Baby Keem
{{Short description|American rapper and record producer (born 2000)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2021}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2023}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Baby Keem
| image =
| caption = Carter in 2022
| birth_name = Hykeem Jamaal Carter Jr.
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|2000|10|22}}
| birth_place = Carson, California, U.S.
| occupation = {{flatlist|
- Rapper
- singer
- songwriter
- record producer
}}
| years_active = 2014–Present
| origin = Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
| alias = {{flatlist|
- 2 Phone Baby Keem
- Booman
- Black Brad Paisley
- 50 Cent
}}
| genre = {{flatlist|
}}
| label = {{flatlist|
}}
| module = {{Infobox person
| child = yes
| relatives = {{plainlist|
- Kendrick Lamar (cousin)
- Nick Young (cousin)
}}
| signature = Baby Keem sig.svg
| website = {{URL|keem.science}}
}}
}}
Hykeem Jamaal Carter Jr. (born October 22, 2000), known professionally as Baby Keem, is an American rapper and record producer. Raised in Las Vegas, he gained recognition in the late 2010s with his contributions to Black Panther: The Album by his cousin Kendrick Lamar, as well as Redemption by Jay Rock, Crash Talk by Schoolboy Q, and The Lion King: The Gift by Beyoncé. As a lead artist, he first became known for his 2019 sleeper hit single "Orange Soda", which was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Keem signed with PGLang, in a joint venture with Columbia Records, to release his debut studio album, The Melodic Blue (2021). Met with positive reviews from critics, it peaked at number five on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum by the RIAA; its single "Family Ties" won Best Rap Performance at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards. His collaborations with Kanye West on Donda (2021) and Lamar on Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers (2022) earned him two nominations for Album of the Year at the 64th and 65th Annual Grammy Awards, respectively.
Early life
Hykeem Jamaal Carter Jr. was born in 2000, in Carson, California.{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Fred |title=Baby Keem Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/baby-keem-mn0003901054 |access-date=November 14, 2023 |website=AllMusic |language=en}} His mother struggled with substance abuse and alcoholism,{{Cite web |last=Rosenberger |first=Ryan |date=September 20, 2021 |title=Baby Keem flashes serious potential on The Melodic Blue |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/albums/baby-keem-the-melodic-blue-album-review |access-date=November 14, 2023 |website=The Line of Best Fit |language=en-US}} while his father, Hykeem Carter Sr., was not an active parental figure.{{Cite web |last=Levy |first=Piet |date=April 2, 2022 |title=Baby Keem proved at sold-out Milwaukee show he'll be a huge star, just like his cousin Kendrick Lamar |url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/music/2022/04/02/milwaukee-baby-keem-shows-hes-star-like-cousin-kendrick-lamar/7215679001/ |access-date=November 14, 2023 |website=Journal Sentinel |language=en-US}} Carter was raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, by his grandmother until the age of eight, and considers her to be his second mother.{{Cite web |last=Setaro |first=Shawn |date=July 31, 2019 |title=Baby Keem Has Arrived |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/shawn-setaro/baby-keem-interview-die-for-my-bitch |access-date=November 14, 2023 |website=Complex |language=en-us}} Much of his childhood was spent in music studios as he watched his aunts and uncles burn CDs using LimeWire.{{cite web |last1=Pack |first1=The Rap |title=Baby Keem On His Journey, His Relationship W/ Kendrick Lamar, Working W/ Drake + More {{!}} The Rap Pack |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N72BLEUiomE&t=1642s |website=YouTube |date=May 28, 2021 |access-date=22 September 2022}} Carter also underwent eviction and was reliant on food stamps.{{Cite news |last=Kelly |first=Chris |date=November 28, 2021 |title=Resonating with his crowd, Baby Keem seems ready to reach for something more |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/baby-keem-concert-review/2021/11/28/e44f43f8-5083-11ec-8927-c396fa861a71_story.html |access-date=November 14, 2023 |issn=0190-8286}}
Carter was brought up around a musically talented family, where all of his uncles and cousins were rappers.{{Cite web |last=Isom |first=Eric |date=July 14, 2018 |title=Meet Hykeem Carter, The Mysterious Artist Who Has Credits on Multiple TDE Projects |url=https://www.complex.com/pigeons-and-planes/a/eric-isom/hykeem-carter |access-date=November 14, 2023 |website=Complex |language=en-us}} His older cousins include rapper Kendrick Lamar and basketball player Nick Young;{{Cite web |last=Tucker |first=Tristan |date=September 13, 2021 |title=Baby Keem pops off, delivers big in debut album |url=https://www.technicianonline.com/culture/baby-keem-pops-off-delivers-big-in-debut-album/article_f998140a-1501-11ec-b8b5-f3e57dbea82f.html |access-date=2021-11-03 |website=Technician |language=en}}{{cite web |last1=Palladino |first1=Paul |date=October 31, 2012 |title=Interview: Nick Young Talks Style, His Cousin Kendrick Lamar and His Experience With a Fire Extinguisher |url=http://www.complex.com/sports/2012/10/interview-nick-young-talks-style-his-cousin-kendrick-lamar-and-his-experience-with-a-fire-extinguisher |access-date=May 11, 2018 |website=Complex}} he may also be related to rapper Tanna Leone.{{Cite web |last=Mckinney |first=Jessica |date=April 28, 2022 |title=Meet Tanna Leone, the New Signee on Kendrick Lamar's pgLang |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/j-mckinney/tanna-leonne-interview-sleepy-soldier |access-date=November 14, 2023 |website=Complex |language=en-us}} He always expressed an interest in rapping, but was not confident with his naturally high-pitched voice and chose to wait until it was developed. When he was thirteen, Carter began producing music using Apple software on his computer.{{Cite web |last=Lamar |first=Kendrick |author-link=Kendrick Lamar |date=October 19, 2020 |title=Kendrick Lamar in conversation with Baby Keem |url=https://i-d.vice.com/en/article/n7vjzb/kendrick-lamar-in-conversation-with-baby-keem-id-40th-anniversary |access-date=November 14, 2023 |website=i-D |language=en}} At fifteen, he borrowed $300 from his grandmother and purchased a small recording setup for his bedroom on Craigslist. Carter expressed disdain for his hometown where "everybody [knew] everybody", and cited its obsolete music scene as a key factor in his decision to move.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxk7EHUlbRE |title=Baby Keem: Influence of Kendrick Lamar, Childhood, and the Women in His Life {{!}} Apple Music |language=en |access-date=2024-04-21 |via=www.youtube.com}} He spent much of his teen years playing video games and "cooking up" in games such as Geometry Dash, Fortnite, and PUBG. He used to post and livestream Minecraft and FIFA gameplay on YouTube and Twitch.{{Cite web |date=October 3, 2022 |title=First Appearances - BET Hip Hop Awards 2022 |url=https://www.bet.com/hip-hop-awards/video-clips/9ovjs7/bet-hip-hop-awards-2022-first-appearances |access-date=November 14, 2023 |website=BET}} Baby Keem attended school and produced music in his Las Vegas bedroom until his breakthrough mixtape, Die for my Bitch, was released. He subsequently moved to Los Angeles to pursue a full-time career in music.{{cite web |title=Baby Keem: Career Evolution, Friendship with Kendrick, and Travis Scott Collaboration |website=Youtube |date=June 12, 2021 |publisher=Apple Music |access-date=6 May 2024 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIMJU0m66Fc}}
Career
=2014–2018: Career beginnings=
Carter made his first song, "Come Thru", during his freshman year of high school; it was removed from the Internet and he hopes "nobody will ever find it". His first extended play (EP), Oct, was independently released under his birth name on November 7, 2017, but was removed from major streaming media services shortly after its release.{{Cite web |date=2021-02-04 |title=Baby Keem: The Full Profile |url=https://raptv.com/artist/baby-keem-the-full-profile/ |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=RapTV |language=en-US}} According to RapTV, the 9-track EP showed traces of Carter's future musical style by "featuring a mix of bouncy, hard beats and slower, emotional cuts". He released his second EP, Midnight, on January 16, 2018. Although it showcased the same production as Oct, RapTV noticed that Carter's delivery was "more confident and loud". In an interview with Complex, he admitted that Midnight did not have any real artistic direction, and described the project as "just nine songs in my stash that I liked and put out".
After emailing a sample of his production to independent record label Top Dawg Entertainment, Carter contributed to the soundtrack album for the superhero film Black Panther (2018) as a producer. During the summer, he released two EPs, No Name and Hearts and Darts, and produced two songs on Jay Rock's third studio album Redemption.{{Cite web |last=Draughorne |first=Kenan |date=June 18, 2018 |title=Review: Jay Rock's "Redemption" Quietly Unlocks A Career Milestone |url=https://hiphopdx.com/reviews/id.3181/title.review-jay-rocks-redemption-quietly-unlocks-a-career-milestone |access-date=November 14, 2023 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}} He considers Hearts and Darts, which was his first project under his stage name Baby Keem, to have personality that Midnight lacked. In October 2018, he released his debut mixtape, The Sound of Bad Habit, through the Orchard and Sony Music. The mixtape was executive produced by Cardo.
=2019–2020: ''Die for My Bitch'' and breakthrough=
In 2019, Keem released his debut single "Orange Soda". Keem produced two songs on Schoolboy Q's fifth album, Crash Talk (2019).{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Kyann-Sian |date=April 26, 2019 |title=ScHoolboy Q – 'CrasH Talk' review |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/schoolboy-q-crash-talk-review-2483041 |access-date=November 14, 2023 |website=NME |language=en-GB}} On July 19, 2019, he produced a song for singer Beyoncé's soundtrack album The Lion King: The Gift and released his second mixtape, Die for My Bitch.{{Cite news |last=Petridis |first=Alexis |author-link=Alexis Petridis |date=July 19, 2019 |title=Beyoncé: The Lion King: The Gift review – superstar shows impeccable taste |language=en-GB |work=the Guardian |url=http://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/jul/19/beyonce-the-lion-king-the-gift-review-superstar-shows-impeccable-taste |access-date=November 14, 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite web |last=Ivey |first=Justin |date=July 18, 2019 |title=Baby Keem Delivers "DIE FOR MY BITCH" Project |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.52179/title.baby-keem-delivers-die-for-my-bitch-project |access-date=November 14, 2023 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}} The alternative hip hop mixtape carried strong pop-punk and alternative rock elements,{{Cite web |last=Galil |first=Leor |date=November 1, 2019 |title=Rapper-producer Baby Keem has fun switching up his styles on his latest mixtape |url=http://chicagoreader.com/music/rapper-producer-baby-keem-has-fun-switching-up-his-styles-on-his-latest-mixtape/ |access-date=November 14, 2019 |website=Chicago Reader |language=en-US}} and received significant media attention.{{Cite web |last=Pierre |first=Alphonso |date=2020-09-25 |title=Baby Keem Has a Lot of Hype—But Is He Any Good? |url=https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/baby-keem-virtual-rap-shows-lil-yachty/ |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}} Its lead single, "Orange Soda", became a sleeper hit and helped Keem make his first appearances on the Billboard 200, Billboard Hot 100, and Emerging Artists charts.{{Cite magazine |last=Zellner |first=Xander |date=December 17, 2019 |title=Beyonce & Kendrick Lamar Collaborator Baby Keem Debuts on Emerging Artists Chart |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/baby-keem-debuts-emerging-artists-chart/ |access-date=November 14, 2023 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} He supported the mixtape with his first concert tour, the Die for My Bitch Tour, which visited select venues across the US from November 12 to November 20, 2019.{{Cite web |last=Jefferson |first=Devon |date=November 13, 2019 |title=Baby Keem Drops Wild "Orange Soda" Video |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.53458/title.baby-keem-drops-wild-orange-soda-video |access-date=November 14, 2023 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}}
Keem's partnership with creative services company PGLang, founded by Kendrick Lamar and filmmaker Dave Free, was announced through his appearance in the company's visual mission statement on March 5, 2020.{{Cite web |last=Strauss |first=Matthew |date=March 5, 2020 |title=Kendrick Lamar and Dave Free Launch New Company pgLang |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/kendrick-lamar-launches-new-company-pglang/ |access-date=March 6, 2020 |website=Pitchfork}} He was included on XXL{{'}}s annual Freshman Class list in August.{{cite web|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-2020-freshman-class-revealed/|title=XXL 2020 FRESHMAN CLASS REVEALED|work=XXL|last=Cline|first=Georgette|date=August 11, 2020|access-date=August 11, 2020}} Upon signing a recording contract with Columbia Records, Keem released the single album "Hooligan / Sons & Critics" on September 18, 2020;{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/nz/album/hooligan-sons-critics-single/1531378462|title=hooligan / sons & critics - Single by Baby Keem on Apple Music|via=Apple Music|date=September 17, 2020|access-date=September 17, 2020}} the latter song confirmed his familial relation to Lamar after rumors began to emerge.{{Cite web |last=Skelton |first=Eric |date=September 23, 2020 |title=It's Baby Keem Season. Pay Attention. |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/eric-skelton/baby-keem-season-two-new-songs-review |access-date=November 14, 2023 |website=Complex |language=en-us}} A remix to his debut single “Orange Soda” was released featuring American rapper Rich the Kid in 2020.
=2021–present: ''The Melodic Blue and Child with Wolves''=
Keem was featured on Kanye West's song "Praise God" alongside Travis Scott for the former's tenth album, Donda (2021).{{Cite web |last1=Bloom |first1=Madison |last2=Strauss |first2=Matthew |last3=Yoo |first3=Noah |date=August 29, 2021 |title=Kanye West Finally Releases New Album Donda |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/kanye-west-finally-releases-new-album-donda-listen/ |access-date=September 7, 2021 |website=Pitchfork}} The Melodic Blue, his debut studio album, was released on September 10, 2021.{{Cite web |last=Triscari |first=Caleb |date=September 7, 2021 |title=Baby Keem to release new album 'The Melodic Blue' this week |url=https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/baby-keem-to-release-new-album-the-melodic-blue-this-week-3038871 |access-date=September 7, 2023 |website=NME}} He co-produced 14 of the album's 16 standard tracks.{{Cite web |last1=Minsket |first1=Evan |last2=Monroe |first2=Jazz |date=September 6, 2021 |title=Baby Keem Releasing New Album The Melodic Blue This Week |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/baby-keem-releasing-new-album-the-melodic-blue-this-week/ |access-date=September 7, 2021 |website=Pitchfork}} It received generally positive reviews from music critics, with praise towards its ambitious nature and Keem's growing potential,{{Cite web |last=Skelton |first=Eric |date=December 1, 2021 |title=The Best Albums of 2021 |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/eric-skelton/best-albums-of-2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525070818/https://www.complex.com/music/a/eric-skelton/best-albums-of-2021 |archive-date=May 25, 2023 |access-date=May 25, 2023 |website=Complex |language=en-us}} but criticism towards its "half-baked" production.{{Cite web |last=Svetz |first=Josh |date=October 5, 2021 |title=Baby Keem Shows Potential But Delivers Half-Baked Songs On PgLang Debut 'The Melodic Blue' |url=https://hiphopdx.com/reviews/id.3788/title.baby-keem-the-melodic-blue-album-review |access-date=November 14, 2023 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}} The album debuted at number five on the Billboard 200, becoming Keem's first top-10 album in the US.{{Cite magazine |last=Caulfield |first=Keith |date=September 19, 2021 |title=Drake's 'Certified Lover Boy' Spends Second Week at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Albums Chart |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/drake-certified-lover-boy-number-1-second-week-billboard-200-albums-chart/ |access-date=November 14, 2021 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} Two of the album's four singles, "Durag Activity" with Scott and "Family Ties" with Lamar,{{Cite web |last=Renshaw |first=David |date=August 27, 2021 |title=Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar team up on "family ties" |url=https://www.thefader.com/2021/08/27/baby-keem-kendrick-lamar-family-ties |access-date=September 7, 2021 |website=The Fader |language=en}} enjoyed critical and commercial success.{{Cite web |last=Okon |first=Wongo |date=April 30, 2021 |title=Travis Scott And Baby Keem's 'Durag Activity' Is A Clouded Banger |url=https://uproxx.com/music/tavis-scott-baby-keem-durag-activity/ |access-date=November 14, 2023 |website=Uproxx |language=en-US}} Keem embarked on the Melodic Blue Tour, which visited cities in North America and Europe from November 2021 to July 2022, and appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to promote The Melodic Blue.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolt.tv/new-music/2021/9/9/22664359/baby-keem-fallon-performance|title=Baby Keem debuts new single during "Fallon" performance|work=Revolt|last=Powell|first=Jon|date=September 9, 2021|access-date=September 9, 2021}} A B-side to the album was released on September 22, 2021,{{Cite web |last=Shifferaw |first=Abel |date=2021-09-21 |title=Baby Keem Updates 'The Melodic Blue' Album With Brent Faiyaz Feature |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/abel-shifferaw/bby-keem-updates-the-melodic-blue-album-with-brent-faiyaz-feature-lost-souls |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525103400/https://www.complex.com/music/a/abel-shifferaw/bby-keem-updates-the-melodic-blue-album-with-brent-faiyaz-feature-lost-souls |archive-date=May 25, 2023 |access-date=2023-05-25 |website=Complex |language=en-us}} while the deluxe edition was released on October 28, 2022.{{cite news |last1=Feldstein |first1=Josh |date=2 November 2022 |title=Baby Keem's deluxe edition of 'The Melodic Blue' leaves fans eager for more |work=The Daily Orange |url=https://dailyorange.com/2022/11/get-groove-5-shows-weekend/ |url-status=live |access-date=17 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117175229/https://dailyorange.com/2022/11/get-groove-5-shows-weekend/ |archive-date=November 17, 2022}}
At the 64th Annual Grammy Awards (April 2022), "Family Ties" won Best Rap Performance.{{Cite web |last=Monroe |first=Jazz |date=April 4, 2022 |title=Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar Win Best Rap Performance for "Family Ties" at the 2022 Grammys |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/baby-keem-and-kendrick-lamar-win-best-rap-performance-for-family-ties-at-the-2022-grammys/ |access-date=April 4, 2022 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}} Keem produced two songs and was featured on Lamar's fifth album Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers (2022),{{cite web |last=Sisario |first=Ben |date=May 13, 2022 |title=Kendrick Lamar Returns With 'Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/13/arts/music/kendrick-lamar-new-album-mr-morale-and-the-big-steppers.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514002708/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/13/arts/music/kendrick-lamar-new-album-mr-morale-and-the-big-steppers.html |archive-date=May 14, 2022 |access-date=May 13, 2022 |work=The New York Times}} and served as the co-opening act on the accompanying Big Steppers Tour.{{cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=May 13, 2022 |title=Kendrick Lamar Unveils 'Big Steppers' Tour Dates |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/kendrick-lamar-big-steppers-tour-dates-1235266437/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516005220/https://variety.com/2022/music/news/kendrick-lamar-big-steppers-tour-dates-1235266437/ |archive-date=May 16, 2022 |access-date=May 16, 2022 |website=Variety}} He also appeared on the tour's film companion.{{Cite web |last=Sadler |first=Armon |date=October 18, 2022 |title=Kendrick Lamar's 'The Big Steppers Tour' Paris Stop To Be Available Via Livestream |url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/kendrick-lamar-big-steppers-tour-paris-amazon-1234703214/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124045353/https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/kendrick-lamar-big-steppers-tour-paris-amazon-1234703214/ |archive-date=November 24, 2022 |access-date=December 2, 2022 |website=Vibe |language=en-US}} On May 30, 2023, Keem and Lamar surprise released "The Hillbillies".{{cite mag |last1=Lamarre |first1=Carl |title=Kendrick Lamar & Baby Keem Deliver VHS-Style Video 'The Hillbillies': Watch |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/kendrick-lamar-baby-keem-the-hillbillies-video-1235342414/ |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Penske Media Corporation |date=May 30, 2023}} They headlined the first night of the 2023 Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival as the superduo of the same name.{{Cite magazine |last=Rizzo |first=Carita |date=November 13, 2023 |title=Kendrick Lamar and Baby Keem Debut 'The Hillbillies' Live at Camp Flog Gnaw |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kendrick-lamar-baby-keem-the-hillbillies-live-debut-camp-flog-gnaw-video-1234876223/ |access-date=November 14, 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}} Keem made his acting debut in the short film adaptation of The Melodic Blue, which was released on December 5, 2023.{{Cite magazine |last=Mamo |first=Heran |date=2023-11-12 |title=Kendrick Lamar & Baby Keem Celebrate Hit-Filled Family Reunion as The Hillbillies While Closing Out Night 1 of Camp Flog Gnaw 2023 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/kendrick-lamar-baby-keem-the-hillbillies-2023-camp-flog-gnaw-headlining-performance-recap-1235469402/ |access-date=2023-11-13 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} He executive produced the film through his in-house company, Eerie Times.{{Cite web |last=Armstrong |first=Megan |date=November 16, 2023 |title=When Does Baby Keem's 'The Melodic Blue' Movie Come Out? |url=https://uproxx.com/music/when-does-baby-keem-the-melodic-blue-movie-come-out/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |website=Uproxx |language=en-US}} In 2024, Keem announced his second studio album Child with Wolves.
Artistry
=Influences=
One of Keem's favorite artists and main musical influences is Kid Cudi. He was heavily inspired by his cadences and emotional connection, particularly on the single "Immortal" (2013).{{Cite web |last=Saponara |first=Michael |date=October 24, 2022 |title=Kid Cudi & Baby Keem Link Up At Kendrick Lamar 'Big Steppers' Show: 'Long Overdue' |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.74367/title.kid-cudi-baby-keem-big-steppers-kendrick-lamar |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}} As a child, Keem recalled listening to Kanye West's 808s & Heartbreak (2008) during a rare snow day in Las Vegas and being inspired by the album's cinematic quality. He has admitted that he will "never say anything ill" about West, and credits him for consistently challenging music genre boundaries.{{Cite magazine |last=Rouhani |first=Neena |date=2021-09-20 |title=Baby Keem Gets Personal: 'My Mission Here Is Much Deeper' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/baby-keem-interview-album-melodic-blue-9629335/ |access-date=2022-03-11 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} Keem self-identifies as part of the Mike Will Made It and Metro Boomin generation of record producers, and derives inspiration from both artists.
Discography
Filmography
Film
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" |
| scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Role ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes ! scope="col" class="unsortable" |{{Tooltip|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
|---|
| scope="row"| 2022
| Kendrick Lamar Live: The Big Steppers Tour | rowspan="2"| Himself | |
| scope="row"| 2023
| The Melodic Blue | Short film; also executive producer |
Tours
Headlining
- Die For My Bitch Tour (2019)
- The Melodic Blue Tour (2021–2022)
Supporting
- Kendrick Lamar – The Big Steppers Tour (2022)
Awards and nominations
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
! scope="col"| Award ! scope="col"| Year ! scope="col"| Category ! scope="col"| Nominee(s) ! scope="col"| Result ! scope="col" class="unsortable"| {{Abbr|Ref.|References}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="3"| BET Awards
| rowspan="3"| 2022 | Himself | {{nom}} |
|---|
| Video of the Year
| rowspan="2"| "Family Ties" {{Small|(with Kendrick Lamar)}} | {{won}} |
| Best Collaboration
| {{nom}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2"| Billboard Music Awards
| rowspan="2"| 2022 | rowspan="2"| "Praise God" {{Small|(Kanye West featuring Travis Scott and Baby Keem)}} | {{nom}} | rowspan="2"|{{cite magazine|title=The Weeknd & Doja Cat Lead 2022 Billboard Music Awards Finalists: Full List|magazine= Billboard|url= https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2022-billboard-music-award-nominations-bbma-1235056949/|date=April 8, 2022|accessdate=April 9, 2022}} |
| Top Christian Song
| {{nom}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="7"| Grammy Awards
| rowspan="4"| 2022 | Himself | {{nom}} |
| Album of the Year
| Donda {{Small|(credited as featured artist and songwriter)}} | {{nom}} |
| Best Rap Performance
| rowspan="2"| "Family Ties" {{Small|(with Kendrick Lamar)}} | {{won}} |
| Best Rap Song
| {{nom}} |
| 2023
| Album of the Year | Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers {{Small|(credited as featured artist, songwriter and producer)}} | {{nom}} |
| 2024
| Best Rap Performance | "The Hillbillies" {{Small|(with Kendrick Lamar)}} | {{nom}} |
| 2025
| Best Dance/Electronic Recording | "Leave Me Alone" {{small|(with Fred Again)}} | {{nominated }} |{{Cite magazine |last=Blistein |first=Jon |date=November 8, 2024 |title=Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar Lead 2025 Grammy Nominees |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/grammy-nominations-2025-list-1235156923/ |access-date=November 9, 2024 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}} |
| scope="row"| NME Awards
| 2022 | Best Collaboration | rowspan="3"| "Family Ties" {{Small|(with Kendrick Lamar)}} | {{nom}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2"| XXL Awards
| rowspan="2"| 2022 | Song of the Year | {{nom}} |
| Video of the Year
| {{nom}} |
References
{{reflist}}
{{Baby Keem}}
{{Navboxes
|title = Awards for Baby Keem
|list =
{{BET Award for Video of the Year}}
{{Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance}}
}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Keem, Baby}}
Category:21st-century American rappers
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Category:Rappers from Los Angeles
Category:West Coast hip-hop musicians
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Category:American male singer-songwriters
Category:African-American male rappers
Category:21st-century American male rappers
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Category:21st-century African-American male singers
Category:21st-century American male singers
Category:Singer-songwriters from Nevada
Category:Grammy Award winners for rap music
Category:American music YouTubers
Category:American gaming YouTubers
Category:YouTube channels launched in 2011
Category:American trap musicians
Category:Alternative hip-hop musicians