Kendrick gets real about his cousin in Baby Keem’s new documentary.

In the new Booman I Ca$ino documentary, Kendrick Lamar opened up about his relationship with his cousin Baby Keem, their shared roots, and the journey from poverty to global stages.

“We don’t call ourselves The Hillbillies for nothing.”

That line carries weight.

For fans who remember their joint project and the energy around “The Hillbillies,” the name always felt playful on the surface. Underneath it, though, is a story about upbringing, environment, and resilience. Kendrick and Keem did not collaborate just because it sounded good. They come from the same soil.

Kendrick made it clear that rising up was not just about fame. It was about breaking generational curses.

He also spoke about living in poverty, watching cycles repeat themselves, and making a conscious decision to do something different. That theme has always been central to Kendrick’s artistry. From good kid, m.A.A.d city to Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, he has unpacked trauma, survival, accountability, and healing in ways that feel deeply personal and painfully honest.

What makes this moment hit even harder is the timing.

Kendrick is coming off a massive year, with viral records like “Luther,” “30for30,” and “TV Off,” a dominant Grammy season run, and being named one of Billboard’s Greatest Pop Stars of 2025. He is selling out stadiums and breaking streaming records. Yet even with all that success, the narrative has not changed.

It is still about growth.
It is still about legacy.
It is still about making sure the next generation does not have to start where he did.

And Baby Keem being right there beside him feels intentional. It feels like family rewriting the script together.

Kendrick has never glamorized struggle. He contextualizes it. He confronts it. In interviews like this, you are reminded that behind all the accolades and cultural moments is someone who understands exactly where he came from.

“The Hillbillies” is not just a nickname.

It is history. And it is evolution.

Ileyah

Ileyah is a mom, a writer and a musician. She loves late nights and gluten free snacks.