For years, the rap world was captivated by the lyrical battle between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. While many weighed in, one notable voice remained silent: Kendrick’s cousin and collaborator, Baby Keem. But now, after a period of quiet since his 2021 album ‘The Melodic Blue,’ Keem is finally sharing his perspective.
A Heavyweight Bout in Hip-Hop
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Keem described the intense beef as feeling like a ‘sport.’ He likened the lyrical showdown between the two titans to a boxing match, where both artists were not only competing with their words but also vying for chart dominance. It’s a fitting analogy for a feud that dominated headlines and streaming charts.
As we know, Kendrick Lamar ultimately emerged victorious in the public eye, with his track ‘Not Like Us’ becoming a global phenomenon. The song spent weeks atop the Hot 100 and achieved diamond-eligible status, even earning Grammy awards. Keem acknowledged this outcome, noting his cousin’s success.
Confidence Boost from a Legend
Beyond just observing the competition, Keem revealed that the entire saga gave him an unexpected ego boost. ‘I was so confident that sometimes you forget to be proud,’ he shared. This confidence, he explained, stems from knowing he has the support of an ‘all-time great’ like Kendrick Lamar.
Having Kendrick’s backing provides him with peace of mind and the confidence to pursue his own career goals. ‘The greatest artist of all time’ being behind his work, Keem added, gives him ‘the most confidence in the world.’
Addressing Recent Criticism
This newfound confidence comes at a time when Keem is also addressing criticism surrounding his recent project, ‘Ca$ino.’ While it hasn’t matched the chart success of his previous work, Keem remains steadfast in his belief in his abilities. He recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to affirm his talent and assure detractors that he’s here to stay, stating, ‘not bout to keep pretending like I’m not the best n**… Not going no where don’t worry I’m mad now.’
What do you think of Baby Keem’s perspective on the Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake beef? Do you agree that it felt like a sport? Share your thoughts in the comments below!