Baby Keem opens up on one of the biggest moments in recent hip-hop conversation, the clash between Kendrick Lamar and Drake.
Baby Keem, who is also Lamar’s cousin, had remained largely silent during the period when the rivalry dominated headlines. That phase also coincided with a break in his own music releases following his 2021 album The Melodic Blue. Now, with his new project Ca$ino and a return to interviews, he is offering a calm and thoughtful perspective on the situation.
Speaking in an interview with The New York Times journalist Ross Scarano, Baby Keem described the high-profile clash in simple but striking terms. “For me it felt like a sport,” he said, comparing it to “two heavyweight fighters going at it in the ring.” His comment reflects how intense and competitive the moment felt, as both artists drew massive attention with every move.
The rivalry went beyond lyrics, shaping conversations around influence, chart success, and dominance in the industry. Each release became a major cultural event, with fans and critics closely watching every development.
For Baby Keem, however, the moment was also personal. Being close to Lamar gave him a unique perspective, and he made it clear that the support from his cousin, whom he called “the greatest artist of all time,” has played a key role in building his confidence and shaping his creative direction.

