Photo Credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Baby Keem and his cousin Kendrick Lamar’s “Family Ties” won Best Rap Performance at the 2022 Grammy Awards.

Baby Keem takes home the Best Rap Performance Grammy Award for “Family Ties” featuring Kendrick Lamar. 

The rapper has grown in notoriety over the past few years. It’s undeniable that this single shook up the industry upon its release last year. Keem has been experimenting and pushing his refreshing sound, and “Family Ties” is proof of that.

Cadence-wise, the single provided a moment for Baby Keem to showcase his wit and wordplay, so even in the stacked category, it wasn’t a stun that it won. Kendrick added an unforgettable touch that the Recording Academy obviously couldn’t ignore. The track beat out Cardi B (“Up”), J. Cole featuring 21 Savage & Morray (“My Life”), Drake featuring Future & Young Thug (“Way 2 Sexy”),  and Megan Thee Stallion (“Thot Shit”).

During his acceptance speech, Baby Keem was sure to thank the women in his life like his mother, and others who’ve assisted with his journey. Prior to his win on the red carpet as he walked into the ceremony, he shared the following about creating the song: “It’s surreal. It’s one of those moments where you live in the moment, but you don’t know you’re in the moment.” He adds he feels seeing how much he’s grown as an artist has been thrilling. 

Baby Keem reflects on making “Family Ties” with cousin Kendrick Lamar: “It’s surreal. It’s one of those moments where you live in the moment, but you don’t know you’re in the moment.” https://t.co/A3HHVp6P0H | Variety On the Carpet presented by @DIRECTV pic.twitter.com/tVRFygaR7B

— Variety (@Variety) April 3, 2022