In 200 Words: Ca$ino - Baby Keem

Baby Keem sounds different right away on Ca$ino. There is a noticeable maturity in the way he carries himself. If The Melodic Blue captured him in motion, this feels like him standing still long enough to reflect.

His sophomore album reveals a more vulnerable Keem. He revisits formative moments and strained relationships with striking honesty. That openness gives the storytelling real gravity. Even the catchier songs like Birds & the bees and Dramatic Girl add replay value without hijacking the tone. This is the kind of record that builds longevity. 

I am not a Lyricist reads like a disclaimer, but the album suggests he sells himself short. At times, he sounds almost possessed by Andre 3000 in his delivery; not in ornate lyricism or technical flash, but in cadence and presence. The writing avoids spectacle in favor of memory and narrative.

The way he closes the album is what seals it. The closing track mirrors the emotional weight of the intro, creating a bookend that ties the entire project back to its core.

Baby Keem is only 18 days older than me, yet this album reminds me that age and experience do not always move at the same pace.