Baby Keem opens up to fans about the real-life trauma he experienced between albums.
Kim hosted a listening party for his new album Ca$ino on Thursday night (February 19) in Los Angeles. During the event, he spoke candidly with fans about his five-year hiatus.
“The most obvious thing in the room is that I haven’t seen you in a long time,” Kim said. “It wouldn’t be fair if I continued like nothing happened.”
The Las Vegas rapper went on to explain how difficult the past five years have been since he dropped his last album, Melodic Blue. Kim said the album was originally named after his mother, who had been dealing with substance abuse issues. He even recalled being told that his mother had left rehab after performing at the 2025 Coachella Music Festival.
“It’s not like I want to be elusive or anything, or I want to, like, you know, play tricks,” he added. “It’s just a real-life thing that I experience every day.”
He has also been coping with the death of his beloved grandmother, who died last February. Kim said that through it all, he found solace in the casino, which formed the theme and title of the album.
“So, I’m going through bad things every day,” he continued. “I’m so lucky to have this medium and people who are willing to listen to it.”
Keem’s new album “Ca$ino” was released on Friday (February 20). The sophomore album, in which Kim opens up about his family issues, also features guest appearances from Kendrick Lamar, Too Short and more.
