These days, reference tracks are a hot topic of discussion, and this argument between Kendrick Lamar and Baby Keem intensifies it.

Reference tracks are a hot topic these days, especially in light of some recent releases of songs that people reportedly assisted Drake with producing. But a reference track doesn’t always mean a lyrical ghostwriter, thus perhaps The Boy has received unfair criticism for referencing Lil Yachty, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and other artists. Nevertheless, there’s a lot of disagreement about whether utilizing other artists’ cadences or consensually and promptingly drawing inspiration from them is equivalent to stealing their songs. In any case, trying to hold people to a double standard just serves to cloud the conversation, as Kendrick Lamar and Baby Keem may have demonstrated lately through a leak that writing for other people is a very frequent practice.

In addition, a brand-new purported reference song featuring Kendrick Lamar’s rendition of Baby Keem’s 2019 song “BULLIES” from DIE FOR MY B***H has made the rounds online. You can listen to it by selecting the “Via” link below, albeit there’s no real way to know for sure if this is an AI, or who wrote what. You may judge for yourself, but it seems very legitimate compared to other purportedly bogus leaks. It’s also interesting to watch how Keem’s mixtape came to be. It’s also known that they have previously worked together on a number of songs, so the supposed leak isn’t all that shocking.

Baby Keem Performs With Kendrick Lamar At Formula One Event

Baby Keem performs onstage during the Visa Cash App RB Formula One Team 2024 Livery Reveal on February 08, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Furthermore, there have been other leaks from Kendrick Lamar recently, which resurfaced right before he responded to Drake with “Euphoria.” But these concerned more unreleased material and earlier versions of some of his own cuts, so it’s not a one-to-one comparison here. Still, folks have different goalposts for how to perceive, interpret, and critique the use of writers. Is it only relevant when you claim to be the GOAT like Drizzy or is it reprehensible no matter your fame or the nature of your song?

After all, it’s one thing to ghostwrite or give the flow for “BULLIES” and it would be another thing entirely than, say, a more lyrically dense and personal song like the “family ties” verse. While a lot of the conversation is around Drake right now, some fans need to realize this is more of a commonality than what the industry puts on. Kendrick Lamar may be the “ghostwriter” here, but no one is immune to some accusations, inspiration, and uncredited influence. Like many other elements of the rap world, it’s just a case by case basis for the most part.