Baby Keem’s ‘The Melodic Blue’ Is Not Afraid to Experiment

baby keem album review

This year has seen the return of many artists, all of whom have left their mark on the game in some way, shape, or form. From Pi’erre Bourne to Tyler, the Creator, hip-hop fans have definitely been blessed this year. As the year continues to draw to a close, Baby Keem recently came through with his The Melodic Blue drop.

Released on September 10th, 2021, Baby Keem has been teasing The Melodic Blue for some time now, hinting about the album through clothing drops and his “durag activity” feat. Travis Scott single. The album consists of 16 tracks, featuring the likes of Kendrick Lamar and Don Toliver. It tells parts of Keem’s story, from his struggles as an adolescent to his bouts with love. 

Take a look at the full tracklist below.

  1. “trademark usa”
  2. “pink panties”
  3. “scapegoats”
  4. “range brothers” feat. Kendrick Lamar
  5. “issues”
  6. “gorgeous”
  7. “south africa”
  8. “lost souls”
  9. “cocoa” feat. Don Toliver
  10.  “family ties” feat. Kendrick Lamar
  11.  “scars”
  12.  “durag activity” feat. Travis Scott
  13.  “booman”
  14. “first order of business”
  15.  “vent” 
  16.  “16” 

The Melodic Blue brings fans a host of sounds and styles from Baby Keem. On tracks such as “range brothers” feat. Kendrick Lamar and “gorgeous,” it’s clear that the Las Vegas rapper is enjoying his time in the studio and making music that reflects a similar vibe. On the other hand, tracks such as “issues” and “lost souls” dive into his personal feelings and desire to find love. It’s great to see Keem dump a whole bag of tricks on the album, especially with the added soothing soundscapes. Unfortunately, the vast selection of sounds takes away from certain aspects of The Melodic Blue

For starters, the album feels like a roller coaster of sounds, which slightly stifles it’s replay value. This could have been remedied with different sequencing. Individually, the tracks present a fresh, polished side of Keem that is only accentuated by features. Unfortunately, things don’t flow as well together as an album. 

Nevertheless, Baby Keem puts in work with The Melodic Blue. Compared to his previous project, DIE FOR MY BITCH, Keem is light years ahead with this new drop. He is able to bring fans exciting bars on “cocoa” feat. Don Toliver, while also reflecting on his tough upbringing on “scars,” expressing his versatility well. The sequencing of the album could use some work, though, as it sounds all over the place at times.

What are your thoughts on Baby Keem’s new The Melodic Blue album? While we enjoy the new sounds, some things could have been cleaned up. What about you? Did you enjoy the album, or do you feel as if Keem needs to take things back to the drawing board? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comment section. 

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