Baby Keem

Hykeem Jamaal Carter Jr., known professionally as Baby Keem, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer born on October 22, 2000. Raised in Las Vegas, he is the cousin of renowned rapper Kendrick Lamar. Keem initially gained recognition in the late 2010s for his production work on his cousin's "Black Panther: The Album," as well as projects for Jay Rock, ScHoolboy Q, and Beyoncé. His breakthrough as a solo artist came with the 2019 sleeper hit "Orange Soda," which was certified quadruple platinum.

Career Highlights

Baby Keem's career began in his teenage years, making beats and recording lyrics in his bedroom. He released his first solo EP, "Midnight," in 2018. This was followed by the mixtape "The Sound of Bad Habit" in the same year. His second mixtape, "Die for My Bitch" (2019), featured the track "Orange Soda" which peaked at number 98 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

In 2021, Keem was featured on Kanye West's album "Donda" on the track "Praise God" alongside Travis Scott. He signed with PGLang, a company founded by his cousin Kendrick Lamar, in partnership with Columbia Records, to release his debut studio album, "The Melodic Blue," in September 2021. The album was a critical and commercial success, peaking at number five on the Billboard 200 and achieving platinum certification. It featured collaborations with artists like Travis Scott and Don Toliver.

The Melodic Blue and Grammy Win

"The Melodic Blue" showcased Keem's versatile style, blending elements of hip-hop, R&B, and pop with experimental production. The album's single, "Family Ties" featuring Kendrick Lamar, was a major success. The track won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards in 2022, marking Keem's first Grammy win. Keem also received Grammy nominations for Album of the Year for his work on Kanye West's "Donda" and Kendrick Lamar's "Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers."

Musical Style and Influences

Baby Keem's music is noted for its unique blend of hip-hop, trap, and experimental sounds, characterized by playful flows, varied cadences, and unconventional production. He has cited artists such as Kid Cudi, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Eminem as major influences on his work. His production background has been instrumental in shaping his artistic vision, allowing him to execute his ideas from start to finish. Lyrically, his work often explores themes of identity, struggle, and resilience, influenced by his cousin Kendrick Lamar.