Baby Keem's entrance into the rap game, may have had many suggesting that due to his family ties he was only relevant due to nepotism. But his debut album proved that even with family ties, Keem has the talent to be here.
The album itself showcased the variety of lyrical and vocal talent Keem possesses. It was very apparent that Keem has a lot of influence from his cousin Kendrick Lamar but has carved out a sound unique and designed by him. Baby Keem's Melodic Blue plays with using today's pop influence sound, production, and rap cadences to create a mainstream aesthetic but Keem's spin on the trends are uniquely found all the way through the album.
Songs like "First order of business" plays into the hands of simplistic melody trap music but decides to take that formula and use it to discuss the importance of family and staying close to the ones you love. "Trademark USA" shows the ability for Keem to switch in and out of styles, which over his career will serve him very well. Keem's display of being able to be versatile will allow him to adapt to wherever hip hop takes itself over the next 5 to 20 years. "Scapegoats" shows Keem's story-telling ability and utilization of tone and cadence to be captivating. These are the clear skills that makes an emcee standout amongst all those who claim to have the ability to bless the mic.
Of course every album has to have standout moments whether good or bad, and the melodic blue was able to offer one great opportunity for the internet to have and hold forever. Kendrick's repeated statement of "top of the morning" towards the end of he and Keem's collab effort "Range Brothers" is one that still leaves listeners puzzled as to what was the purpose or thought process to why that was allowed to make the album. Keem also shows he has a big influence from Kanye on his songs "Gorgeous" and "Scars" which sounded like perfect complimentary tracks that could have made a Kanye West Graduation or 808's and Heartbreak album.
Overall, the album proves why Kendrick has so much belief in his cousin being able to carry the torch as the first artist that is working under Kendrick's label PGLang. Keem's debut has definitely stamped him as a complete artist. He will not be a one hit wonder or flash in the pan artist. He has the ability to curate an entire project that includes fun, story telling, charisma, message, and lyricism. Keem will be a major additive to the progress and elevation of hip hop music and culture going forward!
Tribe Rating:
8 out of 10
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