Kem Leaves Motown Records, Returns To Independent Roots
Detroit R&B icon Kem has officially parted ways with Motown Records after a 23-year partnership, marking a significant shift in his career. The artist, known for his smooth sound and soulful hits, is returning to his independent roots by reviving his Kemistry Records label.
'Over the last three to five years, I've done a lot of internal soul-searching,' Kem told the Detroit Free Press. Reflecting on his life, career, and the evolving music industry, he decided it was time for a change. 'The Motown I signed to and the Motown that exists now are not the same. That's not a negative thing. But the industry has changed, and maybe I should change too.'
Kem's departure leaves Motown Records without a signature Detroit artist for the first time in its 66-year history. The decision comes amid significant changes at the label, including the 2022 resignation of CEO Ethiopia Habtemariam. Kem described his choice as 'instinctive,' following years of reflection that began during the pandemic.
Kemistry Records, which originally launched his career with the self-funded debut album Kemistry , will now serve as the platform for his future projects. The artist plans to own his master recordings and release music on his terms. 'There are so many places for music to live today,' he said. 'There's no reason not to saturate the airwaves, be it streaming or radio, with what I consider to be great music.'
His first release under the revived label will be the single 'Give My Love,' described as having a 'Sade-esque vibe.' The track is set to drop in the coming weeks, coinciding with a two-night performance at Detroit's Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre.
Kem expressed gratitude for his time at Motown, which provided creative freedom and resources. However, he's excited to embrace the flexibility and equity of independent artistry. 'This is an opportunity for me to put out music, to control my content, to move more freely and have more equity in myself,' he said. 'Let me bring all of this home.'
SEE ALSO
Kem Leaves Motown Records, Returns To Independent Roots was originally published on majicatl.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
2 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
22 Affordable Athleisure Pieces You Can Wear To The Gym, On A Flight, Running Errands, Or Just On Your Couch
An affordable, Lululemon-esque longline sports bra so comfy, supportive, and versatile that reviewers love it both for outdoor workouts, gym use, *and* errand running. This is designed to be supportive without being too compressive, with lightweight fabric that keeps you breezy in the heat. And another Lululemon-inspired piece, a charming and oh-so-comfortable tennis skirt with built-in shorts similar to the Align style. The secret inner pocket on these is perfect for stashing keys and tennis balls, and the shorts are designed with a four-way stretch so they won't ride up. A square-neck compressive body suit that's basically ten outfits in one — you can rock it solo, wear it as a bodysuit tucked into jeans, or pair it with a hoodie or a jacket. Go, little base layer, gooooo! A pair of ~Dreamlux~ leggings made with an oh-so-buttery soft material reviewers compare to Lululemon's Align ... but WAY cheaper. If you're looking for a reliably squatproof, comfy, compressive legging, look no further than these. And a pair of high-waisted crossover flare leggings your butt will thank you for in advance — these are the ultimate in comfort and breathability while still staying on trend. Reviewers who have more expensive pairs from Lululemon, GymShark, and Aerie actually say they *prefer* these over them. A pair of Buff Bunny–inspired booty-highlighting biker shorts for anyone who wants to add some fun prints and colors to their favorite ~asset~ when they're on the move, for a fraction of the usual $48 price. A ridiculously soft oversize hoodie reviewers compare to $$ brands like Skims, Aritzia, and Abercrombie. You know how on TikTok sometimes people say "this hoodie hoodies" like it's a noun and a verb? Enter this cult-favorite, reviewer-beloved hoodie, which does, in fact, hoodie. A super lightweight, loose-fitting, high-neck muscle tank for fans of the Lululemon version at a *much* lower price point. This is a breezy *dream* thanks to the quick-dry fabric, the cross-over pleat in the back, and the slight petal hem at the bottom. A "bare feel" slim-fitted workout top designed with such soft, stretchy fabric that you'll feel breezier than you ever have in long sleeves. If you're a human who loves to layer, this is an option you'll definitely want in your athleisure arsenal. A lightweight pair of UPF 50 hiking pants for anyone who wants REI or Patagonia-quality gear without the big ole price tag. These wrinkle-free, quick-dry, MANY-POCKETED pants are a must-have for busy travelers and outdoorsy humans. A cozy, delightfully polished yoga tracksuit set that lives comfortably at the intersection of "yes, I am going to do some mindful exercise later" and "I could drop and take a nap on a random couch at any time." This ultra-soft, wrinkle-resistant, lightweight set is a major fan-favorite of reviewers on long haul flights. A trusty cropped fleece pullover with trendy exposed seams reviewers compare to a popular mall brand version that typically goes for $128. This lightweight piece is a perfect "just in case" layer to throw in your bag, depending on the shifts in the weather (or the gym's DEEPLY TEMPERAMENTAL AC). A pair of elevated, effortlessly chic wide leg petal sweatpants that look like they fell out of an Anthropologie ad. Reviewers love how cozy and breathable these are, and that the style is perfect for indoor lounging *and* outdoor errands. A sleeveless tennis sundress for anyone whose fitness goals always include a checkbox for "be as cute as possible." This dress features a full built-in compressive romper on the inside for support while you're moving and grooving, making it an excellent option for travel, too. A pair of zebra print leggings for an unexpected ~pop~ of fun at the gym, because life is entirely too short to waste on boring leggings. These are designed with a comfortable four-way stretch with a raised, comfortable waistband for the ultimate in comfy function. A pair of lightweight legging-style joggers reviewers swear by for perfect Lululemon Align Jogger alternatives, especially because the wickaway fabric feels cozy and ~expensive~ at the same time. If you are a fan of wide-cut flat waistbands, you need to invest in a pair of these, stat. A Happiness Runs crop top from FP Movement that I am frankly *obsessed* with and own in six colors. It's super comfy and just the right amount of compressive for casual wear — a lot of reviewers swear by it for yoga, pilates, and errand running. A pair of wide-leg high-waisted yoga pants for the *ultimate* in sophisticated comfort — particularly since these are basically work pants in camouflage. Are they for yoga class or corporate nonsense?? That's nobody's business but yours and your booty's. 🥰 A pair of Nike Pro 365 bike shorts well-known for the perfect amount of compression and Dri-FIT tech fabric that keeps you cool even in the sweatiest of circumstances. Reviewers especially love the care that went into designing them so they don't ride up! A "Second Skin" set so breezy and lightweight that it's designed to feel like it's not even there. Bonus — because these come in a set, they're also fun to mix and match based on the vibe! A trendy, oh-so-comfortable cinched jumpsuit a ton of reviewers *swear* by as the ultimate travel and lounge piece, since it is easy to pack as a "one and done" outfit, matches any kind of shoe or outer layer vibe, and is ridiculously cozy to boot. A pair of Nike-inspired oversize fleece cargo joggers complete with POCKETS, made with a cotton blend so satisfyingly soft that it'll be a miracle if you ever pull yourself out of Lounge Hound Mode again.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Tracee Ellis Ross says her mother, Diana Ross, taught her the joy of being alone
Tracee Ellis Ross says her mother, Diana Ross, inspired her to find joy and meaning in being alone. She says her mother set an example that showed her she "didn't need a man" to build the life she wanted. Although she is happy alone, Ross says she is looking to meet a partner. Tracee Ellis Ross, 52, said she isn't waiting for a partner to feel loved and credits her mother, Diana Ross, for teaching her how to build a meaningful life alone. In an interview with Self Magazine published on Tuesday, the actor spoke about practicing self-care and how she learned to be comfortable on her own. "I come from a lot of abundance, but all of the abundance that I enjoy is mine, that I've built," Ross told Self Magazine. "And building my own life has made me very aware of what my mother built on her own and what it took for her to do that." Ross is the elder of two children from Diana Ross's marriage to music executive Robert Ellis Silberstein. She also has an older half-sister from her mother's relationship with Motown founder Berry Gordy and two younger half-brothers from her mother's second marriage. Ross said her mother's success inspired her to do the same. "[My mom] didn't build the wealth she has, she didn't build the career she made because of a man. The example that was set for me [was] that I didn't need a man to build the life I wanted. It wasn't, 'Look at me,' it was, 'This is me.' And that informed something very important for me foundationally," Ross said. Being comfortable alone starts with a deep understanding of how to care for herself. "Knowing how to care for yourself is also how you teach someone how you want to be cared for. I've spent a lot of my life getting to know who I am," Ross said. "My favorite place to be is inside my body, to be present in my skin," the "Black-ish" actor added. Although Ross is content on her own, she says she is still open to love and is looking for a partner. "What I don't mind is being a poster child for living your life on your own terms, for not waiting for partnership to find joy and happiness, for curating and cultivating one's own sense of self," Ross said. Ross says she seeks a partnership built on meeting as equals. "I want a whole life and I want a real life, and I want a true life, and I want a partner that's not going to sweep me off my feet, but is going to link arms with me. And that might not happen, and that's OK," she said. A representative for Ross told Business Insider that the actor had no additional comment. During an appearance on Michelle Obama's "IMO" podcast in April, Ross said she prefers dating younger men because men her age are often "steeped in toxic masculinity." "I have long been past the age where I feel like it's my job to teach somebody or grow them up," Ross said. "That, I'm not interested in." Ross joins a growing list of women who have spoken openly about finding meaning in singlehood. During a "Call Her Daddy" appearance in early July, Charlize Theron said that being a single mother was "one of the healthiest decisions" she ever made. "With women, it's always like, 'Something must be wrong with her. She can't keep a man.' And it's never part of the discussion of like, 'Wow, she's really living her truth. She's living in her happiness. This is actually a choice that she made,'" Theron said. Social scientist and author Bella DePaulo, now in her seventies, told Business Insider last year that she feels "happiest and most fulfilled living life as a single person." "There are so many different kinds of love other than romantic love. There's love for friends, mentors, and teammates, as well as love for your work and your passions. And when we think about it that way, which is how many people who are single think about it, there's a lot of love in our lives," DePaulo said. Read the original article on Business Insider Solve the daily Crossword
Business Insider
a day ago
- Business Insider
Tracee Ellis Ross says her mother, Diana Ross, taught her the joy of being alone
Tracee Ellis Ross, 52, said she isn't waiting for a partner to feel loved and credits her mother, Diana Ross, for teaching her how to build a meaningful life alone. In an interview with Self Magazine published on Tuesday, the actor spoke about practicing self-care and how she learned to be comfortable on her own. "I come from a lot of abundance, but all of the abundance that I enjoy is mine, that I've built," Ross told Self Magazine. "And building my own life has made me very aware of what my mother built on her own and what it took for her to do that." Ross is the elder of two children from Diana Ross's marriage to music executive Robert Ellis Silberstein. She also has an older half-sister from her mother's relationship with Motown founder Berry Gordy and two younger half-brothers from her mother's second marriage. Ross said her mother's success inspired her to do the same. "[My mom] didn't build the wealth she has, she didn't build the career she made because of a man. The example that was set for me [was] that I didn't need a man to build the life I wanted. It wasn't, 'Look at me,' it was, 'This is me.' And that informed something very important for me foundationally," Ross said. Being comfortable alone starts with a deep understanding of how to care for herself. "Knowing how to care for yourself is also how you teach someone how you want to be cared for. I've spent a lot of my life getting to know who I am," Ross said. "My favorite place to be is inside my body, to be present in my skin," the "Black-ish" actor added. Although Ross is content on her own, she says she is still open to love and is looking for a partner. "What I don't mind is being a poster child for living your life on your own terms, for not waiting for partnership to find joy and happiness, for curating and cultivating one's own sense of self," Ross said. Ross says she seeks a partnership built on meeting as equals. "I want a whole life and I want a real life, and I want a true life, and I want a partner that's not going to sweep me off my feet, but is going to link arms with me. And that might not happen, and that's OK," she said. A representative for Ross told Business Insider that the actor had no additional comment. During an appearance on Michelle Obama's "IMO" podcast in April, Ross said she prefers dating younger men because men her age are often "steeped in toxic masculinity." "I have long been past the age where I feel like it's my job to teach somebody or grow them up," Ross said. "That, I'm not interested in." Ross joins a growing list of women who have spoken openly about finding meaning in singlehood. During a "Call Her Daddy" appearance in early July, Charlize Theron said that being a single mother was "one of the healthiest decisions" she ever made. "With women, it's always like, 'Something must be wrong with her. She can't keep a man.' And it's never part of the discussion of like, 'Wow, she's really living her truth. She's living in her happiness. This is actually a choice that she made,'" Theron said. Social scientist and author Bella DePaulo, now in her seventies, told Business Insider last year that she feels "happiest and most fulfilled living life as a single person." "There are so many different kinds of love other than romantic love. There's love for friends, mentors, and teammates, as well as love for your work and your passions. And when we think about it that way, which is how many people who are single think about it, there's a lot of love in our lives," DePaulo said.
