It’s going to be a great Christmas season for R&B holiday tunes. Joining Mary J. Blige, Tamar Braxton and the motion picture soundtrack to ‘The Best Man Holiday,’ Detroit based R&B crooner Kem has re-released his acclaimed holiday album ‘What Christmas Means‘ with an official 2013 deluxe edition.
KEM has expanded ‘What Christmas Means‘ (which rose to #9 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in 2012), with four newly-recorded bonus tracks that he produced.
“I came out with the deluxe edition because I wasn’t done yet,” said KEM. “We added some really great music to this record, and my hope is that this album will continue to be a mainstay in you all’s homes during the holiday season for years to come.”
‘What Christmas Means‘ Deluxe Edition is highlighted by the newly-recorded bonus track “Jesus” featuring legendary R&B artists, Patti LaBelle and Ronald Isley, and the acclaimed duet with Verve recording artist Ledisi, “Be Mine for Christmas.” Both songs are co-written by KEM and his collaborator Melanie Rutherford.
“Working with Ms. Patti LaBelle and Mr. Isley on ‘JESUS’ was incredible,” reflected KEM. “When I was writing the song, I had them both in mind, but to actually hear each of their unmistakable voices on the record, it’s a beautiful thing and an absolute blessing. This was my first time working with Ms. Patti in the studio. She was sharp, she was elegant, she was a true professional, she was very sweet to me and she has become one of my favorite people on the planet.”
KEM’s first Christmas album, What Christmas Means, was released on October 16, 2012. After the holiday season, the album had sold 76,000 copies, making it the #3 highest-selling Urban Christmas record in one season. Two tracks from the CD were nominated for the 44th NAACP Image Awards in 2013. “Glorify The King” and “Be Mine For Christmas (ft. Ledisi),” both nominated in the ‘Outstanding Song’ category.
Kem ‘What Christmas Means‘ Tracklisting:
01. Glorify The King
02. What Christmas Means
03. A Christmas Song For You
04. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
05. Christmas Time Is Here
06. The Christmas Song
07. Be Mine For Christmas feat. Ledisi
08. Merry Christmas Baby
09. We Three Kings
10. Doo Wop Christmas (That’s What Christmas Is All About)
BONUS TRACKS:
11. Jesus feat. Patti LaBelle & Ronald Isley
12. Bethlehem
13. Home For Christmas
14. Lullaby Noel
Buy Kem’s ‘What Christmas Means‘ Deluxe Edition on iTunes now!
