It may have been four years since his holiday CD (What Christmas Means) and two years since his last stellar R&B set, Promise To Love, but that doesn’t mean that Kem hasn’t been mad busy. Not only is he marinating on new ideas for music in 2017, he’s in the throes of another exciting project and walking on sunshine because of a new member in the family.

Tonight, Kem will be in Dallas co-headlining with Keith Sweat and featured guest, Kevin Ross, as part of “The Smooth Holiday Groove” at the Verizon Theatre, but before he touched down in TX, Kem opened up from Atlanta about his newest endeavor, the losses that made for a bittersweet 2016 and what he looks forward to doing in his still-evolving career:

MELODY CHARLES: It’s been awhile since your last new CD Kem, what have you been up to?

KEM: “I’ve been building up the personal instead of the professional this year, just decided to spend more time at home and with my family and friends. Also, the love of my life and I just had our first child together, so it’s been a really exciting time.”

MC: Oh congratulations Kem!

KEM: “Thank you so much. It’s my first son and he was born on Nov. 30. His name is Kristoffer and he’s the prince of the house. His two older sisters spoil him already, (laughing) everybody is good. He’s brought a lot of love and elevates the energy of love in the house. I’m very grateful to have a son and it’s been a transformative experience.”

MC: He sounds precious! So it’s going to be a while before the fans hear something new right?

KEM: “I’m ramping up to get back into the studio, I’m also writing my first book, an autobiography, to coincide with the new album. We’re refining the book, reading through the second draft, and we hope to get them both out in 2017.”

MC: Oh wow, that should be some fascinating reading.

KEM: “It’s been a cathartic experience. I’ve always shared bits and pieces but now I’m giving you the whole story, a glimpse behind the curtain about my life, my journey from childhood through adolescence, my addiction and everything up until now. Just as with my music, the book is about sewing seeds of hope and faith, overcoming the darkness in our pasts. Everybody’s got a story, and everyone will find something to pull from. You know how TVOne has those Unsung stories? Well, my life was similar to many of those musicians, except I got that type of experience in the front—- before I became successful. Having those types of experiences were a blessing in disguise, they keep my grounded, focused and centered, so I expect my story to have a good end. It will be interesting to see what you listeners will think about it.”

MC: How do you feel about spreading some holiday cheer here in Dallas with Keith Sweat and Kevin Ross?

KEM: “Keith and I have done many shows over the years, I have a lot of respect for what he does. The promoter thought it would be a good idea to put us together and since Dallas is also Potter’s House country, I’ll also stay and get some of that before I get home (chuckling).”

MC: Are your daughters really excited about you being a premiere R&B loveman?

KEM: “They don’t care (cracks up). Beyond being proud of my success, that stuff doesn’t matter much to them. My oldest daughter wants to be in the music business and my middle daughter has great acting chops. They support me and I support what they want to do as well.”

MC: 2016 will go down as a really hard year because we’ve lost so many of our icons. What impact did Natalie Cole, Maurice White and Prince have on your music?

KEM: “I never got the chance to meet Mr. White, but I did shows with EW&F and performed “Can’t Hide Love” for an online show once: Verdine White enjoyed it so much that he texted Maurice to make sure he caught it too. What he and the band created was more than just music—-it is a brand, the songs all mean something and everyone can identify with them. Watching them onstage with Chicago, it struck me how they transcend cultural and racial lines. Chicago put it down but they had no business following EW&F! I mean, what were they thinking?

I did meet Natalie Cole twice. The first time was when I worked at the Ritz-Carlton outside of Detroit as a banquet server. I was setting up her dressing room and making sure the food was fresh. Later, I had a chance to speak with her as a fellow artist when we both performed at a rodeo in Houston. I grew up listening to her and was especially influenced by her father Nat and his songs, I still play those for my own kids to this day.

As for Prince, I couldn’t even……that was the biggest shock to me. A part of me still cannot believe he’s no longer here. My musicality was informed by listening to him and MJ. I actually grieved more for them than for my own family members. What their passings taught me is that you never know what’s going on—- what we show you all on stage as performers is not all that there is.”

MC: Looking forward to seeing you Kem: before we let you go, what goals do you have and which artist is on your wish list for you to perform with?

KEM: “I would love to make music with Sade and go on the road with her….that would be so great. I’ve been nominated for a Grammy, so it would be nice to win one. I still feel like my greatest musical moments are ahead of me.”