Family Ties
by Baby Keem (featuring Kendrick Lamar)

Album: The Melodic Blue (2021)
Charted: 52 18
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is the first official collaboration between Baby Keem and his cousin, Kendrick Lamar, but the two have been working together for some years on other projects. Keem helped with the production of "Redemption Interlude" from the Lamar executive produced Black Panther: The Album. He also featured in the visual mission statement for his cousin's multimedia company, pgLang.
  • The song splits into two parts. Keem takes the first half, rapping about his superstar cousin opening doors for him.

    Keem then cedes the floor to Lamar, who flexes about his position at the top of the rap game, referring to himself as "the omega, pgLang, Rollie gang, SIE." The self-anointed GOAT references his relative silence during the COVID pandemic and Black Lives Matters movement. K.Dot says he has no need to make trending comments addressing racial inequality and police brutality, as he is already a "prophet," having consistently rapped about inequality and political turmoil in his music.
  • Baby Keem co-produced the track with Cardo, Outtatown, Roselilah, Deats, Jasper Harris and Frankie Bash. There is a notable change in tempo between the two parts.
  • Former Top Dawg Entertainment co-president and regular Lamar collaborator Dave Free directed the video. R&B singer Normani features multiple times in the clip.
  • This won for Best Rap Performance at the Grammy Awards in 2022. Baby Keem was also up for Best New Artist, but lost to Olivia Rodrigo.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

The Real Nick Drake

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.

Tom Johnston from The Doobie Brothers

Tom Johnston from The Doobie BrothersSongwriter Interviews

The Doobies guitarist and lead singer, Tom wrote the classics "Listen To The Music," "Long Train Runnin'" and "China Grove."

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

La La Brooks of The Crystals

La La Brooks of The CrystalsSong Writing

The lead singer on "Da Doo Ron Ron" and "Then He Kissed Me," La La explains how and why Phil Spector replaced The Crystals with Darlene Love on "He's A Rebel."

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy Talent

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy TalentSongwriter Interviews

The frontman for one of Canada's most well-known punk rock bands talks about his Eddie Vedder encounter, Billy Talent's new album, and the importance of rock and roll.

Modern A Cappella with Peder Karlsson of The Real Group

Modern A Cappella with Peder Karlsson of The Real GroupSong Writing

The leader of the Modern A Cappella movement talks about the genre.