Lil Baby Claps Back at Kai Cenat, Talks Collaborations with Young Thug and Playboi Carti
Following the success of his No. 1 album WHAM, Lil Baby continues to dominate the rap scene while staying candid about his journey and the people who matter most in his life. In an in-depth interview with Complex, the Atlanta rapper reflected on his evolving sound, his bond with fellow industry heavyweights, and his views on criticism. As he prepares to release his new album Dominique, Baby has been dropping teasers about what’s next—both musically and personally.
Young Thug’s Return: A Brother Reunited
Lil Baby didn’t hide his excitement about Young Thug’s release from prison, calling it a deeply personal moment. “It feels amazing. That’s a big part of what I’ve been going through these past two years. Watching what happened to Thug, it felt like it could’ve been me,” Baby shared.
The rapper spoke about the challenges of witnessing his close friend endure legal troubles and how the system often targets successful Black men in the industry. “They really tried to use our craft against us—to build a case and take us out of the game, even when all we’re doing is helping people from our neighborhoods,” Baby added.
Since Thug’s return, the two have wasted no time reconnecting in the studio. “We’ve been in the studio almost every day. We’ve got tons of songs,” Baby revealed, fueling speculation about a rumored collaborative project with Future and Young Thug. Fans are eagerly anticipating whether some of these unreleased tracks will make it onto the much-talked-about tape.
Playboi Carti: A Collaboration in the Making
Another name that came up during the interview was Playboi Carti, a long-time friend of Lil Baby. While fans might have to wait a little longer for a collaboration, Baby made it clear that the two share a strong bond.
“[Carti] is my guy. I’ve known him forever. We’ve never really done music together, but it’s not forced—it’ll happen when it’s meant to happen,” Baby said. He also hinted at a potential feature on Carti’s upcoming album, I AM MUSIC, praising the collaborative spirit of Atlanta’s music scene.
“For me, I AM MUSIC feels like a collective project, a representation of Atlanta as a whole. We all feed off each other in this city, and that’s what makes it special,” he added.
Addressing Critics Like Kai Cenat
While WHAM has achieved commercial success, it hasn’t been free from criticism. One of the loudest voices online has been streamer Kai Cenat, who was openly critical of the album. However, Lil Baby remains unfazed by such opinions.
“People like Kai, they’re younger—they don’t fully understand where I’m coming from. You have to be a little older to really get it,” Baby explained. He elaborated further, saying, “I don’t think there’s a specific age group that should critique music unless you genuinely love it. Streamers and reviewers, that’s just their personal opinion. They don’t really know music like that.”
While Baby respects everyone’s right to their opinion, he’s focused on creating music that resonates with true fans of the craft.
A New Sound with Dominique
As Lil Baby gears up to release Dominique, he’s promising a more mature and refined sound. “This album is different—it reflects my growth, both as an artist and a person,” he said. Baby also shared that the album will delve deeper into his life experiences, offering fans a more personal and introspective perspective.
While he remains tight-lipped about specific features on the project, the buzz surrounding his rumored collaborations with Thug, Future, and Carti has fans eager to see what’s next. Baby hinted that Dominique will highlight his evolution as an artist, with music that speaks to a broader, more universal audience.
Focusing on What Matters Most
Despite the noise from critics and the pressure of being one of the biggest names in rap, Lil Baby remains grounded. He emphasized the importance of staying true to himself and his vision, even in the face of public scrutiny.
“At the end of the day, I know who I’m making music for, and I know what I stand for. That’s all that matters,” Baby said confidently. With the unwavering support of his fans and a clear focus on his future, Lil Baby is poised to continue his reign at the top of the rap game.
Whether through heartfelt lyrics, collaborations with industry giants, or his dedication to evolving as an artist, Lil Baby is proving once again that he’s more than just a rapper—he’s a force to be reckoned with.
