Kendrick Lamar’s Protégé Baby Keem Tells the Whole Story, Warts and All
The New York Times • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Baby Keem, a 25-year-old rapper and producer from Las Vegas, draws heavily on his challenging upbringing, including exposure to cigarette smoke and a troubled environment, in his latest album "Casino."
- Released in February, "Casino" blends traditional storytelling with impulsive rap styles, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard 200, and is now being supported by a North American and European tour.
- Keem first gained attention in 2019 with his hit "Orange Soda" and solidified his rising star status with his Grammy-winning debut album "The Melodic Blue," which featured his cousin Kendrick Lamar.
- Despite comparisons and expectations linked to Kendrick Lamar, Keem remains focused on his own artistic path and creates music primarily to impress his cousin.
- Keem's music reflects the darker aspects of Las Vegas life, including casinos, drugs, and addiction, but also emphasizes the importance of family amid adversity.
