Who Knew?” may be the title of Keke Wyatt’s new album, but the singer is well aware the project marks a new chapter in her life as she prepares to reenter the world of single ladies.
Speaking exclusively with EUR’s Lee Bailey on the set of the video for the project’s first single and title track, Wyatt confirmed her almost 10-year marriage to Rahmat Morton is on its last legs.
“Those 10 years are over. They’re over,” said the songbird, as she alluded to parallels between the “Who Knew?” song and her marriage. “You go through so much as a woman and you can’t take too much of the hands on type of thing. I refuse to do it anymore and so I’m done. I’m done.”
The end of Wyatt’s marriage concludes an era of ups and downs for the singer, who married at a young age. In 2001, the entertainer was arrested and charged with allegedly stabbing Morton up to five times with a steak knife at their home. According to reports, authorities responded to a domestic violence call on December 25, 2001. Morton, who was Wyatt’s manager, was found with stab wounds on his chest, arms and hands. Morton was later taken to the University of Louisville Hospital, where doctors removed part of the steak knife from his back.
In 2002, Wyatt was indicted on one count of second degree assault. Despite the indictment, the singer served no time for the incident in light of the charges against her being dropped when Morton decided not to press charges against her.
Although she confirmed a looming divorce with her husband, Wyatt, refused to elaborate as she did not “want to put my personal life out there right until everything is done.”
Looking back, the songbird attributed the union and her willingness to marry young with being “dumb and young and in love.”
“But you know, you live and learn and people change and they end up not being who you thought. But whatever, I have three beautiful children out of it,” Wyatt said as she noted one of the positive things to result from her marriage.
Best known for “My First Love,” her hit song with fellow vocalist Avant, Wyatt has garnered fans over the years with her vocal ability since officially coming on the scene at age 16. Despite a successful run with her solo debut album, “Soul Sista,” and the buzz generated by the single “Put Your Hands On Me,” the singer’s sophomore album, “Emotional Rollercoaster,” was ultimately shelved by her recording home at the time, Cash Money Records/Universal Motown Records.
As she gears up for the release of the “Who Knew?” album, Wyatt is also finding support at her new label, Shanachie Entertainment.
“We are extremely excited to be bringing out Keke’s new music,” Shanachie general manager and head of A&R, Randall Grass said in a statement. “She is one of the outstanding singers of her generation and is recognized as a true singer. Keke achieved success at a young age and now she is poised for even greater success.”
In addition to the title song, “Who Knew?” will offer a variety of R&B ballads (“I’ll Never Do it Again” and “Without You”) and mid-and up-tempo material. Other songs include “Daydreaming,” “Good Man and “Peace on Earth,” an inspirational tune written by Rachelle Ferrell.
Keke Wyatt’s “Who Knew?” album is slated to hit stores on February 23, 2010.
