For anyone that’s ever met Grammy-nominated R&B/soul musician Kem Owens, better known simply as Kem, it may not come as much of a surprise that he’s much more than just a gifted singer and songwriter. He's someone who celebrates both his musical talent, and the spirituality that helped him overcome the darker times in his life, with his fans, and within his own heart. Thoughtful and introspective, he’s someone who understands that the only thing that is truly capable of maximizing, or limiting, greatness…is self.
Born in Nashville but raised in Detroit, Kem dealt with homelessness, addiction, and isolation from his family shortly after finishing high school, but overcame these issues through spirituality and music.
“My addiction brought me to my knees. So it was like, ‘Look, either you’re going to do this or you’re going to die out here in the streets,’” Kem recalled. “I could no longer continue living the way I was living, and I didn’t know how to stop. And it was at that point when we [as addicts] give up on our own plan and our own ideas on how to solve our dilemmas — as far as recovery is concerned — we have to get out of the way.”
“The principles of my recovery are principles that permeate through every area of my life,” he continued. “You hear it in the music, they run my business. So I’m not just clean and sober from drugs and alcohol, my recovery is the foundation for everything in my life right now.”
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In addition to attributing God as his biggest inspiration to remaining sober, Kem said that surrounding himself with spiritually-minded people and helping others overcome their personal obstacles with addiction are some of the ways he maintains sobriety.
Since his sobriety, Kem's life has been like a soaring star. He wrote, produced, and financed his self-released debut album, Kemistry, and was later signed by Motown Records in November 2001, who re-released the album on February 25, 2003, selling more than 500,000 copies nationwide and going gold-plus. Kem followed his debut release with a second album, Album II, which includes the song "You Might Win" featuring Stevie Wonder on harmonica, and a third album, Intimacy: Album III, which features Maurissa Rose and Jill Scott, and debuted at number two on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.
BlackDoctor.org recently sat down with Kem on the heels of his Intimacy Tour to talk about the key to being healthy and life lessons he’s learned...so far.
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BDO: Thanks for taking the time to talk! How's the tour going?
Kem: It's my pleasure! We’re wrapping up this week. It truly has been a great experience.
BDO: Since so many others deal with addiction as well, can you share how you overcame yours?
Kem: I came to a place where I was sick and tired of being sick and tired,” he said. “I gave up on trying to do things my way and started to listen to some people who had better ideas about what I should be doing than I did. I’ve had some difficult patches in my life, as we all do, and I think that when we are allowed to come through the other side of turmoil, we have an opportunity and a privilege to talk about it and let people know about it, so that they too can overcome.
BDO: Your life is very busy right now. How do you stay healthy while you're on the road?
Kem: Well, as an entertainer, it’s a reality that I need to look a certain way on stage, and in general, it’s so important to just keep it together and maintain a certain quality of life, for the sake of yourself and for your kids. For the most part, I watch what I eat and do cardio every day. I have a trainer at home, so I can repeat certain routines when I’m can’t be at home. At this point in my life, I’ve learned that most of the challenge is just in showing up...just starting the process.
BDO: What are some of the health challenges you face as a successful celebrity?
Kem: Overcoming self, maybe? Even on the road, I’m surrounded by healthy choices and unhealthy choices. But there’s always a choice. Every hotel has a salmon or chicken meal option. And the more successful you are, the more choices you have. I feel like, on the road, you’re actually more conscious of this. But at home, it’s harder, because I know where all the bad food is. I have to try harder to overcome the urge to stop off at Quizno’s on the way to baggage claim, instead of waiting and eating something healthier.
BDO: What health grade would you give yourself?
Kem: I’d say B-
BDO: Okay, two things...what is your favorite healthy food, and what is your favorite not-so-healthy, guilty pleasure food?
Kem: My favorite vegetable is broccolini or Brussels sprouts…I like salads. As far as something not quite as great for you, I love a good pizza, everything on it. I usually try to eat what I want, but I also pay attention to how much of it I’m eating.
BDO: Who or what would you see as the main reason for your success?
Kem: God’s grace.
BDO: What would you say is one of the greatest lessons you've learned from your life, so far?
Kem: The need for fluidity in life. I’ll always be learning, and I’m becoming more comfortable with myself, and less concerned about what others think. I know that worrying about this too much can keep me from honoring the truth about who I am. Life is funny like that…you’re born not putting so much focus on what others’ think, and as we grow older, we get back to the way we started out! I know I won’t be able to make everyone happy…and that’s okay.
BDO: Are there any health conditions that run in your family?
Kem: Sure, like other Black families, mine has its share of health issues, including heart disease. There is definitely a genetic thing to be aware of, but I also think that we are responsible for our own health. There’s a huge opportunity to take whatever your dealt and play the largest role in caring for yourself. My take on this is that my family’s health issues stop with me!
BDO: Like all of us, there have been some less than positive moments in your life. You've endured being homeless, battled addictions...can you talk a little about that, and what you did to help improve your life?
Kem: Addiction is something else that runs in my family. I came around in July 1990. I just got to the point of being sick and tired of being sick and tired. I got help. People showed me how to live a better life. I actually don’t regret my past, because the foundation of my life was built on my recovery.
BDO: What lessons do you hope to teach your children?
Kem: My children will know how to make their own choices, the ones that are right for them. I also want them to understand that they don’t need to seek someone outside of themselves to be happy.
BDO: Well, it's been an honor talking to you! Again, thanks so much for taking the time to talk!
Kem: Again, the pleasure was mine...thank you!
For more information about Kem, be sure to visit him at Music By Kem.com.
