8 Shocking Facts About R&B Singer Kem: The Motown Exit, New Memoir, And Expecting Baby No. 8

The R&B landscape is witnessing a massive shift in 2025, spearheaded by one of its most consistent and beloved voices, Kem. After two decades as a cornerstone artist for the legendary Motown Records, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter has embarked on a bold new chapter, stepping into full independence by relaunching his own label, Kemistry Records. This career pivot is just one part of a wave of major updates, including a highly anticipated new memoir and a surprising announcement about his personal life that has fans buzzing.

The Detroit-raised balladeer, known for his smooth, signature sound that defines modern soul, is proving that his journey is far from over. With a fresh slate of music dropping via his independent imprint—including the recent single "Rock With Me"—and his raw, unfiltered life story hitting the shelves, Kem is giving his loyal fanbase more than just music; he's offering a candid look into the redemption and faith that fuel his success. This deep dive uncovers the latest, most crucial details about the man behind the music, Kim Lamont Owens.

The Unfiltered Story: Kem's Full Biography and Profile

Kim Lamont Owens, known professionally as Kem, has a life story as compelling as his music. His ascent to R&B royalty was not a smooth climb but a testament to perseverance, overcoming severe personal challenges to become a platinum-selling artist and a beacon of hope for many. His biography is a crucial foundation for understanding his latest, most powerful works.

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• Full Name: Kim Lamont Owens
• Stage Name: Kem (The spelling was reportedly a mistake on an associate's part early in his career that stuck).
• Date of Birth: July 23, 1967
• Place of Birth: Nashville, Tennessee, USA (Raised in Detroit, Michigan)
• Occupation: R&B/Soul Singer-Songwriter, Producer, Author, Motivational Speaker
• Spouse: Erica Owens (Married in 2012)
• Children: Expecting baby No. 8 in 2025 (Combining children from previous relationships and with Erica Owens)
• Early Struggles: Battled drug addiction and homelessness in his twenties, leading to a period of recovery and spiritual awakening.
• Debut Album: Kemistry (2002), which he self-financed while working as a waiter and singing in a wedding band.
• Major Label: Signed with Motown Records in 2002, where he spent over 20 years.
• Career Highlights: Multiple Grammy Award nominations, Platinum certification for his second album Album II, and numerous #1 hits on the Billboard Adult R&B chart, including "Love Calls" and "I Can't Stop Loving You."
• Foundation: Founder of the Mack & Third Foundation, which supports homeless shelters and addiction recovery programs in Detroit.

The 2025 Career Pivot: Leaving Motown and the Rise of Kemistry Records

The biggest professional news surrounding Kem in late 2024 and throughout 2025 is his strategic career move. After a two-decade-long, highly successful partnership with Motown Records, Kem officially parted ways with the label to relaunch his independent imprint, Kemistry Records.

This decision marks a significant moment for the R&B veteran, giving him complete creative and business control over his future projects. The move is not a retirement; it's a revitalization, allowing him to connect with his audience on his own terms. The relaunch of Kemistry Records has already proven fruitful, with a stream of new music that signals a fresh, yet familiar, sound.

New Music and the Sound of Independence

The R&B balladeer has wasted no time releasing new material under his own banner. The singles released in 2025 showcase his enduring ability to craft sophisticated, romantic soul music.

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• "Give My Love": One of the first releases under the relaunched Kemistry Records, this track was hailed as a soulful return, proving his voice and lyrical prowess are as strong as ever.
• "Rock With Me": A smooth, romantic single released in 2025, which continues his tradition of keeping the flame of classic R&B romance burning.
• Other 2025 Releases: Singles like "Goat At 16" and "Vin Rouge" have also appeared on streaming platforms, demonstrating a consistent output that fans have been eagerly awaiting.

The shift to an independent label is a powerful statement of artistic autonomy, allowing Kem to manage his own legacy while directly engaging with his global fanbase, which has amassed over 1.1 billion streams across platforms.

'Share My Life': Unpacking the Raw Truth of the Memoir

In addition to his music career, Kem has shared his most personal story yet with the release of his memoir, *Share My Life: A Journey of Love, Faith and Redemption*. This book is not just a celebrity tell-all; it is a raw, unflinching look at the severe obstacles he overcame before finding fame.

The memoir dives deep into his twenties, a period where he struggled with severe drug addiction and faced homelessness on the streets of Detroit. This dark chapter of his life ultimately led to a spiritual and personal transformation that became the bedrock of his career and his faith. The title itself, *Share My Life*, is a direct nod to one of his most popular songs, signifying that the music is intrinsically linked to his journey of recovery and faith.

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The Surprising Personal Update: Baby No. 8

Amidst the professional changes, Kem also shared joyous personal news in 2025: he and his wife, Erica Owens, are expecting their eighth child together (combining children from previous relationships). This announcement reinforces the theme of redemption and family that runs throughout his memoir and his music. Kem, who is also a grandfather, emphasizes the importance of family and faith in his life, often sharing that his journey is one of continuous growth and gratitude.

Beyond the Mic: The Mack & Third Foundation and Philanthropy

Kem’s commitment to giving back is a core part of his identity. His early struggles with addiction and homelessness directly led to the creation of the Mack & Third Foundation. Named after the intersection in Detroit where he once slept, the foundation is dedicated to providing support for the homeless population and those battling substance abuse.

This philanthropic work provides topical authority to his life story, showcasing that his success is leveraged to help others navigate the same challenges he faced. He often uses his platform as a motivational speaker to share his testimony, offering practical hope and guidance. His work through the foundation includes organizing annual events and partnering with local organizations to provide essential services, proving that his 'Kemistry' extends far beyond the recording studio and into the heart of his community.

In conclusion, Kem's 2025 is defined by independence and unfiltered honesty. By leaving Motown and taking the reins of Kemistry Records, he has asserted his control over his artistic destiny. With his memoir, *Share My Life*, and the joyful news of his growing family, he is not just releasing new music; he is sharing a renewed sense of purpose and a powerful message of redemption that resonates deeply with fans of R&B and soul music worldwide. His journey from the streets of Detroit to the top of the charts, now fully independent, cements his status as a true legend of modern R&B.