R&B star Kem will return to St. Louis this weekend fresh on the heels of his “What Christmas Means” select city holiday tour.
His St. Louis visit is dubbed “The Holiday Jam” and won’t feature a full-fledged Christmas extravaganza like his other dates.
But Kem will be performing some of his classics over the course of his nearly 15-year career and he’ll be joined by special guests After 7 and Faith Evans this Friday, Dec. 27 at the Chaifetz Arena.
“If they love the music, that’s what we try to represent on stage when you come to the shows,” Kem said. “On our worst day, we sound exactly like the record.”
Thanks in part to his stunning live performances – and a dramatic leap of faith – Kem has enjoyed a storied career in Adult Contemporary Urban Music.
He has sold millions of records over the course of his four studio albums, received two Grammy nominations and built a cult-like following among those who have an affinity for grown folks’ music.
The Nashville-born, Detroit-raised singer/songwriter has enjoyed a route to music that is as unlikely as it is inspiring.
A full decade before Beyoncé made headlines for releasing an album without any promotion or record label support two weeks ago, Kem did so by necessity. The decision would forever change his destiny.
He was rejected by major record labels, so he decided to do what they wouldn’t – provide financial backing for the release of his debut album Kemistry.
In addition to writing and producing the album, Kem maxed out his American Express card to finance distribution of the album.
“What we did with the Kemistry CD was we put the music in the hands of the people,” Kem said. “And they loved it.”
He sold 15,000 copies on his Kemistry Records label. After the independent buzz, Universal Motown took notice.
He was signed to the label, which re-released Kemistry in 2002, released Kem Album II in May 2005 and in August 2010 released Intimacy, which debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums list and certified Gold in March 2012. Kemistry, Kem Album II and Intimacy have each been certified RIAA Gold records.
“If you get the people on your side, the record labels and the radio stations will follow,” Kem said. “Connect with those who will put your music in the hands of the people – that’s everything.”
He has enjoyed a kind of staying power that is becoming more and more of a rarity among urban music’s proverbial revolving door.
“I think why people gravitate to what we do is because it’s true and it’s real,” Kem said. “There’s no gimmick. You can’t deny a great song – and I try to create, record and perform good music.”
His most recent release is last year’s What Christmas Means, which earned critical acclaim and two NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Song.
In the spirit of the Holiday Jam, a few of his What Christmas Means album selections will be presented on the Chaifetz Arena stage this weekend – and allow for the joy of season to linger.
The Holiday Jam starring Kem with special guests Faith Evans and After 7 will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 27. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets and the Chaifetz Arena box office. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000.
