R&B SUPERSTAR KEM NOMINATED FOR NAACP IMAGE AWARD FOR HIT SINGLE, “LIVE OUT YOUR LOVE” FT. TONI BRAXTON
R&B superstar KEM has been honored with an NAACP Image Awards nomination for Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional) for his No. 1 hit “Live Out Your Love” ft. soul songstress Toni Braxton. The nod marks KEM’s seventh NAACP Image Awards nomination to date. Braxton is a two-time NAACP Image Awards winner. Download/stream “Live Out Your Love” HERE. The 52nd NAACP Image Awards will air on BET on Saturday, March 27, 2021, at 8:00 PM ET.
“Live Out Your Love” kicked off 2021 at No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Songs airplay chart. The sultry duet is the seventh chart-topping hit of KEM’s career and is the follow-up hit single to “Lie to Me,” which spent seven weeks at No. 1. Both songs are from his new album, LOVE ALWAYS WINS (Motown), which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Current R&B Albums chart. “Live Out Your Love” is the featured song in a recent KEM/PEPSI campaign, “Full of Detroit Soul,” which honors soulful arts in Detroit.
“I’m so grateful to have been nominated for an NAACP Image Award this year,” said KEM. “I’m deeply honored by the recognition of the music, but also by the acknowledgement from an institution that historically celebrates excellence in the arts. Being recognized for a song that speaks to what I believe is our highest calling – ‘ to love’ – in the midst of the volatile climate that we’re in right now, is an affirmation of the need for uplifting, hopeful messages.”
Rolling Stone observed, “KEM’s wordless vocals at the opening of ‘Live Out Your Love’ are as close to Marvin Gaye as you can feasibly get in 2020.” RESPECT. Magazine said, “KEM’s signature silky vocals give way to Braxton’s rich, sultry sound on the track.”
LOVE ALWAYS WINS (Motown) is KEM’s first full-length release in six years and his most personal yet. The album is a powerful testament to KEM’s hopeful outlook despite current times and a reminder of the power of love. Other standout songs on the album include the lush title track, “Love Always Wins” featuring GRAMMY®-winning gospel music powerhouse Erica Campbell, and the inspiring “Friend Today” – both reminiscent of the music birthed out of social justice movements. The album was co-produced by KEM and Derek “DOA” Allen, and features contributions by such artists as Anthony Hamilton, Brian Culbertson, James Poyser and Salaam Remi.
The internationally renowned R&B singer/songwriter has to his credit one Platinum album (KEM: ALBUM II), two Gold albums (KEMISTRY and INTIMACY). In addition to a career total of seven NAACP Image Awards nominations, he has been nominated for three GRAMMY Awards, two Soul Train Awards and a BET Centric Award.