Baby Keem, whose real name is Hykeem Jamaal Carter, Jr., is an American rapper and songwriter from Las Vegas, Nevada. He first gained attention in 2019 with his mixtape Die for My Bitch, and has since released several popular singles like “Orange Soda” and “Durag Activity.” In 2021, he collaborated with his cousin Kendrick Lamar on the song “Family Ties,” which earned him his first Grammy nomination. So what exactly has Baby Keem been up to lately in 2023?
Releasing New Music
In September 2022, Baby Keem surprise released his new single “vent!” along with an accompanying music video. This was his first new solo song since his debut studio album The Melodic Blue in 2021. “vent!” sees Keem rapping about his frustrations over a hazy, atmospheric beat produced by Cardo. The song arrived ahead of Keem’s featured appearance on Beyoncé’s Renaissance album on the track “Energy.”
Keem has suggested in interviews that he is working on a new project to follow up The Melodic Blue. He told Complex that he already has “hella new music” ready to go. Fans are eagerly awaiting a new mixtape or album from Keem, especially after the critical acclaim received by his first album. While no official project has been announced yet, the release of “vent!” indicates that Keem could be ramping up to share more new music very soon.
Touring and Live Performances
Throughout 2022, Baby Keem hit the road and toured extensively across North America and Europe in support of The Melodic Blue. His 65-date “The Melodic Blue Tour” saw him headline packed venues and festivals. Keem brought his high-energy live show to cities like Chicago, Amsterdam, London, Paris, Berlin, and more. He ran through hits from his album as well as earlier cuts like “Orange Soda” and “Hooligan.”
Keem also made festival appearances at Rolling Loud Miami, Governors Ball in New York City, and Austin City Limits. Additionally, he opened for Kendrick Lamar on several dates of Lamar’s The Big Steppers Tour in the summer of 2022. Lamar and Keem performed their collab “Family Ties” together each night.
It seems likely that Keem will continue touring into 2023 off the strength of his buzzing album and recent single release. More festival sets and possibly even a world tour could be in the cards to keep his momentum going.
Collaborating with Other Artists
Though he has found major solo success, Baby Keem is also in high demand as a featured collaborator with other top artists. One of his most high-profile features recently was on Beyoncé’s summer 2022 single “Energy” from her new Renaissance album.
Keem and Beyoncé previously worked together when she sampled his song “Vent” for her track “Energy” off of the Lion King inspired Black Is King visual album. Having Keem rap a verse on “Energy” marks the next step in their creative relationship. Other collaborations include Keem linking up with Don Toliver for “Wants and Needs” and working with 070 Shake on her track “Morrow.”
With artists continually seeking out Keem to lend his talents to their songs, fans can count on him popping up with some fire guest verses before dropping another solo project. His inventive flows and production style make for impactful features that generate excitement.
Preparing for the Grammys
At the 2023 Grammy Awards, Baby Keem is nominated for Best Rap Album for his debut The Melodic Blue and Best Rap Performance for his smash hit “Family Ties” with Kendrick Lamar. This marks Keem’s first time being nominated for Grammys. With the ceremony coming up on February 5, 2023, Keem has undoubtedly been strategizing about how to make the most of Grammys weekend.
From rehearsing potential performance sets to preparing acceptance speeches, there are many moving parts involved with Grammy attendance. Since Keem is relatively new to this level of industry acclaim, experiencing his first Grammy nominations will be an important career milestone. The awards could help further validate him as one of rap’s most exciting new voices.
Given the Recording Academy’s recognition and Keem’s obvious skills, he has a strong chance at winning in one or both rap categories. Fans are hoping to see him take home some hardware and deliver a memorable acceptance speech. The Grammys will cap off a huge rise over the past two years for the young rapper.
Crafting a Unique Brand Identity
With his slippery vocal delivery and genre-bending production, Baby Keem has crafted a unique sound and brand identity in hip hop. Through his music, enigmatic public persona, and distinctive fashion sense, Keem sticks out from the crowd and keeps listeners guessing about what he’ll do next.
He has mentioned in interviews that he prefers to let the music speak for itself. On social media and in public appearances, Keem maintains an air of mystery. Visually, his hybrid hip hop punk style features everything from ski masks to designer jeans to mixing high fashion with streetwear.
As he continues putting out more music and evolving as an artist, Keem seems focused on organically growing his brand in innovative ways. Staying unpredictable appears important to him. Remaining impossible to put in a box will likely be vital to setting him apart from other rappers as his stardom rises.
Potential Next Steps
So after a hugely successful 2022, what potential moves could we see from Baby Keem in 2023 and beyond? Here are some predictions:
– Releasing a new mixtape or album – Keem has suggested he already has multiple unreleased songs finished and fans are eager for a new project showcasing his artistic growth.
– Launching a headline world tour – On the heels of his successful 2022 tour, Keem could plan an even bigger international run of shows soon.
– Collaborating with Drake – Keem and Drake follow each other online and have hinted at working together. A collaboration between two of rap’s most electrifying stars would make waves.
– Acting in film/TV – Keem has said he is interested in exploring acting. With his charismatic persona, he could thrive on screen in the right role.
– Starting his own label/creative collective – As his career progresses, Keem may want to amplify new voices through a label or collective.
– Venturing into fashion design – His unique style could translate into an exciting fashion project, whether through a collaboration or his own brand.
– Releasing a joint album with Kendrick Lamar – Their chemistry on “Family Ties” was undeniable. A joint LP could produce some magic given their talents.
Exciting things seem inevitable from Baby Keem. At only 21 years old, his creative journey feels like it’s just beginning. 2023 and beyond will show how high his star can ultimately soar.
Conclusion
In summary, Baby Keem has been staying very busy in 2023 following his breakout success. He surprise released a new single showing his continued musical evolution. Extensive touring has helped build his fanbase and hone his dynamic live show. Collaborations with top artists like Beyoncé have expanded his reach. Preparations are underway for his first Grammy Awards. Through it all, Keem has maintained his innovative and mysterious brand identity. Major next steps seem imminent as he leverages his momentum. With his prodigious talent and work ethic, the sky truly appears to be the limit for Baby Keem’s career. Fans are eagerly anticipating whatever bold moves he makes next on his quest to shake up the hip hop world.