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

[candicekstewart]

Love KEM.

I'm patiently waiting on the Sade Tiny Desk.

[Given_Kubayi]

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

[brotherLee]

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

[heartstrings]

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

[TerrySoul-]

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 💜

[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.

[thuks]

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

[gaylonjohnson]

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

[PentameronSV]

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

[scnappl]

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

[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!!!

[DjNN]

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

[ashleyrhinehart]

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

[waterseveon]

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

[marcavonevans]

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

[tallytastingtampa]

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

[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.

[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!

[phillytreez]

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