Sunday General Discussion NAITO DOUBLE CHAMP EDITION -January 5th, 2020 - HipHop

As one of Los Angeles, California's most alluring up-and-comers, Baby Keem has been making waves in communities around the internet to critical acclaim. Las Vegas born 19-year-old Hykeem Carter is making a name for himself as the next rapper to keep your sights on, and his most recent project DIE FOR MY BITCH is making it increasingly hard not to wonder what he'll do next. Some may consider the rapper "underground," and his lack of extensive interviews only add to that claim, but what we do know is the kid is going places if he keeps up what he's doing. Little information is widely available about Hykeem besides rumors of him being Kendrick Lamar's younger cousin, but we can only assume that the young artist likes to keep to himself; at least for the time being. Not long prior to the release of DIE FOR MY BITCH, Keem dropped his debut mixtape, The Sound of Bad Habit, which itself was released in the same year that he posted his since-removed Midnight EP, as well as the extended plays No Name and Hearts & Darts; the latter garnering his first wave of attention with the Cardo-produced track "Baby Keem".

Some may recognize Hykeem's production credits on Jay Rock's Redemption, ScHoolboy Q's CrasH Talk, and even the soundtracks for Black Panther, and the 2019 remake of The Lion King. Though unsigned, Keem maintains a tight relationship with his friends over at Top Dawg Entertainment, and releases his music and merchandise through Baby Keem, LLC. It is not currently known if Baby Keem, LLC plans to take on broader industries in the future such as the technology or defense sectors, and request for comment regarding the future of the corporation was ignored; however it is safe to assume that the rapidly growing multinational syndicate in Hykeem's stage name will eventually enter emerging markets such as cryptocurrency and all-electric transportation. It is readily apparent that Mr. Carter is indeed about his check, so massive business moves like those previously mentioned are never out of the question for the young musician. For the time being, however, it appears that Keem will focus a majority of his energy on his contributions to the hiphop scene.

With the release of DIE FOR MY BITCH, Keem silenced the critics who claimed he was something along the lines of a one trick pony. Those who listened to Keem knew he could rap confidently in the cadence shown throughout The Sound of Bad Habit, but could he express enough variety in his sound to garner longevity? With this new mixtape, he proved that and then some.

Review by /u/pizzazza

The opening track on the project, "STATS", has an important role on the mixtape. When you're used to listening to tracks by Keem like "Gang Activities" and "Baby Keem", you're more than likely going to want some more of that sound going into his next tape. "STATS" reels you in with heavy 808s, witty and charismatic one liners, and a delightful beat switch only a minute into the song like the cherry on top of a model-humbling sundae. "STATS" is like the introductory paragraph of a Masters thesis, gripping the subjects attention for the ride that is soon to follow, while reminding you not to stunt. The track itself serves the mixtape as one of multiple "bangers" throughout, but has a touch of personal introspection with lines that remind you that he's only human and has private issues that money can't fully resolve. Even the self proclaimed "black Brad Paisley" has his demons; a bad bitch and money can only do so much.

Next up on the tape is Keem's first dance with a relatively slower song. "HONEST" is as melodic as it is dreary, almost acting as a self-aware call for help regarding past relationships and the lack thereof. On this joint, the young musician speaks on his troubled romantic life from an earlier time in which a love interest of his failed to check on him when he was in need, essentially tossing him out in the cold to fend for himself. In typical Keem fashion, however, the track also includes mighty flexes regarding his red Toyota and bubbling stardom. And even a time of despair, the self-indulgent rapscallion is still fuckin' on his ex, while acknowledging that he "ain't living right." As the vinyl crackles behind the soft instrumental, you can feel his words are legitimate and, well, honest. A tale as old as music itself, all the man wants is for his lover(s) to be as truthful to him as he is to others. As the ending fades into a brief brush of reverb, the next track, "INVENTED IT," begins. On this one, Keem immediately starts his upbeat rapping while making references to the emotion felt on the last song. Smoking alone, downing painkillers to drown the pain, and actively avoiding TED Talks is all too common following a painful breakup with a loved one; and something Baby Keem knows all too well. In a similar vein to skipping educational videos online, Keem outright states that he's hanging with his demons, while still looking fresh in his fashionable clothing. As the hi-hats rattle and the melancholic chords glide over the beat, you'd think the song's lyrical content would be more fit for a fraternity party, when in reality it's a vague revelation of a young man's tainted love life.

"FRANCE FREESTYLE", the first single off the record, marks a change in pace from the last two tracks. When this single first came out on streaming services, many listeners thought Baby Keem would be dropping another project full of certified USDA Choice slappers, but this one proved to be one of the more hard hitting tracks on an album full of personal ballads. This isn't Keem's first time flexing on a track, and he shows it. Though the chorus does allude to more demons haunting the young soul, it is then filled with rhymes about shopping, earning his fair share of money, and hopping off a jet in France to perform for his international fans. In the midst of braggadocios punchlines, he also briefly references his past relationships once more by proudly proclaiming to the world that he can't mess with two women at the same time anymore, and must focus his energy on one. Distorted 808s rattle alongside a melodic piano melody, and Keem rides the beat like Tony Hawk skating down a half pipe.

That exciting, aggressive tone is shifted back to a slow jam about how he is constantly hurt by his peers and lovers whenever he shows his face. "BULLIES" is a teenager in his rawest form, stressing how he has been incredibly hurt in the past but stays strong inside and out, never letting those around him see him when he is weak. Through all the flexing, Hykeem reminds us through his music that he is still a vulnerable, young man who would rather be left alone than be drawn into the traditional drama that those his age constantly go through. And right on cue, Baby Schwarzenegger rebounds with another bass-heavy tune showcasing his ability to flex like no other. "MOSHPIT" shows Keem showing off not only his 50 Cent-esque lifestyle, but also reminding the listener that he doesn't care what people think of him due to the fact that his grandmother loves him. At this point in the mixtape, you should now be certain that Baby Keem is proud of the money he has made through his musical ability, and he is not afraid to let the world know if they don't already. Past the album's only interlude is "ROCKSTAR P", a bubbling trap beat filled with Keem whimsically rapping about his inherent lack of fear. There's a fine line between flexing on your haters, and straight up hating them back; rest assured, Keem has too many haters to be one himself.

"TOP RAMEN", one of the more minimalist, monotonous tracks on the project, eliminates the extras that may cloud a listener's view and gets straight to the point. Keem reinforces the fact that he does what he wants for the fun of it over a stripped down beat ringing with cowbells and distorted snares. In classic fashion, he instructs those around him to get their girls off him, going as far as to say that they're masculine enough to win an ESPN ESPY award. Here, we catch a slight glimpse of his ties to TDE, when he refers to himself as a "Top Dawg" while still having his girl eat Top Ramen for dinner. As previously stated, the man does what he wants, and one can assume that does not include taking his seasonal side chick to extravagant dinners.

"MY EX" is a comparatively standout track compared to the rest of the record. Instead of a traditional trap-inspired beat, Baby Keem sings solely over looping acoustic guitar chords produced by his friend Lyle Leduff. This song strengthens the argument that Keem is as versatile as he is self-asserting; he confesses his emotions towards his ex-lover like a childhood friend in need of someone to vent to. Not a single drum is hit, or rather placed, throughout the track; yet Keem glides over it like butter on toast. In an interview with Complex, the musician recounted the night that the song was created, stating that he was "bored with trap," and after Lyle sent him the initial beat he requested the drums be removed to wipe away any signs of the audacious trap he is most known for. "It was a feeling song," the rapper said, and the output that resulted from this jarring transition was, in my opinion, tremendous. "MY EX" gets you right up in your feelings, right before being jerked back into one of my favorite songs on the project, "BUSS HER UP". The beat on this one immediately gets your head bobbing back and forth with its heavy 808s, whimsical hi-hats, and a sensationally subtle synth to flesh it out. Mr. Carter, recent founder of Baby Keem, LLC, just purchased quite the expensive watch, and boy does he want you to know it. With his recently acquired buss down, one might even conclude that he's fixing to buss her up as well. A substantially large Richard Millie watch, also known as "a racing machine on your wrist," may dangle off his hand as he eats his soul food, but that's an easy price to pay for the luxurious lifestyle Keem strives to live. Rappers are known to exaggerate the way they live through their music, and I'm no investigative journalist by any means so don't mistakenly take this as gospel, but as a man who is "sick of cap, fuck," it wouldn't be stupid to believe that Baby Keem truly owns a race car on his wrist with a six-digit price tag. I, for one, am in no position financially to question the legitimacy of these claims, and for someone who could indeed get physically ill from his peers lying through their teeth, I'll be taking his word for it. I must admit that I've played this song a substantial number of times on repeat; enough that the woodwind synth melody may forever be ingrained in my mind.

If you've heard one single song by Baby Keem, it is most likely "ORANGE SODA", one of the singles released prior to the mixtape, and possibly his most popular song as of writing. The rapper speaks of his "orange soda," a metaphor for a woman he's romantically attracted to, which also emphasizes his love (lust?) for the citrus-flavored carbonated beverage. In this track, which is accompanied by a music video, Keem is speaking directly to the girl he is romantically involved with while demanding that her friend does not interfere. The instrumental sounds almost childlike, as if it was produced for an actual baby; but seeing as I'm in my mid-20s, I'm not aware of any individuals in that demographic that particularly vibe with hounding bass hits and reverberated, atmospheric snares. After Keem finishes speaking to his love interest, he speaks on his so-called "homeboy" on "NOT MY BRO". Hykeem utilizes his higher-pitched rapping voice, nearly shouting, about his homie not wanting any smoke for trying to hook up with his ex-girlfriend. The pitch of Keem's voice contrasts delightfully with the spooky beat scattered with hi-hats and heavily distorted 808s.

Finally, we come to the last track on the project, "APOLOGIZE", another comparatively slower song with a booming instrumental full of bouncy kicks and precisely timed claps. The piano melody, paired with Baby Keem's personal vocals, again showcase his versatility as a vocalist and singing ability. As the mixtape draws to a close and the track fades to nothing, you feel as though you've been introduced to a new friend and the thoughts that lie deep inside of his mind. Baby Keem paints a picture of his world and does it with ease, whether that be in regards to his love life, the betrayal of friendships, or just a straight up flex. Keem is carving a lane for himself with a variety of different styles packed into one single project and doing so with the cadence of a hiphop veteran. Producing or co-producing many of the tracks on this record goes to show how artistically driven he is as a creative, and at only 19 years old, it's only a matter of time before he gains mainstream recognition considering he has already begun breaking through the underground within various hiphop forums and communities around the web.

Favorite Lyrics

Smile, ho, take a picture with me

I drive solo and my gas is on E

'Cause if I get pulled over, then there's a problem

Baby Keem got issues and money can't solve them (Ayy)

I got a bitch that love to do the extras

I pull a bad bitch whenever I want (Ayy)

I keep kickstand rock band in my trunk (Ayy)

Baby Keem just humbled a model

Not a fake one, a real one, don't stunt (Hol' up)

Instagram pics, that's just a front (Hol' up)

Lil' bitch, you ain't gettin' no gun (Tick tick)

"STATS"

Two-story apartment, finna buss her up (Buss)

She got a boyfriend, now I wanna buss her up (Buss)

He disrespectful, now I gotta act up (Buss)

If he big then I'ma call for backup

Two jack rocks for a bitch nigga

Baby Keem don't talk to gorillas

Spider-Man suit and I'm in and out the zoo

Boogie man costumes hangin' out the rood (Swerve)

"BUSS HER UP"

When I walk in this bitch, I better get my full stay

This my bitch face, nigga, get the fuck out my way

That's a pump fake, that's what you niggas all say

Say she love me, that's what you bitches all say

Yeah, you lost my trust

You was surfin' on your wave, you lose me for lust

New friends, I'm finna fight, get your mans, ho

Psych, you bow-legged ass bitch, I don't use hands, ho

"FRANCE FREESTYLE"

I'm sick of the rah-rah-rah

I'm not finna slide if your block hot

Big rock band, he's a shooter

Heard him talkin' about the hacks, no computer (Yeah)

Eat a drumstick (Yeah)

Top dawg, but my bitch still eat Top Ramen (Yeah)

Met my mom

My mom said she a top woman (Yeah)

I got fame and she help me keep my conscious (Yeah)

I don't sneak around, if I do, I have fun (Huh)

If they cancel me, then I retire, get the drum (Yeah)

If they cancel me, then I might have to pop the trunk (Yeah)

If they cancel me, I black on black my Air Force Ones (Yeah, let's go)

"TOP RAMEN"

Talking Points

Given Keem's current trajectory and rumored connections, where do you see him being one or two years from now?
If you were Keem, what would you focus your energy improving upon as an up-and-coming rapper?
Do you believe he would be at the point he's at now without his connections to big players such as ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, and Beyoncé? Why or why not?
Who would you like to see featured on Keem's next project, or whose next project would benefit from a feature by him?
If you were dating a model and Baby Keem humbled your girl, how would you respond?

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