Keisha Epps: The Inspiring Story Behind Her R&B Career, Marriage and Family
Keisha Epps is an American R&B singer and actress best known as a member of the 1990s girl group Total and the wife of actor Omar Epps. Before becoming familiar to television and film audiences through her marriage, she had already helped shape one of the most recognizable sounds of hip-hop-influenced R&B.
As a member of Total, she contributed to memorable songs including “Can’t You See,” “Kissin’ You,” and “Trippin’.” Her career later expanded into acting, while her family life remained an important part of her public story.
From her early musical beginnings to her marriage, children, and recent performances, Keisha’s journey combines a lasting entertainment career with a family life that has attracted public interest.
Quick Bio
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Keisha Epps |
| Also Known As | Keisha Spivey |
| Profession | Singer and actress |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Member of the R&B group Total |
| Music Group | Total |
| Musical Genre | R&B, hip-hop soul |
| Spouse | Omar Epps (married in 2006) |
| Children | K’mari Mae Epps and Amir Epps |
| Notable Songs | Can’t You See, Kissin’ You, Trippin’ |
| Film Appearance | The Devil You Know (2022) |
Who Is Keisha Epps?
Keisha Epps, formerly known professionally as Keisha Spivey, became famous as a member of Total, an R&B trio associated with Bad Boy Entertainment during the 1990s.
The group consisted of Keisha, JaKima “Kima” Raynor, and Pamela “Pam” Long. Their music combined soulful vocals with hip-hop production, helping establish a distinctive identity in a competitive musical era.
Although she is frequently introduced as Omar Epps’ wife, her professional achievements began independently of his Hollywood career.
Keisha Epps’ music career remains central to understanding her public identity. Total recorded successful albums, collaborated with major performers, and became closely associated with the sound of mid-to-late-1990s R&B.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Public information about Keisha’s childhood, education, and immediate family is relatively limited. However, the beginnings of her professional career are documented through interviews with Total’s members.
The group developed in New Jersey, where Keisha and Kima knew each other before achieving commercial success.
How Keisha Helped Form Total
Kima has explained that Keisha heard her singing and encouraged her to form a group. That encouragement helped begin their musical partnership.
The two later connected with Pam Long through producer Norman Bradley. After considering the opportunity, Pam joined them, completing the trio.
Their early efforts eventually brought them into contact with people connected to Sean Combs, whose Bad Boy label was becoming an important force in hip-hop and R&B.
Keisha’s role in bringing the group together is an important part of her story. She was involved in its beginnings rather than simply joining an established act.
Keisha Epps’ Music Career With Total
Total emerged during a period when R&B groups were experimenting with stronger hip-hop influences.
Working with Bad Boy Entertainment gave the trio exposure to producers, recording artists, and audiences already following the label’s growing success.
One of their early appearances was connected to The Notorious B.I.G.’s music, including “Juicy.” These collaborations helped introduce their voices to hip-hop listeners.
The group developed its own audience with recordings that blended smooth melodies, confident performances, and rhythmic production.
Total’s Most Popular Songs
Several songs remain especially important to Keisha’s musical legacy:
- “Can’t You See” (1995): Featuring The Notorious B.I.G., this breakthrough single appeared on the New Jersey Drive soundtrack.
- “No One Else” (1995): An early hit that helped establish Total’s recording identity.
- “Kissin’ You” (1996): A successful R&B single that highlighted the group’s softer vocal style.
- “What About Us” (1997): A song associated with the Soul Food soundtrack.
- “Trippin'” (1998): Featuring Missy Elliott, this became one of Total’s biggest crossover hits.
- “Sitting Home” (1999): A single from the group’s second studio album.
These recordings demonstrate the range of Total’s music, from romantic R&B to songs built around more energetic hip-hop rhythms.
Albums and Commercial Success
Total released two studio albums during its original recording period.
Total (1996)
The group’s self-titled debut introduced audiences to its signature combination of vocals and hip-hop production.
It included important singles such as “No One Else,” “Kissin’ You,” and “Can’t You See.”
The album reached No. 23 on the Billboard 200 and received platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.
Kima, Keisha & Pam (1998)
The second album featured contributions from prominent producers and collaborators, including Missy Elliott.
It included “Trippin'” and “Sitting Home,” continuing the group’s success beyond its debut.
The album reached No. 39 on the Billboard 200 and received gold certification.
Together, these two albums form the foundation of Keisha’s best-known recording work.
Why Total Remains Important in R&B
Total was part of a generation that helped connect traditional R&B singing with the developing sound of mainstream hip-hop.
Their recordings featured layered vocals, memorable melodies, and beats that appealed to listeners of both genres.
Rather than following only the smooth ballad style associated with earlier R&B, the trio developed a sound that could feel romantic, confident, or rhythmically aggressive.
Their collaborations with artists such as The Notorious B.I.G. and Missy Elliott also placed them within a broader musical movement.
Keisha’s contribution belongs to this collective achievement. Her work with Kima and Pam helped create recordings that continue to represent an influential period in R&B history.
Total’s Hiatus and Return to Performing
Following their early commercial success, Total became less active as a recording group.
The members followed different personal and professional paths, but their songs maintained an audience among fans of 1990s R&B.
The trio eventually reunited for live performances, including the Bad Boy Family Reunion Tour in 2016.
For Keisha, returning to the stage provided an opportunity to perform familiar songs for longtime supporters while introducing their music to newer listeners.
The reunion also brought renewed attention to the women behind the group’s recordings.
Their activities after the original albums demonstrate that a successful music career does not necessarily end when regular studio releases become less frequent.
Keisha Epps’ Acting Career
Although music brought her initial recognition, Keisha has also worked as an actress.
One of her confirmed screen appearances came in the 2022 crime drama The Devil You Know.
Written and directed by Charles Murray, the film follows Marcus Cowans, a man attempting to rebuild his life while confronting difficult questions involving his family.
Keisha played Tisha Cowans, while her husband Omar Epps portrayed Marcus Cowans.
The cast also included Michael Ealy, Glynn Turman, and Vanessa Bell Calloway.
This project gave Keisha an opportunity to work in a different area of entertainment alongside her husband.
Her documented acting credits are more limited than her music catalogue, so singing remains her best-established professional accomplishment.
Keisha Epps and Omar Epps’ Marriage
Keisha’s relationship with actor Omar Epps is another major reason for public interest in her biography.
Omar is known for films and television series including Love & Basketball and House.
Keisha and Omar first met in 1992 and remained close friends for years before their relationship became romantic in the early 2000s.
They married in 2006.
Their relationship has attracted attention because both had established careers in entertainment while maintaining a long-term marriage.
What Have They Said About Their Relationship?
Omar has spoken publicly about the importance of commitment and approaching marriage as a partnership.
He has explained that removing separation as an automatic response to disagreements changed how they approached difficult moments.
Keisha has also shared anniversary messages expressing appreciation for their relationship.
Their comments present marriage as something requiring continued effort, patience, and mutual respect rather than a relationship without challenges.
The couple has appeared together at entertainment events and has occasionally shared family milestones publicly.
Keisha Epps’ Children and Family Life
Keisha and Omar have two children together: daughter K’mari Mae Epps and son Amir Epps.
Their daughter K’mari was born in June 2004, while Amir was born in December 2007.
Omar also has an older daughter, Aiyanna Yasmine Epps, from a previous relationship.
This distinction matters because some celebrity biographies describe the couple as having three children without explaining their family relationships.
K’mari Epps’ Interest in Music
K’mari has followed her mother’s musical path.
She has released music under the name K’mari Mae, including “In My Zone,” and performed as an opening act during the 2024 Queens of R&B Tour featuring Xscape and SWV.
Keisha has publicly supported her daughter’s musical ambitions and celebrated her songwriting and performances.
Their shared interest in music adds another dimension to Keisha’s career, connecting her own R&B background with a younger generation.
Amir Epps and the Family’s Next Chapter
Amir has also shown an interest in creative work.
In September 2026, Keisha and Omar celebrated his move to college. Keisha shared an affectionate message about the experience and the excitement of seeing her son begin a new chapter.
These public family moments offer occasional glimpses into her life away from recording studios and entertainment events.
What Is Keisha Epps Doing Now?
Keisha has remained connected to music through performances and appearances celebrating Total’s catalogue.
On November 19, 2025, she appeared with fellow Total member Kima on The Tamron Hall Show.
The two discussed their experiences returning to the spotlight and performing alongside R&B group 112 during its Room 112 tour.
They also revisited Total favorites, including “Can’t You See” and “Kissin’ You.”
These appearances show that her musical career continues to attract interest decades after the group’s breakthrough.
As of 2026, her documented public activities include music-related appearances, family milestones, and the continuing recognition of Total’s recordings.
What Is Known About Keisha Epps’ Age and Net Worth?
Readers may encounter online biographies offering exact ages, birth dates, or personal wealth figures for Keisha.
However, such information should be treated carefully when it cannot be confirmed through sufficiently reliable sources.
A publicly circulating financial estimate is not the same as a verified statement of someone’s assets or income.
Likewise, a birth date repeated across entertainment websites is not necessarily independently confirmed.
Her established musical achievements, acting appearance, marriage, and family relationships provide a more dependable account than unsupported personal statistics.
Conclusion
Keisha Epps has built a public identity that extends beyond her marriage to Omar Epps.
Her contributions to Total helped create some of the memorable R&B recordings of the 1990s, while her later acting work and return to live performances expanded her entertainment experience.
Today, her story connects musical achievement, a long-lasting marriage, and family life. Her career with Total remains the strongest foundation of her legacy.
Also Read: Tahmel Hinds: The Remarkable Story of Macy Gray’s Son, Family and Music Career
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Keisha Epps?
Keisha Epps is an American R&B singer and actress. She rose to prominence as Keisha Spivey, a member of the female singing group Total, and is married to actor Omar Epps.
Is Keisha Epps still married to Omar Epps?
Yes. Keisha and Omar Epps married in 2006 and have continued to share public family milestones. Their marriage has lasted approximately two decades as of 2026.
How many children does Keisha Epps have?
Keisha has two biological children with Omar Epps: K’mari Mae and Amir. Omar also has an older daughter, Aiyanna Yasmine, from a previous relationship.
Was Keisha Epps a member of Total?
Yes. She was one of the three members of Total alongside Kima Raynor and Pamela Long. The group became known for R&B hits including “Can’t You See,” “Kissin’ You,” and “Trippin’.”
Has Keisha Epps appeared in any movies?
Yes. She portrayed Tisha Cowans in the 2022 film The Devil You Know, which also featured her husband Omar Epps.
What is Keisha Epps doing in 2026?
Keisha remains publicly associated with Total’s musical legacy. Her recent documented activities include performing with Kima in 2025 and celebrating family milestones in 2026.




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