Hip-hop "what if" is a Drake and Baby Keem collaboration, and former TDE artist Reason has shed some light on the story behind the supposed track. On a recent episode of New Rory & Mal, Reason discussed the long-rumored Drake and Baby Keem collaboration, suggesting the song may have been completed before Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) scrapped it.
Reason also said there was a rumor of a Drake and Keem collaboration, but the track was reportedly delayed because TDE didn't want Keem's rollout dominated by talk of Drake. While details are still floating around the rumor mill, the explanation offers an interesting look at how big collaborations can impact an emerging artist's moment.
For a rising artist, landing a high-profile feature can bring significant attention. But that attention can also turn the conversation away from the artist himself. If Keem had partnered with Drake, that would have generated a lot of buzz around Drake, which might have detracted from the music and speed that Keem has going.
The Drake connection is especially intriguing because of Keem's relationship with Kendrick Lamar, adding another layer to the speculation over what might have been. However, the supposed collaboration never saw the light of day publicly, leaving fans to wonder what the track could have sounded like and how it could have affected Keem's career at the time.
The wider conversation also touches on the problems big features can cause for emerging artists. A recognizable name can bring instant attention, but it can also overshadow the conversation around a release. Sometimes the more intentional approach is to keep the focus firmly on the developing artist.
The same has been said about Kendrick Lamar's absence from the AZ Chike album. While some have criticized the decision, the silence surrounding the Kendrick-related project can also be viewed as deliberate. The project and artist can control the conversation on their own terms by keeping a bigger name out of the spotlight.
The rumored Drake and Baby Keem collaboration is still just a rumor that Reason talks about, not a publicly released record. But it offers a fascinating glimpse into how labels and artists might weigh the pros and cons of big collaborations, especially when an emerging artist is trying to establish his own identity.
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