The Sound of Bad Habit

Released in late 2018, The Sound of Bad Habit serves as the commercial introduction of Baby Keem, following his transition from the moniker HiiFii. The project is almost entirely produced by CardoGotWings, whose signature 'Cardo' bounce is stripped down here into something more experimental and brittle. The album is historically significant for its uncredited involvement of Kendrick Lamar, who served as a creative consultant and sounding board during the sessions, helping Keem refine his distinctive vocal delivery. Sonically, the album sits at the intersection of West Coast trap and the burgeoning cloud rap scene, characterized by its short song lengths and 'meme-able' but technically proficient flows. It established Keem's signature use of vocal 'squeaks' as percussive elements, a technique that would later become a staple of his chart-topping work. Critically, it was praised for its refreshing minimalism and Keem's eccentric charisma, marking him as a standout voice in a crowded digital landscape.