What Happened To R&B Singer Kem? | How His Battle With Addiction Nearly Cost Him Everything

American R&B singer, songwriter and producer Kim Owens, better known by his stage name Kem, was born in Nashville, Tennessee and raised near Detroit, Michigan. Even though he didn’t come from a musical family, Kem ended up as a child prodigy of sorts teaching himself to play the piano beginning around the age of 3. He had an obvious passion for it and would sit and play for hours. He started singing in front of his classmates around the 5th grade. Since he wasn’t a very good student, Kem says he enjoyed doing it because it was the first thing that got him a positive response. However, as time went on, Kem’s life would end up going down a dark path full of addiction, depression and homelessness.
#Kem
SOURCES:
• KEM "Lie To Me" Interv...
• Kem: "Married Life Is ...
• KEM & Erica - Our Love...
• Video
• Video
ratedrnb.com/2020/08/for-kem-...
youknowigotsoul.com/interview...
/ mackandthird
/ musicbykem
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kem_(si...)
www.musicbykem.com/
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ABOUT LET'S GET TO THE ROOT
Hi! I'm Genevieve and this is my second channel. I'm a lifestyle blogger who's obsessed with skincare, self love, 90's r&b music and anything chocolate! Don't forget to check out my main channel, Genuinely Genevieve!
Let's Get To The Root lives up to its name by going beyond just the surface. This channel takes a deep dive into all the interesting and shocking information about all your favourite Hollywood celebrities, entertainers, social media personalities, public figures, movies, television shows and more from back in the day to the present. You'll get all the nostalgic feels and find out what your favs have currently been up to. The answers to all your burning questions and extra juicy details you never knew before are all right here!

[@Hains22]

Kem doesn’t get the love he deserves. “Share My Life” is one of the best ballads of the 2010s

[@michelleferguson17]

Yes indeed

[@b1bo840]

i can think of 2 reasons he don't get the love you feel he deserves, every song he writes is chock full of the words "baby" and "hey girl".... he'd do well to hire a lyricist

[@sherricason1548]

Sure Is, the best. Going to see him In Da Chi 4/29.

[@teresatotton7570]

Yes

[@sherricason1548]

He has some good writers as Anthony Hamilton wrote, "You Don't Have To Lie To Me."

[@beaniegee5129]

Kem definitely deserves more credit and he deserves his flowers while he's still here

[@tinyking11]

I love KEM so much. I'm glad he turned his life around, found love and is going back on tour.

[@nataliemscrzysxycoolharris]

Kem has one of those voices that makes you close your eyes and be somewhere else while you sway to the rhythms that touch your soul. I'm happy he overcame and continues to woo us thru song.

[@OreliaLatrice]

KEM is amazing. The fact that he turned his life around is a real blessing and miracle. Addiction is no joke & getting through that is something to be respected.

[@katieriritaylor15]

WOW, I had no idea the demons he dealt with or faced. His music is that "feel good" vibe & the energy in it doesn't reflect any of those personal struggles he was going thru at all. I'm so glad he kept faith and & stayed true to his passion for music making. Any song Kem starts off with, or you hear that "HEY GIRL!...." LOL is gonna be a hit!

[@Butterflies515]

Right that hey money is the money maker lol

[@gergiosritchesofficiallyre1139]

AND YOU HAVE NO CLUE AS TO THE HELL HE HAS TAKEN ME THROUGH BY THE DAMNLIE THAT'S BEEN TOLD SO IN ORDER TO FREE BOTH OF US FROM ANY ADDICTION IT IS ESSENTIAL HE GET TO ME TO TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS YES THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT WILL FREE HIS CONSCIOUS YES TRUTH WILL SET BOTH OF US FREE YES GOD HONEST TRUTH THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT I KEEP PRAYING HE GET HERE THIS MY MISSION BECAUSE RESENTMENTS KEEP YOU SICK ITS A FACT THAT WHEN YOU IN RECOVERY THE STEP THAT'S MAKE AMENDS WHEN POSSIBLE IS RECOMMENDED FOR A REAL RECOVERY BECAUSE YOU DO NOT HAVE TO USE DRUGS OR ALCOHOL TO SHOW THE BEHAVIOR OF AN ADDICT. THE FACT'S. THEM THE GOD HONEST TRUTH FACTS THE DRUG IS NOTHING COMPARED TO THE CYCLE OF INSANITY THATS EXACTLY WHAT HE IS INSANE TO KEEP MAKING THE SAME DECISIONS AND EXPECT DIFFERENT RESULT'S LOL FACT'S LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL FACTS SO WHAT ME DOING EXACTLY WHAT I'M SUPPOSE TO RIGHT NOW FACTS 💯 HELL YES FACTS YES FACTS BECAUSE HE KEEP ME SICK WITH THIS DAMN LIE HELL YES FACTS. I'M TRYING BREAK THE CHAINS THATS BINDED ME FROM ACTIVE USE OF ANYTHING AT THE TIME TO MAKE THINGS REALITY FACTS OK YES FACTS SO THIS IS TRULY THE THE CALL FOR HELP YES FACTS M THE FACT THAT I KEEP WAITING DAY BY DAY FOR MY HUSBAND KEM TO BE AN HONEST MAN WITH THE THING'S THAT WE BOTH NEED TO RECOVER FROM THIS WOULD SURE GAIN THE RESPECT THAT'S NEEDED IN HIS LIFE AS WELL AS MINE FOR THE CRIMES THATS HAPPENED ABOUT THIS MONEY AND MY SON HE OLDEST BOY OF KEM AND MINES HE GET PHONE YES FACTS A FACT HE KNOW AT LEAST A FACT THAT BECAUSE HE OURS YES FACTS HE ONLY ABOUT 5 OR 6 YEARS AND OLD AND CAN SEE ME ON THE KEYBOARD ⌨️ TELING ME MOM RIGHT NOW AND O TELL HIM LAST NIGHT O WAS NOT PLAYING WITH HIM LOLOL FACTS 💯 A FACT 💯 THE GOD HONEST TRUTH HIM KNOW THAT CLOROX LOL ME BY SUPERVISION I TELL HIS DADDY RIGHT NOW THAT BABY SITTER SHE CAN FILL HIM BOTTLES UP RIGHT THE HELL YES RIGHT NOW KEM I'M SERIOUS FACTS.

[@nicolesherman8974]

I can’t stop loving you is still a banger to this day! I also loved his recent collaboration with Toni Braxton.

[@maryperry6573]

And Love Calls!

[@danavixen6274]

Beautiful song!!!! ❣️

[@danavixen6274]

@@maryperry6573 Timeless! To me, Love Calls sounds like an homage to the great Al Jarreau. 😔🙏🏾❣️🕊️

[@tinyking11]

Love calls, why would you stay, share my life, I can’t stop loving you! 🔥🔥💕

[@iheartme191]

"Can you feel it" and "If its love"are good ones too.

[@francofrancis1646]

In my Kem voice "Hey Guurrl"

[@MrColatown]

Every time I hear him say that, I burst out laughing!

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

@@MrColatown lol there was a post on Facebook about singers with annoying voices that gurrl was mentioned his voice isn't for everyone 😂 .

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

@@MrColatown the way he says "lie " in that lie to me song too his voice isn't the usual.

[@TheRetroWoman80]

Lol, yep that trademark

[@MrQuietstorm93]

Very underrated artist!!! Kem makes that real grown folks music!! 😎

[@crencottrell7849]

I just find it so evil how so many talented people get taken advantage of and they never fully bounce back from it

[@ajad.1768]

Kem is doing just fine. Saw him in concert this past Saturday and he was AMAZING!

[@sherricason1548]

Going to see him and Face on 4/29 in Da Chi🤗🤗🤗!

[@ajad.1768]

@@sherricason1548 you are in for a treat. Face was dancing and everything. Have fun!

[@CourtneyA.]

Love his music. I remember when KEM performed at the Jacksonville Jazz festival several years ago and when I tell you the entire festival was PACKED, it was packed! People were listening on top of the parking garages. What a great experience ☺️

[@valeriewilliams7345]

This why Kem make beautiful music because he been through so much pain. Hallelujah!!!!

[@carsondouglas8600]

I like Kem's music. I will support him, especially since he married a black women.🖤

[@carsondouglas8600]

@@sunshinesunflowerz1647 my grammer is correct. wtf is wrong with you? you went out your way to get shut tf down.

[@alberthenley2988]

@@sunshinesunflowerz1647 And that's why I love black women and would marry one. That sassy way a black woman gives correction like a splash of Barbecue sauce.

[@psychomammiescaught2506]

him being a broken man should not get him any woman

[@vickieadams6648]

@@alberthenley2988 😂😂😂

[@NycBeauty]

✅

[@FaridaDawkinsYY]

Wow, you just never know things that people go through...

[@ItsallaboutBee]

Kem singing live is an amazing experience alls I have to say!!! 🙏🏽💜

[@ladylovelace501]

I know… I saw him perform live 3 times. I will never forget it. It was a timeless experience.

[@organicallygrownwoman]

More Wins, More Grace, More Love to Kem💙 Never give up! Keep Fighting and know that God is Able! Philippians 4:13

[@7777Lace]

He’s an incredible song writer, musician & vocalist!!!

[@gloriapurdie1199]

I love his music, I'm a big fan of all his music. I'll be praying for him.

[@karioke615]

Can’t wait to see him and Babyface in concert next week!

[@sherricason1548]

Going to see him in Chicago on 4/29. Enjoy the concert!

[@litishalockett9500]

I saw them last week. Amazing show!

[@uniqueorganicshaircare9880]

Going in May sooo excited

[@veej4444]

Absolutely love KEM he took me through some hard times‼️🥰

[@SaharaColeman]

I love his song Lie To Me, I turn it up every time it comes on the radio.

[@jennyjones3978]

Me too! ❤️❤️❤️

[@NewlifeNewbeginnings2]

On my amazon playlist!!!

[@youvegot2bkiddingme133]

The routine that his dancers do on the tour to it is TOOOO cute!! I had to message one and tell her, girl TEACH me that CHOREO!

[@timmy841212]

Great how he’s found the light at the end of his tunnel. His story is truly inspiring.

[@blackamericanlesbianprofes4357]

My late Mommy greatly enjoyed Kem's vocals when he debuted. Thank you for posting.

[@geraldinerandolph6945]

I love his music, may God put his hands on the talented young man. Heal his addiction in the mighty name of Jesus I pray. Peace and Love 🙏🏼❤️

[@LadyHavana74]

*Kim's (Kem's) life story reminds me of my husband-in-Spirit, the alcohol and drug addiction, the depression... OMG I'm reduced to tears here!!! So glad Kim (Kem) made it!!! I hope he'll always bring us the love music! I love and adore this man's music, his passion, his true love for his wife Erica and their 6 children!!! "Extraordinary" isn't even a sufficient word to describe him! Love him and his music always! I'll eternally sing "I Can't Stop Loving You" and "Nobody" to my one true love, the love of my entire life and twin soul, Mark. 🌹🌹🌹💯*

[@mochap19]

One of my favorites is how did you find your way. I'm happy that he was able to come back full circle. I love Kem, he's an exceptional singer. I hope to catch him on one of his tours.

[@kejathomas2967]

Share my life and love cells... I love his music.

[@vickieadams6648]

Man he was very young when he started drinking. I had no idea he had gone through that kind of struggle as a young man😳😳. He's got that cool vibe. I love his music too. Good looking guy. His album came out during one 0f the "most interesting" times of my life. His sound kind of reminds me of Al Jerreau.

[@reneeterrell2539]

Just attended his kick off show on March 30, with Babyface and Sherri Shepherd. Great Show.

[@SweetE1403]

Well I’ll tell you this, Kem is a believer and God has really blessed him. He is very out spoken about his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

[@danavixen6274]

So proud a 💎 like Kem was raised in my hometown Detroit. ❤️

[@lamontsgymandcustomknives7385]

Great piece, KEM set the world on fire in the early 2000s great artist did not know he was a recovering addict God Bless his journey

[@MsAngelaSunshine]

KEM is currently on tour.

[@DrLadyBugM]

Definitely a concert worth the ticket. It is a fantastic experience.

[@sherricason1548]

Going to see him in Da Chi on 4/29, 🤗🤗🤗!

[@gisellebarrow9672]

Kem is such an incredible talent, an appears to be a very humble man. I hope he has continued success in his professional and private life!🙏🏽

[@chancest.thomas5160]

STILL #1 in My book 📓 Been on Him since I was 23. I'm now almost 40

[@herbalessence3874]

Kems voice and style reminds me of the one and only MR .AL JAREAU !!

[@sharonfrazier2460]

Yep. I was thinking the way he phrases his lyrics are similar to remind you of Al Jarreau. I'm certain he has been told that.

[@herbalessence3874]

@@sharonfrazier2460 Wouldn't it be nice if Kem was to remake "" Teach Me Tonight "" 🎹🎵🎼 I'll use the stars to write I love you , a thousand times across the sky 🎶🎵🎼

[@sharonfrazier2460]

@@herbalessence3874 Yep! That would be cool!

[@sonteesontee4227]

@Herbal Essence You are so right! I wonder if Al is one of Kem's influencer. Mr. Jarreau was also underrated! Voice can not be duplicated.

[@eclefmusic1]

wow, his story is amazing, deff covered by God. 🙌🙌🙌never judge somebodies life today, you never know the path God has them on.

[@beingnaturallieme]

I saw him perform a few years back and it was amazing love his music!

[@DrLadyBugM]

His concerts are amazing!

[@sherricason1548]

Been to majority of all of them, Yesssss🤗🤗🤗!

[@angelicfaithh2664]

I love me some Kem, thank you so much for this.

[@bornwithclass2365]

I can’t stop loving you and love calls, I still bump in the whip till this day like it just came out. My mom kept kem albums.

[@lightsandglass]

I love Kem's music, had no idea about his personal life and journey. Great video!

[@JeremiahSpeaks]

Thank you for all the content my sister. God bless you and your family ❣️

[@JuicyPopEntertainment]

You're welcome! Same to you. 🥰

[@taureanmay7480]

@@JuicyPopEntertainment you too.

[@MrBeautiful2908]

Kem is a true R&B Treasure. His music is simply marvelous. My beautiful wife, Tara got married to his song “I Can’t Stop Loving You” back in 2019. Truly One of a Kind, no doubt.

[@jonhester8909]

What a beautiful story. So inspiring. #TheBestIsYetToCome!💯🙌🏾

[@MrJmazing1]

Kem makes great music... Is anyone else very impressed by how good the Love Always Wins album is ??

[@beaniegee5129]

A story on singer K'Jon would be very interesting

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

I love his song on the ocean.

[@michaels5166]

KEM..Your talent is a GIFT,yet I know you pain keeps you from realizing what affect you have on the world. I wish you the best,I wish you peace,I wish you harmony, because I know where pain can take you...

[@sandrajackson8276]

Kem is just fine , he’s on tour selling out shows!!! And his memoir is amazing!!! So don’t mess with Kem !!!!

[@deepdarkcocoa7956]

I love Can You Feel it by Kem. That songs puts me in a different mood.

[@brendariley9433]

I love Mr Kem Owens, his music, his style and continues to bless him and his family

[@everythingbyjohn]

Yessssssss I’m only 28 but I love that song LOVE CALLS. play that everyday lol

[@TheNewgreatlife]

I'm 29 and I love that song too! It's my favorite song by him. It just takes you to this romantic, jazzy place in your mind. I picture a dark moody room filled with incense or a jazz club when I hear "Love Calls."

[@everythingbyjohn]

@@TheNewgreatlife haha right Great music is universally respected.

[@serterriamonet4580]

Yesss Love Calls just does something to my spirit ✨

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

@@everythingbyjohn that was the first one I ever heard of him.

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

@@TheNewgreatlife that's the vibe it brings .

[@CyberBella4U]

I saw KEM on tour live with Maxwell as the headliner, and honestly, I enjoyed him way more than the headliner. 💜 Live your life, KEM.

[@buddyraw9778]

Whenever Kem come to mind, I think of the lyric "hey girl" which is in nearly all of his songs but I can't wait for him to say it.

[@kierrawashington5647]

I love Kem I never knew he had a past addition. He is an awesome singer

[@michelleferguson17]

God-bless this man ❤❤

[@SheTwice]

I LOVE Kem!! Will be seeing him in May with Babyface. His music is so amaaaazing ♥️

[@LotusDolly]

It’s why his music is so heartfelt and loving. He’s an amazing artist, many blessings to him!

[@etherealdreams7936]

"Cherish this moment" is one of my favourites by Kem 🙏🎼🔥

[@brendarayford6304]

Love Kem. I was lucky to see him perform live. AWESOME!

[@beaniegee5129]

Love these stories so much!!

[@KamisKisses]

I heard him at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues years ago. His voice is so smooth and captivating💕

[@phillycheesecakesss3012]

I listen to his old music all the time. My daughter usually calms down after hearing his voice lol

[@Chris-hz3bt]

Man one of my favorite artists of all time!! Still have yet to see him live hope he performs in California soon.

[@sherricason1548]

Check out his concert dates as I think he will be hitting your town soon!

[@Chris-hz3bt]

@@sherricason1548 ok thank you

[@dashiajames1882]

The things you learn about artists..!! Such a great singer..!!

[@LazarusStr]

Wow, I knew none of what I learned in this video! I can't say I know a lot of his songs but I will definitely check out more of his tunes after watching this video 🙌🏾. From one human to another, I am so happy that he had such a happy ending. Love came back to him as he was giving it out, even though he was dealing with his own demons. Truly love this fact about his story. 💕🥰

[@mumu7895]

I listen to him everyday he’s so soothing ❤️

[@sherricason1548]

Sho is, ebonics🤗🤗! Very soothing!

[@cocomamacita365]

I’m so in love with him. He’s everything. Thanks again Kem…. If you read this you know why ( he’s a beautiful kind soul)

[@PeekaPeep]

Have nothing but absolute respect for this guy. Back when most of the male R&B/Soul artists of my generation here in the US were too busy selling out their souls to mainstream "Hip-Pop" nonsense, Kem quietly stayed true to both himself and his art, giving us a musical legacy that will outlast whatever tasteless Billboard "flavor of the moment" throwaways are clogging the airwaves in the meantime (lol). He honestly reminds me of Will Downing in that sense, now THERE'S a brother who seriously worked his tail off to help keep the "old-school" tradition from completely dying out in the '90s! Hope he's in better health these days, auto-immune problems are nothing to take lightly folks.... 😔🙏

[@MrBoggiejamz]

Thank you for this one and a lot of your other content. I just became a subscriber. I love Kem's story and pray that he stays strong and steadfast in his healthy lifestyle. I really appreciate his music. I am a Luther Vandross, Brian McKnight fan but when I heard his music I was captivated. There is such a level of sincerity and wholeness in his songs. When I first heard Love Calls I was taken aback. Love Calls, Can't Stop Lovin' You and Share My Life are some of my favorite songs.

[@Mightyoverevery1]

I’m a Sucker for happy endings.👐🏾

[@valeriegriffith3415]

I live me some kem, I listen to him when I get off work and I want to be in a chill mood

[@JS-Jms]

🙌Kem! Yeah. Glad he got through those rough times. 👍

[@Jaheartsjonas]

When Kem first got big when I was very young, I remember hearing the people on the Tom Joyner Morning show saying about him something in the vein of "Maxwell came back with a shaved head" lol. Ever since then I would get him and Maxwell confused when I was little and before I was seeing videos of them both on KZbin (they were more my parents music than mines and only heard them on the radio and at get-togethers, now I'm at that age where I actively seek out their stuff lol)

[@thedarksideoftheforce6658]

They don't sound alike because Maxwell voice is higher. I got him mixed up with Al Jarreau because they got the same voice. He sounds more like a younger Al Jarreau.

[@Jaheartsjonas]

@@thedarksideoftheforce6658 good point! I didn't know better when I was little haha

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

@@Jaheartsjonas he was always compared to Al.

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

@@thedarksideoftheforce6658 very true

[@kiarussell6914]

His song Say is my all time favorite 😍 ❤️

[@MsSoul168]

"This Place" is one of my favorite Kem 🎵 songs

[@sylviarosario6503]

AMAZING performer. I LOVE his music.

[@belizegal29]

My guy first turned me onto Kem. He’d bump this all thought the house and I’d try to get him to Step with me. I didn’t really know how to step and he was more of side to side dancer. We’d have such a good time. This gave me such fond memories.💜🙏🏾

[@BlindHoney771]

My mom loved his songs.

[@jlfrench3667]

Amazing… God bless you and yours. #Kem 🖤

[@feliciacoby5321]

Kem is a badd brother I was fortunate to see him perform here in my hometown of Baltimore Maryland at the Music fest at pier6 in the inner harbor he is a multi talented brother I wish him well

[@Neoldsoul]

Love his music!

[@DaraKFulton]

I love Kem's music 🎶 ❤️ I'm happy he's in a better place in life 😊

[@dalpowers]

Loved his music!!! 🎶❤️💯

[@TheNewgreatlife]

Thank you so much for this video! You're really covering artists we all know and love but that haven't gotten any attention or love in YEARS! I actually didn't know his second album was released in 2005. I thought his first and second albums both came out between 1999-2001 era. Can you do a video on Jonell soon!??? She has been completely forgotten about.

[@Monique__91]

I’ve been listening to When Love Calls on repeat all this week.

[@karencromer1010]

Very talented and nice guy. Detroit loves you Kem.

[@stephaniehenley2441]

Musical Genius & Jesus Christ Blessed Him With A Wife & Children. Kem Deserve All His Blessings Due To His Childhood Trauma From His Parents Causing His Homelessness & Unsupportive Regarding His Craft & Art Which Is Music 🎵🎶! Im Happy That Destiny Which Is The Creator Jesus Christ Will Allow An Individual To Exist & Evolve If A Person Continues To Remain Standing & Positive People Within The Inner Circle Pertaining Goals Initiated Become Activated Within The Universe!

[@dejuanhall320]

Love bro.Blesd up

[@jessinthecomments]

Kem’s music is such a vibe. 🎶 🎵 🎧

[@debranewton669]

Love his music! God bless🙏

[@lichi1244eva]

Man, I wore out that Kemistry album!!🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@happygolucky7241]

Thanks for the video. Kem is one of my favorite singers. He's an incredible musician that got me through rough times during in high school as I truly related with him of what he was going dealing with everyday life.💖 Could you do videos on The Brand New Heavies & Groove Collective?

[@fckinasshoe17]

when love calls💯💯💯

[@sherricason1548]

Going to see him when he comes To The Chi on 4/29 yeah!!!

[@Beauty777_]

Love your content lol I leave the same comment each time but it’s true❤️

[@JuicyPopEntertainment]

Thank you so much! 🥰

[@taureanmay7480]

@@JuicyPopEntertainment You're welcome.

[@ambernixon8240]

Subscribed. I loved this! Thank you!

[@JuicyPopEntertainment]

Thanks for subbing!

[@mydebby2hot]

Awesome amazing

[@busterevergreen9673]

Be strong brother. Fight the good fight.

[@highfived]

He still making music he has not gone no where