Words by: Ysabela De Ocampo

R&B artist KEM has been honored with an NAACP Image Award for his hit single “Live Out Your Love” ft. legendary songstress Toni Braxton. The stunning duo earned the nomination for Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional) — making this KEM’s seventh NAACP Image Award nomination, while Braxton is a two-time award winner.

KEM’s single “Live Out Your Love” kicked off 2021 at No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Songs Chart. No stranger to number 1 songs, “Live Out Your Love” becomes KEM’s seventh chart-topping hit — solidifying the true magic behind the number 7 for this soulful singer. Only a smooth and fitting pairing like KEM and Braxton can deliver a mid-tempo groove as slick as this. The two present this sultry track in a way that instantly has listeners believing in love once again. Toni Braxton’s remarkable vocals easily complements KEM’s finesse, which he delivers alongside his signature uplifting sound.

“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.”

“Live Out Your Love” is a follow up for his single “Lie to Me,” which spent an impressive seven weeks at No. 1. Both hits come from his most recent album Love Always Wins, a record that earned KEM a No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Current R&B Albums Chart.

Love Always Wins gives listeners hope with KEM’s positive outlook despite current times. He makes an effort to remind us of love’s power — “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.” 

To no surprise, this R&B superstar has a history of notoriety within the industry. KEM houses a laundry list of accomplishes that include — a Platinum album, KEM: Album II, and two Gold albums, KEMISTRY and INTIMACY. Additionally the artists holds nominations for three GRAMMY Awards, two Soul Train Awards and a BET Centric Award.

Rolling Stone shares that, “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.” Be sure to watch the  52^nd NAACP Image Awards which is set to air on BET on Saturday, March 27^th 2021, 8:00PM ET.

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