KEM: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It's the same spirit - stripped-down sets, an intimate setting - just a different space.
Suraya Mohamed | November 23, 2020
Recorded in his hometown of Detroit, KEM's Tiny Desk performance is light, welcoming and beautifully decorated. So is his music. After almost 20 years of recording R&B hits like "I Can't Stop Loving You" and "Love Calls," he still comforts my soul with his sultry voice and simple, yet satisfying melodies.
Fans have been waiting since 2014 for a new album and it finally dropped earlier this year. Love Always Wins is filled with his signature romantic style. With accompaniments by veteran musicians, Michael "Nomad" Ripoll on guitar and David McMurray on saxophone, we get to hear three songs from the album in this lovely set.
The first, "Friend Today," poignantly articulates a love for our fellow humans: "There's a roll like thunder / They killing our babies, Lord / They headed straight for the border / And we can no longer ignore it." KEM wrote "Not Before You," a classic romantic love song, as a dedication to his wife, Erica. "Lonely" ends the set with an upbeat, hopeful vibe: "There's a life waiting for you / In your brokenness." It's an affirmation that personal struggles can end in true happiness.
SET LIST
"Friend Today"
"Not Before You"
"Lonely"
MUSICIANS
KEM: vocals, keys
Michael "Nomad" Ripoll: guitar
David McMurray: saxophone
CREDITS
Video: Herman Jenkins
Audio: Kristofer Truzzi
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Video Producer: Morgan Noelle Smith
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Associate Producer: Bobby Carter
Tiny Production Team: Bob Boilen, Kara Frame, Maia Stern
Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

[@BasedPhenom]

I wish he played, “Love Calls” that song is AMAZING

[@babydee007]

I was hoping the very same

[@michellemartin2330]

Same, should’ve sang his classics.

[@tamekal795]

Yesss!

[@phillytreez]

I cant lie I wanted to hear "Love Calls", "I can't stop loving u" and "Share my life" 😂😂😂

[@asiablackgrl6482]

He didn’t play Love Calls???! Omg 😱 😢 😩

[@candicekstewart]

Love KEM. I'm patiently waiting on the Sade Tiny Desk.

[@asshhdoll]

Who’s gonna tell her?

[@ymb6987]

Oh My - now THAT would be amazing! Co-sign that!!

[@ymb6987]

@@Alwaysindys lol

[@birdhead73]

Wishing upon a star for that one 🙂

[@lungabivandlovu6028]

Ain't we all

[@Given_Kubayi]

I honestly feel like Tiny desk owes us another session with Kem! 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵❤️

[@telmd1]

I have to agree... "The Classics" with Kem!!! I was lucky enough to catch him in concert in 2018. Jeffrey Osbourne opened for him here. Why did Kem make that mistake. They had to drag Jeffrey off the stage...LOL Amazing show!!!

[@stormb8433]

1000%

[@yeezydoes_it]

Nobody: Kem: Hey Girl!

[@asshhdoll]

😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@herFLYness79]

😂😂😂😂

[@BlackGoldSoul]

Thats that man signature lol

[@dblccole]

😆😆😆

[@Eye.Manifest]

😂 yess

[@thuks101]

The man didnt even play any of his hits/classics but still killed it

[@vtymes1982]

I don't think I have heard a Kem song I didn't like. He's great and awesome lyrics too.❤💐😍👠💋

[@heartstrings110]

The true artist on Tiny Desk are the sound and mixing engineers. Every single episode sounds great.

[@deadbeef6332]

Ayyyy u right

[@dennissalisbury496]

Audio, very impressive. KEXP is also equally tech competent.

[@g.p.3343]

agree! one of the reasons I listen to every kind of genre on NPR and KEM is killin it too

[@fine_art_wr]

Why is this session so short?!

[@Xenevyar]

i agree!

[@brotherLee340]

This really deserves millions of views. Kem is the type of artist that are perfect for shows like this. No gimmicks. Just great music!

[@phillytreez]

Erykah Badu ✅ Kem ✅ now all I need is Marsha Ambrosius, Jill Scott and Musiq 😂😂😂

[@suthernbella]

...and India Arie!

[@atruewonder]

Oooohhh yessssss!

[@ymb6987]

Yesss Bring It Tiny Desk!

[@RayAhmon16]

Marsha has been featured on here with Robert Glasper! But I agree, she needs her own....plus Musiq and Jill are definitely overdue!!

[@WiiNV]

Chrisette Michele Joe

[@cdyann]

Good Lord. The saxophone player took this somewhere else entirely. Kem is already one of my favorites, this too-short Tiny Desk was wonderful.

[@nickolascooper19]

Far too short!!

[@makebacunningham6795]

C Dyann oh my goodness yes the sax player was somewhere else!!! I felt the notes. Probably why KEM said he brought in some heavy artillery

[@emberos]

this man is probably responsible for both my children . . . "kemistry" came out in 2003, my daughter born in 2004, his "album ii" came out in 2005, my son born in 2006 . . .

[@dr.karenhinton-polite4680]

Lol, love it!

[@adrienne_12thorpe]

That’s that new math

[@jeromeshadwick3884]

I try not to play his music because it makes me want go astray

[@Joelio8701]

Lol amazing

[@PentameronSV]

0:00 - *Friend Today* (3:04) 3:36 - *Not Before You* (7:57) 8:19 - *Lonely*

[@vtymes1982]

Great music ❤💋👠💎🎁👑💋

[@OGPeanutbutter]

In case yall dont know him, he makes grown folk rnb (ironically im 22). My mom loves his music so i grew up listening to him a lot. Such a legend.

[@dblccole]

My mom too. I surprised my mom and took her to see Kem in concert. That was years ago and she's still talking about it lol

[@OGPeanutbutter]

@@dblccole dang i wish i couldve did that yo

[@dblccole]

@@OGPeanutbutter when everything opens back up 🙏

[@nicalljohn9007]

You sound like my son. He’s 21 and I love me some Kem❤️❤️❤️😂

[@kemkem4336]

Thanks for your love and support.It's a huge pleasure to know that I have got real fans.. May God continue to bless you,Kindly send me a direct message(469) 714-3808 and also don't share my number with anyone......

[@asshhdoll]

On a more serious note, I was disappointed that I didn’t recognize any of the songs on the set list but I’ve walked away with 3 new favs from him. Kem is amazing, keep making Detroit proud!!!

[@jeromeshadwick3884]

This is his New Stuff

[@danaalanaarynndonald8253]

I agree

[@kemkem4336]

Thanks for your love and support.It's a huge pleasure to know that I have got real fans.. May God continue to bless you,Kindly send me a direct message(469) 714-3808 and also don't share my number with anyone......

[@tallytastingtampa3174]

Listening to Kem and suddenly everything is all right and at a stand still

[@JB-sq2bh]

Kem makes some amazing music

[@kemkem4336]

Thanks for your love and support.It's a huge pleasure to know that I have got real fans.. May God continue to bless you,Kindly send me a direct message(469) 714-3808 and also don't share my number with anyone......

[@s2cnappl]

And it's official...nearly 20 years later, and I love Kem all over again! Fantastic talent right here!

[@TerrySoul-72]

I love the fact that KEM has stayed true to who he is. Not been tempted into commercial or trendy R&B.. His music is timeless. His 1st album is as fresh today, & love me some Kemistry.. For those new to KEM, see his new single “Love” posted on her last week. Love these new tracks. Definitely be buying 💜

[@vtymes1982]

Kemp's music is always on point for me. I love his music and his style. ❤😍💎🎁🎯👠💋

[@waterseveon1]

I have seen him live in concert!!! He is the real deal!!! he calms my stress!

[@DUNZODaDON]

Oh yes the legend himself

[@gaylonjohnson904]

Kem is that guy! I love his music. This great to wake up to 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@joannelindsay4977]

I follow him on IG. Last night I noticed he posted a tiny desk link, and I can say it's great cuddle music too. I had to repeat in the AM. Loved the track Lonely. That sexy sax!!!! ❤

[@kemkem4336]

Thanks for your love and support.It's a huge pleasure to know that I have got real fans.. May God continue to bless you,Kindly send me a direct message(469) 714-3808 and also don't share my number with anyone......

[@ashleyrhinehart3658]

I just know this is a good one! Love me some Kem!

[@DjNN01]

Saw Kem & I clicked so fast, couldn’t miss those buttery vocals🔥🔥🤩🤩NPR for the win again🥳Thank you

[@marcavonevans]

One of the smoothest voices and simple, infectious groove artists. His music is never over complicated, always just right.

[@coreyposley808]

Kem is definitely in a class of his own. His music has helped me look at so many issues I had from a different perspective as I played him over the years to make sense of things. Midwest stand up!

[@RobertSlover]

that sweater is simply unacceptable....

[@sugarcaneplain2097]

🙏🏾

[@Alphacentauri819]

@@RobertSlover phew... I was looking for the ultimate authority on all that is acceptable/unacceptable. Now I know. I found you. You can help solve all the world’s BIG issues. Challenge your narratives, explore why you believe as you do. Let go of unimportant things, such as what other people wear.

[@RobertSlover]

@@Alphacentauri819 no content bot.

[@Alphacentauri819]

@@RobertSlover Wow, you are an original. Slinging creative phrases like you have any left sided brain activity...🙄 No content doesn’t mean jack sweetheart. Have a beautiful day 😘 How about expanding your rigid perceptions for a change? Getting a little humility? Checking your subconscious programs and conditioning? They don’t let bots do critical care on humans yet... so... that’s about how bot-like I am. 😂😁

[@brixandblooms]

Kem is what a man sounds like when he's genuinely in love. The vulnerability in the pen is phenomenal. My 2 kids are proof.

[@kemkem4336]

Thanks for your love and support.It's a huge pleasure to know that I have got real fans.. May God continue to bless you,Kindly send me a direct message(469) 714-3808 and also don't share my number with anyone......

[@jerroljulian]

I’m always torn between these acts playing their classics vs. more obscure songs that they happen to love. Regardless, I love Kem and everything he’s brought to the game. Aging like fine wine!

[@kemkem4336]

Thanks for your love and support.It's a huge pleasure to know that I have got real fans.. May God continue to bless you,Kindly send me a direct message(469) 714-3808 and also don't share my number with anyone......

[@SpaceRecordsMy]

❤ wouldn't discover this without NPR music

[@RikusRedBlack]

Thx NPR 💚💛❤️

[@jbrownx1]

Kem has been doing it for a good minute. When you get a chance, check out some of hits that came out between 2003 to 2010 - great music!

[@kemet432]

You have a awesome time a head check out all KEM albums

[@MammaKush88]

Welcome to the sensual, romantic and unique realm, dear friend.

[@jbill7808]

@@RikusRedBlack kem does a great live show

[@dariuslima]

One of my faves of all time! Been listening to him since i was a kid and his voice still the same! Pure talent...he should get more recognition!

[@RobertSlover]

that sweater is simply unacceptable....

[@kawandajohnson6297]

Kem is a breath of fresh air

[@SP-mh9qw]

One of the best at Smooth R&B! Nice work Tiny Desk. Keep 'em coming!

[@rodvieb]

Smooth like butter

[@kemkem4336]

Thanks for your love and support.It's a huge pleasure to know that I have got real fans.. May God continue to bless you,Kindly send me a direct message(469) 714-3808 and also don't share my number with anyone......

[@asshhdoll]

Yes Kem makes beautiful music & has a beautiful voice but that sweater wins!!

[@kemkem4336]

Thanks for your love and support.It's a huge pleasure to know that I have got real fans.. May God continue to bless you,Kindly send me a direct message(469) 714-3808 and also don't share my number with anyone......

[@valeriestancil813]

Yesss that sweater is nasty!!!!… he be dressing his tail off anyway

[@toyatanisha7391]

Why was this so short 😔! Kem is one of the few artists who consistently puts out great quality music👏🏾! Glad you’re back Kem 🙌🏾

[@kemkem4336]

Thanks for your love and support.It's a huge pleasure to know that I have got real fans.. May God continue to bless you,Kindly send me a direct message(469) 714-3808 and also don't share my number with anyone......

[@asia6016]

Haven’t heard from KEM in awhile! Such a gift.

[@DreEst1991]

He dropped an album earlier this year

[@vtymes1982]

❤💐💎👠🎯🎁👑👍⭐💞😍

[@MotheRuckerlove]

Love me some Kem. 🥰

[@cakredi4132]

That voice, man.

[@DJMELODEE1]

Big Fan of KEM ...Good Music !!

[@andreyzuza5521]

This melody in the first Song tastes like heaven

[@uqonsoul]

One hour ago! I'm quick! Thank you NPR Lowkey wishing KEM here with Toni Braxton singing their duet I love KEM voice

[@mschcolate1]

OMGoodness his voice sounds so pleasant! As if its the radio..WOW

[@adrienne_12thorpe]

I love the way he sings his soul out of his songs.

[@kemkem4336]

Thanks for your love and support.It's a huge pleasure to know that I have got real fans.. May God continue to bless you,Kindly send me a direct message(469) 714-3808 and also don't share my number with anyone......

[@chrisbullock6477]

The king of Wedding and Anniversary songs

[@sherilynn]

💗 Kem!

[@kemkem4336]

Thanks for your love and support.It's a huge pleasure to know that I have got real fans.. May God continue to bless you,Kindly send me a direct message(469) 714-3808 and also don't share my number with anyone........

[@illesttrinidiva]

That saxophone was everything!

[@qcktap23]

We see you Kem! 🔥🔥🔥

[@Aizen-hc1oz]

This man has a extremely great unique voice love hearing him sing and his relaxing music. Good to the soul

[@camsmith2463]

The vibes in this is just phenomenal📶⏫✅

[@Hardmoth]

NPR killin it..love me some Kem!!!

[@crispmom]

"Lonely" here is simply a beautiful song. The vocals. The sax. The piano. The lyrics. All are perfection. I feel this song in my bones, and I'm not even lonely.

[@jpermint]

Never a disappointment!! Needed a longer tiny desk concert from him!! Love me some KEM! I dont know how I missed this one

[@coreywallace8147]

I'd love to work with Kem someday he's one of my favorite singers of all time!

[@brittdavid8591]

Musicians to bring the Power of Black Art👊🏾

[@kemkem4336]

Thanks for your love and support.It's a huge pleasure to know that I have got real fans.. May God continue to bless you,Kindly send me a direct message(469) 714-3808 and also don't share my number with anyone......

[@lee-annpienaar762]

The sax on Lonely is sooo smooth...love it.

[@michaelkutulas8878]

Wow! Wonderful on every level! Thanks NPR!

[@kemkem4336]

Thanks for your love and support.It's a huge pleasure to know that I have got real fans.. May God continue to bless you,Kindly send me a direct message(469) 714-3808 and also don't share my number with anyone......

[@jeromeshadwick3884]

This some smooth stuff. Love me some KEM

[@kemkem4336]

Thanks for your love and support.It's a huge pleasure to know that I have got real fans.. May God continue to bless you,Kindly send me a direct message(469) 714-3808 and also don't share my number with anyone......

[@beyourself2444]

How did I miss this, I love Kem

[@nataliemscrzysxycoolharris9623]

YOU BETTA SAAAAAANNNNNGGGG!!

[@kemkem4336]

Thanks for your love and support.It's a huge pleasure to know that I have got real fans.. May God continue to bless you,Kindly send me a direct message(469) 714-3808 and also don't share my number with anyone......

[@delmabrown8681]

what a voice! God has truly blessed, you kem.

[@kemkem4336]

Thanks for your love and support.It's a huge pleasure to know that I have got real fans.. May God continue to bless you,Kindly send me a direct message(469) 714-3808 and also don't share my number with anyone......

[@davidrobinson8436]

Love this album! Kem has consistently put out good music since Kemistry in 2003! One of my all time favorite R&B artists.

[@catherineprince5345]

This man is simply WONDERFUL!! Always has a testimony!! LOVE me some KEM!!!!!!

[@flo-dd5sw]

I am so happy for Kem, his wife, and all the love that illuminates from him.

[@leonardolelacher8383]

So good to wake up like this. Showering to go to work listening some Kem! I got surprised when I’ve seem him here 🥰

[@reginafarmer5138]

Love Kem voice is still crisp and clear ♥️💖♥️💖

[@azariazulu]

How am I JUST discovering that Kem has a Tiny Desk oml 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@jaderene]

This entire performance from three incredibly talented musicians, just warms my soul and brings the joy of listening to great music back!

[@kemkem4336]

Thanks for your love and support.It's a huge pleasure to know that I have got real fans.. May God continue to bless you,Kindly send me a direct message(469) 714-3808 and also don't share my number with anyone......

[@danaalanaarynndonald8253]

Thank you !! thank you!! thank you !! I’ve been waiting for this!!!!!

[@kemkem4336]

Thanks for your love and support.It's a huge pleasure to know that I have got real fans.. May God continue to bless you,Kindly send me a direct message(469) 714-3808 and also don't share my number with anyone.......

[@dwaigntyndal]

All of KEM songs are epic

[@flakeyjay]

Forgot how smooth KEM's voice is.. nicely done!

[@fredabeaty180]

Always love his music a very souful artist!!!!

[@kemkem4336]

Thanks for your love and support.It's a huge pleasure to know that I have got real fans.. May God continue to bless you,Kindly send me a direct message(469) 714-3808 and also don't share my number with anyone.......

[@stylebykatb.5661]

KEM is awesome! I bought his first CD for 5 of my friends I love his vibe so much, everyone should know about him. So happy he is on Tiny Desk!

[@kemkem4336]

Thanks for your love and support.It's a huge pleasure to know that I have got real fans.. May God continue to bless you,Kindly send me a direct message(469) 714-3808 and also don't share my number with anyone......

[@tracystokes6299]

Wow how beautiful. Do your thing Kem. I'm loving it.

[@kemkem4336]

Thanks for your love and support.It's a huge pleasure to know that I have got real fans.. May God continue to bless you,Kindly send me a direct message(469) 714-3808 and also don't share my number with anyone.......

[@earlenejohnson-boyd3065]

"Lonely" that's one of your good ones. Kem

[@smashboogietheilladelic5740]

Detroit in the House y’all!

[@kemkem4336]

Thanks for your love and support.It's a huge pleasure to know that I have got real fans.. May God continue to bless you,Kindly send me a direct message(469) 714-3808 and also don't share my number with anyone........

[@zinesikhupela1533]

I've never opened a notification so fast. I liked before watching. I just knew he would bring it! Also, can we talk about how smooth the sax is😍

[@FunkFolks]

My absolute favourite artist

[@Maine_Topic]

KEM... My guy!.. I really want him to sing at my Wedding... 💪🏿💯

[@faba5142]

Great moment ! Thanks KEM

[@elizabethbrownjames4091]

These songs are not played ofen, but it was very refreshing to sit and enjoy them. Bless..yeh man🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@RF-ub4qf]

I remember when he was new and I saw him perform on the Santa Monica pier! I knew he was a mega star right away! ❤

[@marthafernandez2563]

Kem I've been going thru a heavy duty Spiritual awakening 🙏 cleansing, purging and your Gorgeous music has been a huge part of it.....anyone who can play piano and write lyrics and sing with such Soul touching,heart strings 💜 pulling,You sing like an Angel!!!! Thank you for your incredible talent!!! 🙏🥰✨💜🌷❣️🎹🎤🙏

[@landofgoshenstudios6402]

He still got it!!Jams.

[@l_michelle_3217]

Absolutely love,his voice. I’ve seen him in concert,what a magical experience for couples 💫❤️.

[@senghpungaglasham3707]

Sax players always give me the best vibe

[@EdAnde]

Kem is such a legend

[@tjflacid]

bring kem back!!!

[@lisajohnson6057]

Love me some KEM!💙❤️💙

[@mariacrudup2501]

Just classic and romantic! I love me some KEM. Great music to have a romantic dinner to.

[@keishabrown7712]

Yesss Kem..

[@kemkem4336]

Thanks for your love and support.It's a huge pleasure to know that I have got real fans.. May God continue to bless you,Kindly send me a direct message(469) 714-3808 and also don't share my number with anyone.......

[@ericie88]

My guy love his music

[@carmenyolandagreene3049]

Not before You.. one of my favorites

[@bgirlmids]

I love your your sound KEM! All these songs are spectacular.

[@mikedelferro]

Wonderful, thank you Tiny Desk, amazing and inspiring channel.

[@cookie22100]

I love Kem. Born in the 90's, but his songs still hit.

[@reonnweller9364]

Love the live Kem..

[@jhonfortaybungchew9090]

One of my Favorite artists!!!!!

[@dashavelasquez]

One of my favorite artists, thank you NPR!

[@ellabruce230]

Love him! Love his testimony!

[@tabathagano1014]

Wow Love me some Kem. 💕💕🔥🔥🔥🔥💕💕💕 .

[@sugarcaneplain2097]

Thank you guys sooooo much. What a wonderful selection✨

[@kingkoti4912]

love this man