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Range Brothers
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| "Range Brothers" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar | |
| from the album The Melodic Blue | |
| Released | September 10, 2021 |
| Recorded | 2020–2021 |
| Genre | Hip-hop |
| Length | 5:17 |
| Label | |
| Songwriters |
|
| Producers |
|
"Range Brothers" (stylized in all lowercase) is a song by American rappers Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar. The song was released on September 10, 2021 by Columbia Records and pgLang as the fourth track off of the former's debut album, The Melodic Blue. "Range Brothers" made the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot R&B/Hip Hop songs charts among others. The third portion of the song's chorus by Lamar was leaked before the album's release and became a viral internet meme.[1]
Background
[edit]On September 8, 2021, two days before its official release, parts of the song were leaked.[2]
Baby Keem and his cousin, Kendrick Lamar, address a variety of themes, including the financial prosperity that comes with fame, their difficult upbringings, sexual prowess, and betrayal.[3]
Composition and lyrics
[edit]The fourth track off of Baby Keem's debut album, "Range Brothers" sees Keem reunite with his cousin Kendrick Lamar.[4] The two real-life cousins sing about their difficult beginnings, how they were fortunate to be in the position they are in today, and the costs of fame.[5] At one point, Lamar warns Keem about fame, saying "Every day, the hate restored and the faith get short." Keem responds with: "Fuck that, let me get some too!"[6]
"Range Brothers" is divided into three parts, each lasting around 1.5 minutes. Changes in beats, cadences, and styles represent shifts in the song's sections.[7] A New York Times review commented that "Punchy drums feel offbeat with pauses punctuated by Keem's staccato delivery, and intertwined vocal and string samples construct a grandiose stage."[8]
A controversial part of the song is Lamar's repetitive verse at the end of the track, where he raps, "Let's get this shit/ Let's get this shit/ Let's get this shit, Let's."[9] He then repeatedly rhymes, "Top o' the morning/ Top o' the morning/ Top o' the morning/ Top o' the morning/ Top o' the morning/ Top o' the morning." Keem appeared to respond to the controversy in a tweet, saying "me and dot [Kendrick] created four new languages bro. rap was boring. so we start making new languages."[10][1]
Reception
[edit]The song was polarizing to audiences, featuring strong orchestral synths,[11] but received generally favorable critic reviews, and was considered by some among the most complex and ambitious of all the tracks on The Melodic Blue.[12][13] Kendrick Lamar's participation was noted by one critic as "bizarre and unconventional for a rapper of his status", but also potentially "innovating toward something new".[14] His use of ad libs and repetitions of the phrases "Let's get this shit" and "top of the mornin'" became viral online and sparked internet memes.[15][16] Vulture called the song Kendrick's first main new attraction in years, saying "Range Brothers finds Lamar trading bars with Keem about all the money and girls he doesn't know what to do with, along with contributing some playful vocals in the song."[17]
Charts
[edit]| Chart (2021) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[18] | 61 |
| Global 200 (Billboard)[19] | 73 |
| US Hot Rap Songs (Billboard)[20] | 20 |
| US Billboard Hot 100[21] | 53 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[22] | 23 |
Certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| United States (RIAA)[23] | Gold | 500,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
References
[edit]- ^ a b Love, Tirhakah (September 16, 2021). "Trolls Be Damned: Kendrick Lamar Deserves to Be Silly". The Daily Beast. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
- ^ Fitzgerald, Trent (September 9, 2021). "New Leaked Kendrick Lamar Snippet Has Fans Confused - Listen". XXL Mag. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
- ^ "Kendrick Lamar is back, features in Baby Keem "Range Brothers"". Sidomex Entertainment. September 10, 2021. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
- ^ "Kendrick Lamar Joins Baby Keem on New Song "Range Brothers"". Pitchfork. September 10, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
- ^ Cardenas, Enrique (September 24, 2021). "Baby Keem - The Melodic Blue". RadioUTD. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
- ^ "Baby Keem: The Melodic Blue review – arguably the best rap album of 2021". the Guardian. December 16, 2021. Retrieved March 11, 2022.
- ^ McDonald, Adam (September 11, 2021). "Baby Keem - range brothers Ft. Kendrick Lamar | Lyrics Meaning Explained". Justrandomthings. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
- ^ Network, The Learning (February 15, 2022). "The Winners of Our Seventh Annual Student Review Contest". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved March 11, 2022.
- ^ Bustard, Andy (September 9, 2021). "Kendrick Lamar Gets Roasted On Twitter For Bizarre Appearance On Baby Keem Song". HipHopDX. Retrieved March 11, 2022.
- ^ "Baby Keem on Twitter". Twitter. September 9, 2021. Retrieved March 11, 2022.
- ^ "Baby Keem - 'The Melodic Blue' review: Kendrick's protege forges his own path on exhilarating debut". NME. September 13, 2021. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
- ^ "Baby Keem Shows Potential But Delivers Half-Baked Songs On PgLang Debut 'The Melodic Blue'". HipHopDX. October 5, 2021. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
- ^ Legaspi, Althea (September 10, 2021). "Kendrick Lamar Is Finally Back With Baby Keem's New Track 'Range Brothers'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
- ^ "The curious comeback of Kendrick Lamar". The Georgetown Voice. October 11, 2021. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
- ^ Vozick-Levinson, Simon; Vozick-Levinson, Simon (September 10, 2021). "Yes, Kendrick Lamar Is Trying to Make 'Top o' the Morning' a Thing". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
- ^ Rose, Jordan (April 19, 2022). "Everything We Know About Kendrick Lamar's 'Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers'". Complex. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ Curto, Justin (September 10, 2021). "Kendrick Lamar Keeps the Cousinly Love Going on Baby Keem's 'Range Brothers'". Vulture. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
- ^ "Kendrick Lamar Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved September 30, 2021.
- ^ "Kendrick Lamar Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved September 30, 2021.
- ^ "Kendrick Lamar Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved September 30, 2021.
- ^ "Kendrick Lamar Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved September 30, 2021.
- ^ "Kendrick Lamar Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved September 30, 2021.
- ^ "American single certifications – Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar – Range Brothers". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
Range Brothers
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Background
Development
Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar are cousins, a familial connection that has significantly influenced their musical collaborations, including "Range Brothers."[2] This relationship shaped the track's central theme of "range brothers," emphasizing bonds of loyalty and shared experiences in hip-hop amid rising fame and past hardships.[2] Their cousin dynamic fostered a natural creative synergy, allowing them to explore personal and professional growth together on the song.[9] The song originated during recording sessions for Baby Keem's debut album, The Melodic Blue, spanning 2020 to 2021, where Lamar contributed verses to multiple tracks, including "Range Brothers."[9] Kendrick Lamar has publicly endorsed Keem's career, praising his dedication and talent in a 2020 interview, noting Keem's early start in music and their shared creative process at pgLang.[10] This support extended to joint studio sessions, where they collaborated on beats and ideas, building on prior work like their 2021 single "family ties."[10] A snippet of "Range Brothers," particularly Lamar's unusual chorus ad-libs, leaked online on September 8, 2021, just two days before the album's official release.[2] The leak quickly went viral as an internet meme, heightening anticipation for the full track and The Melodic Blue by generating widespread buzz and discussion among fans.[11]Production
"Range Brothers" was produced by 30 Roc, Baby Keem, Scott Bridgeway, Dez Wright, Jahaan Sweet, Ricky Polo, and SLOAN.[4] The track's writing credits are attributed to Dez Wright, Jahaan Sweet, 30 Roc (Samuel Gloade), Baby Keem (Hykeem Carter), Kendrick Lamar (Kendrick Duckworth), Scott Bridgeway (Ruchaun Akers), Ricky Polo (Riccardo Polo), and SLOAN (Eric Sloan).[12][13] Recording sessions for the song occurred in Los Angeles studios as part of the broader production for Baby Keem's album The Melodic Blue, spanning 2020 to 2021.[14] Co-producer Scott Bridgeway joined the sessions in July 2020, contributing to the track alongside Baby Keem.[14] Kendrick Lamar recorded his verses during this period, integrating into the familial collaboration facilitated by his pgLang imprint. The album was released via pgLang and Columbia Records.[15] Key personnel included vocal engineers such as Matt Mysko and recording engineers like Johnny Kosich and James Musso, with mixing handled by Patrick "J. Que" Smith and Derek "MixedByAli" Ali.[16] The production features distinctive beat switches that divide the song into three sections, each with shifting instrumentation, from orchestral layers to trap drums and thumping beats, creating dynamic transitions.[17] This glossy, multi-part structure highlights the collaborative technical approach.[17]Musical aspects
Composition
"Range Brothers" is a 5:17 hip-hop track structured in three distinct parts, delineated by abrupt beat switches that propel the song through contrasting sonic landscapes. It commences with a trap-heavy intro characterized by booming 808s and crisp hi-hats, transitions into a melodic R&B chorus with smoother synth layers, and concludes in a chaotic outro featuring frenetic percussion and ad-libs.[6][17] The composition fuses hip-hop and trap foundations with R&B melodies and experimental flourishes, operating at a core tempo of 122 BPM in the verses while incorporating slowdowns during sectional shifts to heighten dramatic tension. This genre blend underscores Baby Keem's melodic sensibilities alongside Kendrick Lamar's versatile delivery, creating a dynamic flow that mirrors the album's overarching experimental ethos.[5][17] Key instrumentation comprises heavy sub-bass from 808s, rapid-fire hi-hats, atmospheric synths, and ad-libs that weave through the mix. A prominent recurring vocal hook—"Top o' the morning," delivered by Kendrick Lamar—employs auto-tune effects to infuse a whimsical, distorted edge, echoing West Coast hip-hop's playful innovation while nodding to Lamar's experimental lineage seen in prior works.[18][17]Lyrics
"Range Brothers" explores themes of fame's isolating effects, family loyalty, betrayal within the music industry, and the prosperity that accompanies success, juxtaposed against the artists' humble origins. Baby Keem's verses predominantly reflect on his transition from modest beginnings in the projects to financial independence, emphasizing the paranoia and distrust that arise from newfound wealth, as seen in lines like "I got two phones and I don’t know who to trust" and "I been tucked away, dodgin’ blood-suckin’ maneuvers."[2][6] These lyrics convey the isolation of fame, where success attracts opportunistic figures, a sentiment echoed in the post-chorus: "They wanna bite the hand that try to feed them, prudes," critiquing disloyalty and betrayal among associates.[2][19] Keem's delivery employs a melodic, sing-song flow that contrasts his introspective content, incorporating personal anecdotes of his upbringing, such as being "raised around bottles and dope fiends" and praying alongside his grandmother, which highlight family loyalty as a grounding force amid prosperity.[2][20] His rhyme schemes are fluid and repetitive, building momentum through internal rhymes like "poetic nigga, I just go at it, nigga, I’m a ho at it, nigga," to underscore resilience and poetic heritage passed down in his family.[2] This style aids in portraying the shift from scarcity—"On a high seat since the day I turned sixteen"—to abundance, symbolized by high-flying 747s and seven-figure counts with his brother.[2][6] Kendrick Lamar's contributions in the second verse and outro introduce a stream-of-consciousness approach, marked by fragmented, rapid-fire bars that delve deeper into prosperity's responsibilities and the scars of Compton's hardships. He recalls "roaches, mama lost focus / I was at home, no lights, no food," contrasting this with viewing money as a "resource" to secure his family's future, including placing "my kid’s family in school."[2][19] His flow accelerates into urgent, advisory tones, warning against superficial pursuits: "Life ain’t always about your name in they mouth / And the cars and the clothes and the jewels," while critiquing industry egos and fleeting relationships.[2][20] The outro's repetitive chant—"Top of the mornin’, top of the mornin’"—serves as an ironic commentary on forced positivity in chaotic success, blending humor with the exhaustion of fame's demands.[2][6] A pivotal line in the third part reinforces their distinct paths: "Bitch, I hate to tell the truth, we’re not the same," emphasizing the "ranges" in their experiences and talents, from Keem's youthful bravado to Kendrick's seasoned introspection, without equating their journeys despite familial ties.[2][6] This breakdown highlights how Keem's smoother, hook-driven rhymes complement Kendrick's denser, allusion-heavy scheme, creating a dynamic interplay that mirrors their cousinly bond and shared yet divergent narratives of triumph over adversity.[20][19]Release and promotion
Single release
"Range Brothers" was released on September 10, 2021, as the fourth track on Baby Keem's debut studio album The Melodic Blue, issued by Columbia Records in partnership with Kendrick Lamar's pgLang label.[21][22] The song was distributed in digital download and streaming formats, making it immediately accessible on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.[23] As part of the album's rollout, "Range Brothers" was highlighted as a standout track alongside earlier releases such as "Family Ties," which had been released the previous month.[24] Marketing efforts included teasers shared on social media, including an official album trailer directed by pgLang co-founder Dave Free, which built excitement for the project's narrative arc exploring Baby Keem's artistic evolution.[25] The pgLang partnership underscored the release's ties to Lamar's creative vision, positioning the track within Keem's broader album storyline of personal and musical maturation.[22] A pre-release leak of the track surfaced on September 8, 2021, two days before the official launch, featuring a snippet of Kendrick Lamar's distinctive chorus ad-libs.[2] This leak rapidly went viral across social media, generating widespread discussion and memes that amplified hype for the full song and album without disrupting the planned rollout.[11][2]Music video and live performances
"Range Brothers" lacks an official music video, with the primary visual release being the official audio track uploaded to YouTube on September 9, 2021, by Baby Keem's official channel.[26] Fan-created visuals have supplemented this, such as an unofficial music video posted on October 17, 2021, which garnered modest views.[27] Additionally, behind-the-scenes clips from studio sessions involving the collaboration were shared on TikTok as early as September 25, 2021, providing informal insights into the recording process. The song received its live debut during Kendrick Lamar's headlining set at the Day N Vegas festival on November 12, 2021, marking the first joint performance by Lamar and Baby Keem.[28] It quickly became a staple in Baby Keem's Melodic Blue Tour later that month, including a high-energy rendition at Webster Hall in New York City on November 29, 2021.[29] Throughout 2022, "Range Brothers" featured prominently in joint appearances on Kendrick Lamar's The Big Steppers Tour, with performances in venues such as Barclays Center in Brooklyn on August 5 and 6, 2022, as well as international stops like Paris, France, and Stockholm, Sweden.[30][31][32] The track also appeared at major festivals, including Baby Keem's solo set at Rolling Loud Miami on July 24, 2022,[33] and a collaborative performance at Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival in Los Angeles on November 11, 2023, where it was part of a set billed under their duo name The Hillbillies.[34][35] Live interpretations of "Range Brothers" highlight intense stage energy and direct audience engagement, often amplifying Kendrick Lamar's signature ad-libs to build momentum during Keem's verses.[36] These elements contribute to the song's dynamic presentation without significant deviations from its recorded structure.[37]Reception and legacy
Critical reception
Upon its release as part of Baby Keem's debut album The Melodic Blue, "Range Brothers" received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its ambitious structure and the evident chemistry between Keem and his cousin Kendrick Lamar.[38][39] The track's multiple beat switches were highlighted for their bombastic energy, evoking Travis Scott-style production while allowing the rappers to showcase playful interplay.[17] Vulture noted how the collaboration brought out Lamar's "inner goofball," emphasizing the familial rapport that infused the song with loose, concept-free fun.[40] Critics appreciated the song's innovative outro, where Lamar's experimental ad-libs—such as the repetitive "top o' the mornin'" chants—added a layer of chaotic brilliance, though opinions on this element were polarizing. Pitchfork described the ending as a "memeable mess" of "goofy ad-libs" over a thumping beat, viewing it as silly yet indicative of the duo clearly enjoying themselves.[17] In contrast, The Guardian lauded the track as "even better" than the duo's prior collaboration "Family Ties," with Lamar delivering a "lofty treatise on fame" that Keem boldly countered, elevating the song's artistic depth.[38] A 2022 student review in The New York Times contest captured the track's vibrant absurdity, stating that "'Range Brothers' features three beat switches, with each leg of the track as beautifully absurd as the last," praising its offbeat punchy drums and overall energy.[41] Hip-hop outlets in 2021, such as Stereogum, positioned it as a marquee standout on the album, where Keem and Lamar "go wild with the back-and-forth raps."[39] While the song earned no major awards, it appeared on year-end lists, including 107.7 The Bounce's 50 Best Hip-Hop Songs of 2021, recognizing its role in boosting Keem's profile through this high-profile feature.[42]Cultural impact
"Range Brothers" gained significant traction in meme culture shortly after its release, particularly through Kendrick Lamar's repeated ad-libs of "Top o' the morning," which were interpreted as an ironic, shitpost-style greeting that contrasted with his typically serious persona.[18] This line spawned viral content on platforms like TikTok and Twitter in 2021 and 2022, often repurposed in contexts of exaggerated positivity or absurdity, such as morning routines or motivational skits.[43] By 2025, references to the phrase persisted in online discussions and fan edits, reinforcing the track's role in hip-hop's embrace of humorous, self-aware elements.[44] The song highlighted the unique familial dynamic between Baby Keem and his cousin Kendrick Lamar, sparking broader conversations about intergenerational collaborations in hip-hop and their potential to blend established artistry with emerging talent.[38] This cousinly interplay, evident in their energetic back-and-forth verses, influenced perceptions of mentorship in rap, with "Range Brothers" serving as a blueprint for how family ties can drive innovative track structures and ad-lib exchanges.[45] Fan edits and underground tracks have referenced or sampled elements of the song, extending its echo in niche hip-hop communities and underscoring its contribution to discussions on collaborative chemistry.[46] In terms of lasting relevance, "Range Brothers" marked a pivotal moment in Baby Keem's ascent, positioning him as a key figure in pgLang's inaugural project and showcasing Kendrick Lamar's willingness to experiment with playful, less conventional rap during a transitional phase in his career.[39] The track solidified as a live staple, with joint performances at festivals like Camp Flog Gnaw in 2023 and subsequent tours through 2025, where it energized crowds and affirmed the duo's enduring stage synergy.[35] This ongoing presence contributed to pgLang's growing cultural footprint, emphasizing creative freedom and familial bonds in modern hip-hop entrepreneurship.[46]Commercial performance
Charts
"Range Brothers" entered multiple music charts worldwide following its release on September 10, 2021, as part of Baby Keem's debut studio album The Melodic Blue. The track benefited from the album's strong streaming performance, which propelled it to its highest positions in late 2021.[47] In the United States, the song debuted and peaked at number 53 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it spent a total of 12 weeks.[48] It also reached number 23 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, driven by over 11 million streams in its debut week, and number 20 on the Hot Rap Songs chart.[47][49] Internationally, "Range Brothers" achieved modest placements, peaking at number 61 on the Canadian Hot 100, number 73 on the Billboard Global 200, and number 99 on the UK Singles Chart (with one week on the chart).[50][21]| Chart | Peak Position | Weeks on Chart |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 53 | 12 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs | 23 | — |
| US Hot Rap Songs | 20 | — |
| Canadian Hot 100 | 61 | — |
| Billboard Global 200 | 73 | — |
| UK Singles (OCC) | 99 | 1 |