History of Baby Keem in Timeline

Hykeem Jamaal Carter Jr., professionally known as Baby Keem, is an American rapper and record producer from Las Vegas. He rose to prominence in the late 2010s through his contributions to prominent albums such as Black Panther: The Album, Redemption, Crash Talk, and The Lion King: The Gift. As a solo artist, he achieved initial fame with his 2019 single "Orange Soda", which was certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

October 22, 2000: Birth of Hykeem Jamaal Carter Jr.

On October 22, 2000, Hykeem Jamaal Carter Jr., known professionally as Baby Keem, was born. He is an American rapper and record producer.

Others born on this day/year

2000: Birth in Carson, California

In 2000, Hykeem Jamaal Carter Jr. was born in Carson, California. His early life involved challenges, including his mother's struggles with alcohol and his father's absence. He spent much of his childhood in Long Beach, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada, raised by his grandmother.

Others born on this day/year

2008: Inspiration from Kanye West's 808s & Heartbreak

In 2008, Baby Keem recalled listening to Kanye West's 808s & Heartbreak during a rare snow day in Las Vegas and being inspired by the album's cinematic quality.

2013: Inspiration from Kid Cudi's "Immortal"

In 2013, Baby Keem was heavily inspired by Kid Cudi's cadences and emotional connection, particularly on the single "Immortal".

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November 7, 2017: Release of Oct EP

On November 7, 2017, Hykeem Jamaal Carter Jr. independently released his first extended play (EP), Oct, under his birth name. It was later removed from major streaming media services.

January 16, 2018: Release of Midnight EP

On January 16, 2018, Baby Keem released his second EP, Midnight. While showcasing similar production to Oct, it demonstrated a more confident delivery from Carter.

October 2018: Release of The Sound of Bad Habit

In October 2018, Baby Keem released his debut mixtape, The Sound of Bad Habit, through the Orchard and Sony Music. Cardo served as the executive producer for the mixtape.

July 19, 2019: Production for Beyoncé's Album

On July 19, 2019, Baby Keem produced a song for singer Beyoncé's soundtrack album The Lion King: The Gift.

November 20, 2019: End of Die for My Bitch Tour

On November 20, 2019, Baby Keem concluded his first concert tour, the Die for My Bitch Tour, which visited select venues across the US from November 12.

2019: Initial Recognition with "Orange Soda"

In 2019, Baby Keem gained initial recognition as a lead artist for his sleeper hit single "Orange Soda", which later received quadruple platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

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March 5, 2020: Partnership with PGLang

On March 5, 2020, Baby Keem's partnership with creative services company PGLang, founded by Kendrick Lamar and filmmaker Dave Free, was announced through his appearance in the company's visual mission statement.

September 18, 2020: Release of "Hooligan / Sons & Critics"

On September 18, 2020, Baby Keem, after signing a recording contract with Columbia Records, released the single album "Hooligan / Sons & Critics".

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September 10, 2021: Release of The Melodic Blue Album

On September 10, 2021, Baby Keem released his debut studio album, The Melodic Blue. He co-produced 14 of the album's 16 standard tracks. The album debuted at number five on the Billboard 200.

September 22, 2021: Release of The Melodic Blue B-Side

On September 22, 2021, Baby Keem released a B-side to the album The Melodic Blue.

November 2021: Start of The Melodic Blue Tour

In November 2021, Baby Keem embarked on The Melodic Blue Tour, which visited cities in North America and Europe.

2021: Release of The Melodic Blue

In 2021, Baby Keem released his debut studio album, The Melodic Blue, with PGLang in a joint venture with Columbia Records. The album peaked at number five on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum by the RIAA.

April 2022: "Family Ties" wins Best Rap Performance

In April 2022, at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards, Baby Keem's song "Family Ties" won Best Rap Performance.

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July 2022: End of The Melodic Blue Tour

In July 2022, Baby Keem concluded The Melodic Blue Tour, which visited cities in North America and Europe from November 2021.

October 28, 2022: Release of The Melodic Blue Deluxe Edition

On October 28, 2022, Baby Keem released the deluxe edition of The Melodic Blue.

2022: Grammy Nominations

In 2022, Baby Keem received two nominations for Album of the Year at the 64th and 65th Annual Grammy Awards for his collaborations with Kanye West on Donda (2021) and Kendrick Lamar on Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers.

May 30, 2023: Surprise Release of "The Hillbillies"

On May 30, 2023, Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar surprise released "The Hillbillies".

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December 5, 2023: Acting Debut in The Melodic Blue Short Film

On December 5, 2023, Baby Keem made his acting debut in the short film adaptation of The Melodic Blue, which he executive produced through his in-house company, Eerie Times.

2024: Announcement of Child with Wolves album

In 2024, Baby Keem announced his second studio album Child with Wolves.

January 2026: Headliner for Governors Ball Music Festival

In January 2026, Baby Keem was announced as a headliner for the June 5th opening date of New York City's multi-day 2026 Governors Ball Music Festival.