By Keith Mitchell
When I considered writing this piece, I knew it was time to be vulnerable—to release certain elements of my story that haven’t been shared in other versions.
Let me begin with what’s familiar: I was part of the group After 7, a journey that opened many doors and opportunities for myself and the two other gentlemen I sang with for over 34 years—Kevon Edmonds and his brother, Melvin Edmonds. We were produced by mega-producer Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, their younger brother, along with his creative partners Daryl Simmons and L.A. Reid. Together, they crafted some of the most passionate, heartfelt, and classy music that continues to resonate—songs like “In the Heat of the Moment,” “Ready or Not,” “Can’t Stop,” and “One Night.”
In 1989, Virgin Records signed us sight unseen, purely on the reputation of Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds. He even gave us our name, After 7—defined as casual elegance. We embraced that identity through our attire, photography, videos, and performances. Our first album earned two gold singles, reached platinum+status, and even garnered a GRAMMY nomination.
Looking back, there wasn’t much representation for a group like ours in the early days. But we seized the moment, creating a legacy that still stands.
We toured for two years before recording our second album, Taking My Time—this time, without Babyface’s direct involvement. Fortunately, Daryl Simmons and Dallas Austin stepped in, producing hits like “Baby, I’m For Real” and “Kickin’ It.” Al Haymon also played a pivotal role, placing us on shows with legends like Regina Belle, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, The Whispers, Gladys Knight, and Whitney Houston.
Tip #1: In the music business, expect the unexpected. Be flexible and commit to responding, not reacting, to situations beyond your control. We didn’t anticipate Babyface stepping back for the second album, but we pushed forward and gave it our all.
The Reflections album was the last studio project recorded prior to After 7’s musical hiatus of 20 years, after which we re-emerged with the Timeless album. During the season of Melvin Edmond’s passing, his son Jason Edmonds stepped in to support the group. Thirteen years later, Daniel McClain joined us during the recording of the fifth album, Unfinished Business.
It’s worth mentioning that while attending Indiana University, I majored in business so I could understand how to run a business successfully. That education taught me music is more than art—it’s a business. Many may not know this, but I served as the road manager for After 7 at one point. That meant handling money, per diems, salaries, making sure the tour bus was funded, and reporting weekly to the business manager. It’s sobering to realize that after all the logistics and travel, you can come home with little to show financially. That kind of disparity can cause tension in any group—especially when family dynamics are involved.
Tip #2: Learn everything you can about the music industry—because it is a business. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Diversify your interests to build long-term stability and income.
Over time, we began to grow apart in how we processed and responded to the challenges. What kept me rooted was loyalty. I pledged Kappa Alpha Psi while in college, where I was taught not to desert or condemn. So staying committed to the group—despite disagreements—wasn’t always easy, but I showed up. Even when Melvin stepped away at times, we kept pushing, doing more of one thing, less of another, whatever it took.
Then came the inevitable. In January 2025, I decided it was time to say goodbye.
It felt like a train journey—one where people get on, and eventually, people get off. Most people do not know that I was never financially compensated at a rate that reflected an escalating value for a member who was loyal to a group for 30 plus years. Often, valuable tools to maintain my professional sound quality were stripped away from me and I was marginalized to singing the equivalent of back up vocals with occasional one liners in songs. Thus I chronically felt undervalued and underpaid both on and off stage. Rather than continue to compromise my self-worth, I knew it was time to leave. God opened up the doors and on His timing I departed from the often toxic environment. I had given everything—my time, my energy, my heart—to individuals and the group. Was I perfect? No. Did I always make the right decisions? No. But I showed up. I didn’t miss engagements. I was on time for rehearsals. I participated in every promotional effort.
Eventually, it became clear that my personal interests no longer mattered within the group dynamic. One member began focusing on themselves more than honoring our three-man unity. That was just one of the reasons I left.
The other was this: God called me back to gospel music—my first love, and where I first discovered my gift. I was also navigating the emotional toll of a divorce I didn’t want. I felt completely alone. But in that brokenness, God revealed my life to me. He walked me through healing, and that process birthed new purpose.
It was during that season—while attending World Changers Church, under the teachings of Creflo Dollar—that everything changed. That’s when I began writing the songs that would become my new gospel album, Food for Your Life. That’s when I made the decision to walk away from After 7.
Tip #3: Know when your time in a certain situation has ended. Plan your exit with wisdom and discretion. Stay committed until the shift becomes clear. Keep God at the center of everything you do, and never move without His guidance.
