Lil Baby Opens Up About ‘It’s Only Me’ Album Struggles Amid WHAM’s Success
Lil Baby, a dominant force in modern hip-hop, has recently shared his candid thoughts about his 2022 album, It’s Only Me, which, despite its success, remains one of his least favorite projects. In a recent interview with Complex, the Atlanta native revealed that the album wasn’t a true reflection of his creative vision but rather a product of pressure from his record label.
Pressure and a Lack of Connection
The multi-platinum rapper admitted that he was in the wrong headspace when working on It’s Only Me.
“I didn’t even want to put It’s Only Me out at the time because I wasn’t ready,” Lil Baby confessed. “I wasn’t in the right headspace. Those were songs I was just making, but it was nothing that I really loved, and nothing I even really liked.”
Despite these feelings, the album became his third consecutive platinum-certified project and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Its success cemented his status as one of the most consistent hitmakers in the industry.
WHAM: A Redemption Story
Lil Baby has bounced back in 2025 with the release of his latest album, WHAM, which immediately topped the Billboard 200 chart, surpassing releases from Bad Bunny, SZA, and Kendrick Lamar. Dropped on January 3, the album features collaborations with some of hip-hop’s biggest names, including Travis Scott, Future, Young Thug, GloRilla, Rod Wave, and 21 Savage.
Unlike It’s Only Me, Lil Baby has described WHAM as a project that celebrates the vibrant and extravagant lifestyle he has become known for.
“WHAM is more me on some young n**** shit — fast cars, girls, jewelry, money. You know, the turnt lifestyle,” Baby explained during a podcast appearance on Lil Yachty’s A Safe Place.
‘Dominique’ Brings a Personal Touch
Lil Baby isn’t stopping with WHAM. On Instagram, he teased an upcoming album titled Dominique, promising fans a more personal and introspective project.
“Dominique is more the serious me, more personal,” Lil Baby shared. “That’s a part of the new journey I’m on. I hate the word vulnerable, but I’m going to be more open to my fans and my audience.”
Baby explained that while WHAM offers high-energy tracks showcasing his success, Dominique will dive deeper into his personal life, including his challenges, growth, and aspirations.
Lil Baby’s Evolution as an Artist
The revelation about It’s Only Me highlights Lil Baby’s journey as an artist striving for authenticity while navigating the pressures of the music industry. While he acknowledges the commercial success of his past albums, his focus now lies in creating music that resonates with his personal experiences and connects deeply with his audience.
With Dominique, Lil Baby is set to present a side of himself that fans have yet to fully experience — a blend of vulnerability, storytelling, and creative freedom. This evolution could further solidify his position as one of hip-hop’s most influential and relatable voices.From reluctantly releasing It’s Only Me to dominating the charts with WHAM, Lil Baby’s career trajectory exemplifies the struggles and triumphs of balancing commercial success and artistic integrity. Fans eagerly await Dominique, where the rapper promises to show a more authentic, personal side, bridging the gap between chart-topping hits and raw emotional storytelling.
