Kendrick Lamar Says Baby Keem’s Funeral Eulogy Marked ‘The Making of a Man’

Overview

• Kendrick Lamar, in an email shared with the New York Times, said watching Baby Keem speak at his uncle’s funeral showed “the making of a man.”
• Baby Keem’s uncle Gerrell died in December 2015 after being struck by a truck, and Keem spotted Kendrick in the crowd during his eulogy before they reconnected days later.
• The renewed bond evolved into a mentor–protégé partnership that reshaped Keem’s path and set up sustained work together.
• Since 2021, the cousins have released multiple collaborations, including Family Ties, range brothers, The Hillbillies, and Savior, with Family Ties winning a Grammy.
• In February 2026, Keem’s second album, Ca$ino, debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop chart, and no new joint music has been announced as rumors of a 2026 Kendrick release remain unconfirmed.