Rapper Baby Keem, second cousin of Kendrick Lamar, holds album signing at Fingerprints 

Las Vegas raised rapper Baby Keem, who happens to be the second cousin of Kendrick Lamar, made a visit to Long Beach’s Fingerprints Music store for an album signing and photo op on Thursday to promote the release of his latest album, “Ca$ino.” 

Fans of Keem lined up around the block for a chance to take a photo with the rapper and get a signed vinyl, or CD, many of whom waited upwards of two hours.

^{Fans of rapper Baby Keem stand in line down the alley way behind Fingerprints Music, a record store in Long Beach, California in anticpation to meet him on Thursday. The album signing and photo op event served to promote his latest album “Ca$ino.” (Bella Schultz)}

Some of Keem’s most dedicated fans made sure that, despite any prior engagements they had, they would be at the event to meet him. 

“I was in school today and I was already in Long Beach, so I was like why not skip the class I’m already failing and come see the G.O.A.T.,” Jonathan Salcedo, a fan of Baby Keem said.

Another fan, waited in line despite just having ACL surgery.

^{Arkle Whitaker, a fan of rapper Baby Keem sits in line to meet the rapper after having ACL surgery. Keem was at Fingerprints Music, a record store in Long Beach, California on Thursday to promote his newest album “Ca$ino.” (Bella Schultz)}

The rappers’ music has connected to millions of fans worldwide, with many fans at the event noting how Keem’s music has brought them closer to people in their lives. 

“His music has provided me and my brother a lot of good unique experiences together. It’s really helped our relationship progress as we move into different phases of our lives. I think his music was kind of a stepping stone that led to other kinds of music for us,” fan Jack Eckhart said. 

A pair of the artists’ biggest fans at the event, a mother and son, also noted how they’ve connected over his music. 

“I think that Keem’s music has definitely made us closer over the years. I just surprised him in the car on the way here and told him we were gonna meet Baby Keem today,” Margarita Patino said. 

Fans at the event raved about Keem’s latest album, many of which noted his growth from his breakout album “The Melodic Blue.” They noted that his new album takes a more serious and mature tone at times. 

^{Fan shows off two brand-new vinyls of Baby Keem’s newest album “Ca$ino” which have just been signed by Keem after his meet-and-greet at Fingerprints Music in Long Beach, California. (Heaven Herrera)}

“I think this is the most cohesive project he’s had so far and has the most for longevity out of all the projects he’s had so far,” fan Alec Wyngfield said.

Keem opening up on his latest project has allowed his music to reach a new audience that appreciates his introspective lyrics.

“I think stepping out of your comfort zone and getting vulnerable is something that I appreciate Baby Keem did on this project. That’s the main thing I really like about Baby Keem,” fan Martin Vu said. 

Many fans at the event are looking forward to his upcoming tour in April, excited to see Keem perform his new material live. This tour will be his first tour since 2022.