Ever since the connection between Baby Keem and cousin Kendrick Lamar was fully realized, it was only a matter of time before we’d get to hear the two artists on the same track. There have been leaks and teases over the past year, and — given how mysterious both of them can be — it’s only natural for the hype to reach a fever pitch. Today (August 27), said collaboration has officially made landfall.
Aptly named “family ties,” Keem and Kendrick’s new banger sees production from Cardo, Deats, and Keem himself — a perfect match for the song’s boastful and defiant subject matter:
“Two trench coats in the bag, Baby Keem, king of rap, and I think he just came back, how the fuck did I go back? Get your case off my back, that my son, wait, relax, beat my son, go to your room, stop sneak-dissin’, that ain’t bool, play both sides, huh, she love all my guys, huh…”
“family ties” follows equally top quality releases from Keem, including “hooligan,” “sons & critics,” “no sense,” and “durag activity” with Travis Scott. All of these singles are expected to appear on Keem’s debut album the melodic blue, an album that fans have been waiting for since 2019. The long-awaited project will also mark the first official drop from Lamar and Dave Free’s cryptic pgLang imprint.
Meanwhile, it’s been four years since Lamar released his last album DAMN., which saw 14 tracks with additional features from Rihanna, Zacari, and U2. In addition to earning the Compton emcee his third consecutive number one on the Billboard 200, DAMN. has also since gone triple Platinum and earned countless awards. Over the past weekend, it’s been revealed that an official follow-up from Lamar is on the way — and it will be his final release under Top Dawg Entertainment.
Press play on the visual for “family ties,” which also sees a cameo from “Wild Side” singer Normani.