family ties

A triumphant fanfare for two of the most enigmatic rap artists right now. Baby Keem is a multi-talented rapper and producer whose 2019 album ‘Die For My B***h’ turned heads with explosive tracks like ‘Orange Soda’.

In his new track ‘family ties’, he teams up with rap champion and cousin, Kendrick Lamar. The song takes on multiple forms though several beat switches and flow diversity. Keem’s deceptively simple flow kicks in over crisp trap drums and regal instrumentation which suddenly changes up twice into a mellow, yet sinister warble of synths. 

The juxtaposition between Keem and Kendrick’s attitudes in this track is blatant and the shift in mood and texture turns this track more into an all-conquering cypher. Kenny is here to have fun. To no-one’s surprise, Kendrick’s versatility and confidence in rapping shine on this track as he takes upon multiple personalities to create distinct narratives. His verses are testament to his inevitable honing of skill over this silent period of the pandemic. 

The complementary divide between the two generates an invigorating experience worthy of many, many future listens.