Kem, Why Would You Stay | Bangerz N Bopz 🔥

In the 70th edition of Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 (2024), we highlight “Why Would You Stay” performed by Grammy-nominated R&B singer/songwriter, Kem.  

Bring on the bold, fierce songs! Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 serves up background info and insight into songs of various styles, especially songs that raise eyebrows and stir the pot.  Featured records can be classic or brand new. In the 70th edition of Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 (2024), we break down “Why Would You Stay” performed by Kem.

“There’s a light shinin’ on you / And baby, I’m tremblin’ inside / Loved a woman that I barely knew / I must’ve been outta mind.” Underrated. Kem (Kem Owens) is a class act in the adult contemporary, grown-folks R&B market.  His music is refined, sophisticated, and thoughtful.  Among his best songs is “Why Would You Stay”,  the seventh track from his third studio album, Intimacy (2010).  “Why Would You Stay” failed to reach the pop charts (he’s only charted once on the Billboard Hot 100).  It did, however, impact the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, peaking at no. 17.  Notably, Intimacy debuted at no. 2 on the Billboard 200, his best showing. It was eventually certified gold by the RIAA.  Also, despite a lack of pop success for “Why Would You Stay,” he was nominated for two Grammys: Male R&B Vocal Performance and R&B Song.  He penned the love song, producing alongside Rex Rideout.

The verses are beautifully written while the chorus is the crème de la crème – the centerpiece:

“Oh, I

I’ll never hurt you again

Girl, I

I know you deserve a better man

Hey, I

I was a fool to ever let you down

So why would you stay?”

Kem delivers an ultra-sincere performance.  His vocals are refined – sophisticated to the nth degree.  Showing off top-notch musicianship, he ups the ante instinctually, never over-singing. Ultimately, “Why Would You Stay” exemplifies adult contemporary R&B at its finest.  The sound and production – keys, rhythm section, and strings – are decadent.

Kem // Intimacy // Motown // 2010

Kem, Why Would You Stay: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 No. 70 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Motown; cottonbro studio, Harry Shelton, Kool Shooters, Lucas Pazeta, Mavluda Tashbaeva, Teddy Yang, Wesley Souza from Pexels]