his career at the Universal Music Group’s Motown, crafting six solo albums, an EP and a cluster of sultry neo-soul tunes all beginning with his gold certified debut LP, Kemistry. Songs like “Love Calls,” “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” “Into You” and “Why Would You Stay” have all been etched into the scrolls of 21st century R&B. And with eight adult R&B #1’s to date, the multi-Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter has endured as one of the premiere male vocalists in soul music by blending Isley Brothers boudoir balladry, silkier Frankie Beverly soul, and Al Jarreau vocal frills with his own distinctive Quiet Storm style.
Now stepping out as an independent artist and free from Motown, KEM is flying solo once again, dropping new content on his self-owned Kemistry Records label. Devout fans may recall seeing the Kemistry imprint on many of his album releases, including 2021’s Love Always Wins.
Kicking off the new era, KEM returns to that majestic signature sound he’s known for. Dressed in a buttery midtempo slow jam, “Rock with Me,” co-produced by Rex Rideout, is a fine example of a smooth soul template aging like fine wine. And his use of the “baby” phrasing is still in motion, especially on the groovy vamp: “I keep living for us/Giving for us/Praying for us/Staying for us, baby.”
Check out the new track from the “Stuck on You” singer and let us know if you’re “rockin’” with it.
By J Matthew Cobb
