In the fast-paced world of hip-hop, releasing an album after five years can seem like a riskier bet than a high-stakes game in Las Vegas. Yet, Baby Keem, the West Coast rapper and producer, has risen to this challenge with his long-anticipated sophomore album, Casino. After breaking through in 2021 with his debut album The Melodic Blue, Keem capitalizes on a unique blend of personal growth and musical experimentation on this project.
Keem’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Though he has been honing his craft long before the success of his debut, it’s hard to deny the influence of his cousin, Kendrick Lamar, whose endorsement has facilitated Keem’s rise in the industry. Released under Kendrick’s PG Lang label, Casino reflects the evolution of an artist fully aware of the duality of fame—the highs and lows that accompany success.
Thematically, Casino embodies the metaphor of taking risks, akin to the gambles one would find in a real casino. Throughout the 37-minute album and its 11 tracks, Keem delves deep into the complexities of his life, addressing personal traumas and the shadows cast by newfound fame. From the haunting tones of regret in the opening track to the raw energy of the title track, Keem’s artistic vision takes center stage.
Musically, Keem embraces a raw and unrefined sound, choosing expressiveness over technical precision. This can be seen in standout tracks like the title track “Casino,” a wild emotional trap anthem where Keem’s animated vocal delivery intertwines with a propulsive production style. The juxtaposition of his playful tone and serious themes results in an unpredictable, yet engaging listening experience.
Another highlight is “Birds and the Bees,” where Keem taps into his pop sensibilities, offering catchy refrains layered with autotune. This track stands as a testament to his evolving musical identity, blending deeply personal lyrics with a delightful lightness. Conversely, tracks like “Good Flirts,” featuring Kendrick Lamar, and the humorous “Sex Appeal” showcase Keem’s versatility, combining romance and humor in one fell swoop.
However, not all moments on Casino hit the mark. The album concludes with a few tracks that feel lackluster, losing the momentum built in the earlier sections. “Dramatic Girl” emerges as a particularly weak point, evoking comparisons to a sound akin to early MGMT, while “No Blame” addresses deeper emotional issues but lacks structural coherence. These misfires underscore the album’s unevenness—a stark reminder that sequencing and consistency are crucial in a collection of songs.
As he grapples with themes such as family estrangement and self-reflection, Keem’s lyrical depth cannot be overlooked. Critics have drawn parallels between Keem and icons like Andre 3000, noting the emotive quality of his delivery, though there’s a palpable influence from Kendrick’s style that continues to dominate parts of his performance.
In conclusion, while Casino showcases significant growth from Keem in terms of both artistic expression and emotional vulnerability, it does not entirely fulfill the lofty expectations set by his previous work and industry hype. The mixture of energetic bangers and introspective ballads reflects a young artist still navigating the dichotomy of his identity in the limelight of fame.
Ultimately, Casino feels like a game that Keem had the potential to win, but the mixed results leave listeners cautious about his next bet. As it stands, I’d rate this album a 37 out of 60; it’s certainly got high points, but the lack of cohesiveness in certain areas draws back from an otherwise promising effort.
