KEM Honored with Street Sign in Detroit, Talks new music, album release date

The City of Detroit honored one of its own, internationally acclaimed, platinum-selling, and GRAMMY®-nominated R&B artist KEM with a secondary street sign bearing his name at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Third Street on Thursday, July 23. The intersection isn’t just another spot on the map—it’s deeply woven into KEM’s story, marking the place where he endured homelessness and addiction, began rebuilding his life, and ultimately laid the foundation for the career that would touch millions.

Family, friends, fans, fellow artists and elected officials gathered at Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries—the shelter KEM called home in the late ’80s and early ’90s. It’s also where the first chords of his 2002 debut album Kemistry were conceived. For an artist whose songs have spoken to love, hope, and redemption for decades, the “If It’s Love” singer was nearly at a loss for words as the magnitude of the moment sank in. Celebrating his birthday, 36 years of sobriety, the second annual KEM Day and a Detroit street bearing his name, the singer was verklempt as he reflected on the full-circle moment.

“I knew that this was coming, so this is not a surprise to me,” the ‘Share My World’ singer told ThisisRnB shortly before the ceremony. “I am surprised about how my emotions are setting in. It’s a culmination.  It’s a lot.”

“KEM’s life reminds us that our circumstances do not determine our destiny,” Mayor of Detroit Mary Sheffield told the crowd.  “As people drive through this intersection, many will recognize the name because of his incredible music, and others will stop, learn the story, and discover this street sign represents perseverance, faith and the power of second chances.”

The “Give My Love” singer thanked revelers as he reflected on “giving my best and failing forward for almost 25 years in the music  industry.”

Later, KEM presented a $10,000 check to Dr. Chad Audi, CEO & President of DRMM.  “They say to whom much is given, much is required. If it had not been for those doors being open to me, I may not be here today,” the “Nobody” singer said.

KEM has steadily released new music since the 2025 re-launch of his label, Kemistry Records. Up next, he is set to collaborate with Robert Glasper on Alchemy, a salute to one of KEM’s greatest influences, the late, legendary Al Jarreau. “We re-imagined some of my catalog — ‘Love Calls,’ ‘Can’t Stop Loving,’ — put a jazz twist on ’em,”  he revealed.

Additionally, the “One Love” singer confirmed a full album and tour coming in 2027.

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