R&B singer Keith Mitchell is back! If the singer looks familiar, it is because he is one third of iconic late eighties to mid-nineties multi-platinum R&B trio, After 7 – alongside brothers Melvin [RIP] and Kevon Edmonds. The group was known for Top 10 hits such as “Heat of the Moment,” “Ready or Not,” “Can’t Stop” and “Baby, I’m for Real/Natural High.” Our Keith Mitchell interview dives into life post After 7, what he’s to now, and much more.
Keith Mitchell has returned with his first solo material; completely forgoing secular music in order to answer his calling in singing praises to and for the Most High.
Parle Mag: Let’s hop into this latest single, “He’s Alive,” — Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition?
Keith Mitchell: “He’s Alive” was born out of a deeply personal revelation I had as a child. At the age of seven, I began to understand that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He came to earth, went to Calvary, and hung on the cross to pay the ransom for my sins and the sins of the world. I came to believe in His resurrection and His ascension to the Father.
As a child, the concept of Jesus rising from the dead was difficult to fully grasp. But with time, as I grew older and my faith matured, I came to understand that the Spirit of Christ—the Holy Spirit—is the living manifestation of the resurrection. He is what lives on in us today as Believers.
This song reflects that realization. I had to echo the foundational truth of Christ’s sacrifice and the fact that He is alive. Jesus still lives! His Spirit dwells in us, empowers us, and continues to transform lives. In HE’S ALIVE, I am able to praise, acknowledge, and glorify Him in a big way. It’s more than just a song—it’s my personal celebration of the risen Christ.
Parle Mag: You’ve entered into a whole new genre with this track. How different was this from what you did with After 7?
Keith Mitchell: There’s a distinct between singing secular music and singing spiritual or Gospel music. With secular music, we’re often expressing human emotions—love, heartbreak, joy—shared between individuals. After 7 has spent over 30 years interpreting and delivering lyrics (primarily written by Babyface and his team) in a way that makes those emotions believable and relatable. The group honed the ability to connect with listeners through the depth of feeling embedded in those songs.
But when it comes to singing for Christ, while the tools are the same—my voice, my body, my emotions—the purpose and the message are profoundly different. This time, I’m singing about the Most High God. The One who created the heavens, the earth, and all of us. The One who gives us purpose and carries us through this life.
That difference is everything.
The conviction remains, but now it’s centered around a deeper, eternal truth. I’m singing about someone I love so deeply, so passionately, that words alone can’t describe the value of what I’m offering. It’s more than just a song—it’s a testimony. It’s worship. And while the craft of performance is still present, what I’m communicating is on a completely different spiritual plane.
To be able to share what His presence means to me—publicly, through music—is an honor I don’t take lightly. It’s a breathtaking experience, one I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world.
Parle Mag: What was it about now in 2025, specifically, that prompted not only your return to music, but even more so you being a soloist?
Keith Mitchell: What’s propelled me to push forward in 2025 is the deep desire to step into a solo presentation.
Much of this drive comes from my time with After 7. Over the course of more than 30 years, I’ve gained invaluable experience in recording and stage performance. Being in a group like After 7 was both a blessing and a lesson. While I cherished the brotherhood and musical synergy with Kevon and Melvin—both incredible talents in their own right—group dynamics can sometimes limit how fully one’s individual light can shine.
In many ways, I believe I positioned myself to be the best third member of a three-man group—the cream between two chocolate cookies, if you will *laughs* But even with the sweet moments, there were bitter ones, too. Still, I stayed the course. As a loyal team player and a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi, I kept showing up.
God, however, had planted something deeper in my heart long ago. Twenty-five years ago, He spoke to me, stirring the inspiration that would eventually become the music on my new album, Food For Your Life. These songs were born out of pain—through despair, a divorce I didn’t want, and the difficult decision to walk away from After 7.
All of that brought me back to my roots. Looking back, the journey has been amazing. And now, nearly three decades later, I’m both humbled and in awe of the music that’s emerged. The lyrics are deeply personal, and the performance? Simply astonishing.
This is more than a solo project—it’s a spiritual mission. And I’m ready.
Parle Mag: Does this new solo material in any way signify your departure or perhaps, worse, an After 7 break-up?
Keith Mitchell: No, I don’t think the new music signifies a departure—or worse, a breakup with After 7. This new music is just me finally getting the chance to share my own talent with the world.
When you’ve sung with two other guys for over 30 years and never really been out front, there’s a certain kind of anxiety that builds up. You start to wonder what people really think of your voice, your gift. I think folks appreciated what I brought on stage and what they heard on the records, but let’s be honest—the impact was small. I never had the space to really share how I feel or sing from the soul as a lead.
Over time, you start to ache for that opportunity, especially when you know you’re capable. But if you’re not given the shot, there’s not much you can do about it. It’s like a train rolling down the track, and every now and then it stops to refuel. Sometimes that’s also the place where you get off. And when that stop came for me, I was ready.
I had already started working on this Gospel album before that moment even arrived. I was looking forward to the freedom—the freedom of not having to answer to anyone but myself and God.
I’m grateful for the ride I had with After 7. I really am. But I’m even more in love with this next chapter. I’m in love with the opportunity to do God.
Parle Mag: That said, what have you been up to, both personally and professionally speaking, during your musical hiatus?
Keith Mitchell: During this musical hiatus, I’ve been deeply focused on completing my upcoming album, Food For Your Life. In April, I had the opportunity to perform in Atlanta (DeKalb County)—my very first performance as a solo artist. It was a unique and empowering experience, sharing the stage with just me, myself, and I. Funny, funny, funny—what a moment!
This journey marks a shift for me—from working within a collective to stepping out as an individual. I’m drawing from all the lessons I’ve learned over the years, not just creatively, but also from the business side of the music industry. This new chapter is all about growth, independence, and elevating my artistry to the next level.
Parle Mag: Now you’re originally from Indianapolis, IN, correct? So growing up in ‘Naptown,’ who do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?
Keith Mitchell: Yes…I am originally from Indianapolis, Indiana.
My musical inspiration is drawn from legends such as James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, The Supremes, James Cleveland, Mahalia Jackson, and Edwin Hawkins.
Parle Mag: As a songwriter when you sit down to pen your lyrics, where do you draw inspiration from?
Keith Mitchell: As a writer, my inspiration flows from deep spiritual experiences and my daily walk with Christ. From a young age, I was immersed in the teachings of who Christ is—sheltered, blessed, and constantly surrounded by the prayers and love of those who nurtured my faith. These early experiences laid a strong foundation that I continue to draw from. As I’ve grown older, spiritual maturity and insight from the Bible, along with teachings by ministers like Creflo Dollar, have further shaped my voice. My writing is a reflection of this journey—a blend of grace, truth, and the transformative power of God’s love.
Parle Mag: What particular string of events actually led to your initial linking up with brothers Kevon Edmonds & the late Melvin Edmonds, the formation of After 7, and later signing with Virgin Records?
Keith Mitchell: I majored in Business at Indiana University, but it was through the IU Soul Revue—a prestigious program dedicated to training students in the fundamentals of R&B performance and the business of music—that I truly discovered my passion. It was there that my path crossed with Kevon Edmonds. Along with Kevon’s brother, Melvin, we would go on to form the legendary R&B group After 7.
Our group was initially produced by chart-topping hitmakers Babyface (the younger Edmonds brother), L.A. Reid, and Daryl Simmons. Our 1989 self-titled debut album on Virgin Records featured the Billboard #1 R&B and Hot 100 Top Ten hits “Ready or Not” and “Can’t Stop.” Over the next decade, we released two more albums—including the platinum-selling Takin’ My Time—before taking an initial hiatus.
Parle Mag: Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
Keith Mitchell: I want people to experience exactly what I’ve felt through my music. I believe that when you sing and truly learn these songs, they can open doors to a deeper spiritual awakening in Christ—praising and glorifying Him because He is worthy. He is GOD. He is our Father.
Today, so many communities are suffering in the midst of a cloudy and murky political climate. It’s hard to maintain a sense of purpose or to feel the accomplishment of living more like Christ. But I believe my music can be a beacon of consistency—reminding us who we are and who He is, even when the world feels uncertain.
Parle Mag: If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Keith Mitchell: I would have loved an opportunity to collaborate with Whitney Houston. I would be honored to collaborate with CeCe Winans.
Parle Mag: If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
Keith Mitchell: I would be honored to perform at Radio City Music Hall—it’s a dream stage for any artist. Beyond that, it would be an incredible thrill to play in iconic theaters across major U.S. cities, such as the Fox Theater, Peacock Theater, Nokia Theater, and even in renowned churches that hold deep cultural and spiritual significance.
Reaching these stages would represent a major milestone in my musical journey—a true testament to growth, recognition, and the impact of my art.
Parle Mag: On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of R&B?
Keith Mitchell: R&B today is fluid, emotional, with genre-blending. It’s no longer confined to a single sound—artists mix it with Hip-Hop, electronic, and even indie vibes. The core of R&B—soulful expression, vulnerability, and rhythm—still holds strong, but it’s more experimental and personal now. None of that is right or wrong.
You’ll hear stripped-back production with raw vocals (like Brent Faiyaz or SZA), nostalgic nods to the ’90’s (like Victoria Monét), or futuristic, genre-bending projects (like Frank Ocean or FKA Twigs). Social media and streaming have also made it easier for lesser-known artists to gain traction, so there’s more diversity than ever.
In short: R&B is evolving, but it’s thriving—more introspective, more intimate, and more expansive than it’s ever been.
Parle Mag: What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
Keith Mitchell: The key to my longevity has been consistency and staying true to myself. It’s also imperative that I remain close to the word of God and commit to a deeper, more comprehensive spiritual walk. That’s the path I strive to stay on in life.
Parle Mag: Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
Keith Mitchell: I believe my future is very optimistic! I see some acting and possibly co-writing with some other musicians and vocalists. Who knows…I’m open to wherever God leads me.
Parle Mag: As for the immediate, what’s next for KEITH MITCHELL?
Keith Mitchell: At the moment, my team is getting the word out about Keith Mitchell’s latest release “HE’S ALIVE” on radio, social media coupled with national public relations campaigns. Also, the release of a 2nd single is on the radar prior to releasing the full CD Food For Your Life.
Parle Mag: What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Keith Mitchell: Here are my final words which I hope will be taken to heart for even the connoisseur of music:
Anyone who wants to follow in my footsteps of 30+ years experience in the music industry will likely find themselves walking a path that feels solitary—at least at first. Yes, you’ll come across people in music who have ideas and advice, but the initial creation? That begins with you. You’ll collaborate with others to bring your vision to life, but the drive, the persistence, and the journey are very much your own.
Unlike the past—when aspiring artists would go to a team of seasoned professionals in a major Metropolitan city housed in a high-rise building—the path today is decentralized. The tools and the “how-to” of your journey are now found on the internet. Social media platforms have become your stage, your network, and your marketplace. You are the artist, the marketer, the strategist, and often the manager.
Still, you don’t walk it completely alone. Friends and family can support you. And there are fellow creatives to grow with. But you must be a student of your art—willing to learn, experiment, and work hard. This isn’t a one-click success story. It takes time, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to your craft.
And then, there’s God.
You must be open to His guidance. His Son, Jesus, has a plan for your life. Be willing to be led by Him, even when it means letting go of your own expectations. My own journey started in high school, continued through college where I studied business, and unexpectedly collided with music. Yes…music took me to places I never thought I’d go.
Truthfully…God never told me to sing with After 7. He called me to the church. But I followed what I wanted instead. He gave me the freedom to choose, as He does with us all as free moral agents. Now, by grace, I believe I’m finally on His path for my life.
So if you want to follow in my footsteps, understand this: be passionate, yes—but also be humble. Be persistent, but also patient. Be willing to pivot. Don’t be so stubborn that you miss what God is trying to show you.
Your path won’t look exactly like mine. And that’s okay. Just make sure you’re walking with purpose—and with faith.
