R&B Hitmaker KEM...



R&B Hitmaker KEM: Be Flexible, Gentle and Disciplined for Success 



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Life and music are good in KEM’s world. And he has made it so.
His newest album and fourth studio album is Promise to Love, which has produced two No. 1 hits—Nobody and It’s You—for the internationally-known R&B singer/songwriter. He’s headed back out on the Forever Charlie Tour May 28 with Charlie Wilson and Joe Thomas.

KEM has three gold albums on Motown’s label: Kemistry; Kem: Album II, and Intimacy. Let’s not forget three Grammy nominations among other notable accolades. His 2012 Christmas album, What Christmas Means, was the third-highest-selling urban Christmas record. KEM also appeared in the 2012 movie, Sparkle, with Jordin Sparks and the late Whitney Houston, and his music has been featured in numerous movie soundtracks.

KEM’s music wins fans over, as does his honesty about formerly being homeless and addicted, and about bettering oneself. Now he’s openly addicted to sobriety, acknowledging the role that faith plays in his life and his success. He’s an in-demand inspirational speaker who hasn’t forgotten his home city of Detroit, Mich., doing serious business there, including recording music and shooting music videos. He employs almost all his musicians, staff and management from the Motor City.

His philanthropy extends well beyond civic loyalty. He founded the nonprofit Mack & Third, Inc. in 2012 to help fund humanitarian organizations that support solutions for homelessness, substance abuse, and domestic violence, among other causes. Follow KEM at @MusicByKEM and read here about how he lives a full and centered life. How lucky was I to be inspired by KEM?

Kem, what do you eat to Mind Your Body?
I try to eat consciously. I do juicing and include protein in between meals. I do limit my red meat but don’t exclude anything. I pay attention to what I’m eating, but don’t measure my food ounce by ounce. I drink a lot of water because it’s good for me vocally to stay hydrated. What I eat affects how I feel—not just how I look.

What’s your physical activity regimen? It looks like you work out—all good.
When I’m in the gym, I’m not trying to get big. I do weight training four times a week and cardio three to four times and I may do both on the same day. When I’m on the road, my training can be limited depending on where I am. I’m going to start incorporating yoga for more flexibility. As I get older, I want to keep my strength as long as I can.

Is there one health habit you’d like to break now? You’re certainly a positive role model for how to break some major habits…
It’s about practice, not perfection. I try to tell myself to be flexible, gentle and yet disciplined. Once I tell myself, “I need to work out every day,” that’s setting myself up to fail. I believe that when we talk about diet and exercise, we have to make room for being human and being able to do what is sustainable. A cabbage diet for six months? No. My nemesis, however, is Coke.

What role did nutrition, fitness and health play in your growing up, Kem? Or did you decide to take control of all that at a certain age?

We were active as kids, on the streets playing football, running around the city. I’m in recovery from drugs and alcohol. Seven years after getting sober I quit smoking. About seven years later I started working out with a trainer. I don’t want to deteriorate as I get older, and I want to take care of myself. Things have happened in my life that have reinforced that for me.
A close relative was diagnosed with colon cancer, had surgery and underwent a major lifestyle change. Sometimes black men are hesitant to take care of themselves, don’t go to the doctor, and then they wonder what’s going on. I pay attention to my health. I’m more mindful and in a place of clarity—without chemicals.

What does music do for you—emotionally and otherwise?
It’s my passion, a refuge and go-to place for me. Before I was just creating and performing it, although I was a listener and observer. Now I make a living at it. I started playing piano as a toddler, and I could still sit all day with music. It brings me peace, and it was a light for me even through my darkest periods.

When you think of “how things used to be,” and where you are now, what words of wisdom do you have for people who say “I can’t”?
When you come to a place where you can’t do something sometimes it’s a good thing.
When the student is ready, the teacher appears. I had to admit my weaknesses, limitations and then receive the power to overcome. Remember that all things are possible and we can’t do the most serious things by ourselves. Once we have the power of faith, we can open ourselves to people who have knowledge and wisdom to help us.
Whatever your “thing” is—finances, weight, nutrition—when you recognize your limitations and surrender, you can get help. Just ask.

How do you maintain mental balance? Does your faith play a role in that?
That is the $64,000 question! Everybody thinks they want to be at the top, be the boss. They’re chasing the big piece of chicken. Remember that you get what you ask for, and when you do, you also get everything that comes with it, like a lot of work and responsibility. To whom much is given, much will be required.
I start my day with discipline. I put God first in my life. I don’t look at my phone and texts, at my email, and I have no conversation. I sit at the phone of God. I engage in prayer and meditation to get mentally prepared before any interaction, and I repeat that process later on in the day. I try to be conscious of my faith throughout the day.

It’s said that giving back gives more to the giver. You are a believer and a doer when it comes to philanthropy. Tell us about that.
I’m a supporter of service any way and any time I am asked to give. I have been so blessed in my life. I have my foundation, and I connect with those who are experiencing things I have experienced myself. I try to be a resource.


What’s next?
We’re going back out on the Forever Charlie Tour at the end of May, and I’m promoting my latest album, Promise to Love. I’m keeping the light on for R&B music. I’ll be at the Hampton Jazz Festival in Virginia June 27, the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans July 3rd and Macy’s Cincinnati Music Festival on July 25th.

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