Kevin Abstract teased the project in March 2019, sharing its artwork without explanation. On April 8, a music video for "Big Wheels" was released, under the video title "The 1-9-9-9 is Coming", alongside an image teasing the dates April 11, April 18 and April 25. On April 11, following a teaser video for "Georgia" the three-song project was released, with Ghettobaby announced to be forthcoming. On April 16 Abstract clarified that Arizona Baby would be his second full-length album, being released gradually. Ghettobaby was released on April 18, including the previously released music alongside three new tracks, and was promoted by a music video for "Baby Boy". The complete album was released on April 25, following a music video for "Peach".
Music and lyrics
Abstract has cited Lana Del Rey's "Venice Bitch" as inspiring the album, as well as "Westcoast Collective" by American rapper Dominic Fike, who appeared on the final album. The first part of Arizona Baby was described as "stand on the cutting edge of modern hip-hop", taking an experimental approach to pop songwriting. The album juxtaposes gentle vocoders and acoustic guitars against "galloping" production and rapping. "Big Wheels" features "sparkling synths and skittering beats", and has been compared to Abstract's hip hop work with Brockhampton, while "Joy Ride" is built around trumpets and has been noted to demonstrate producer Jack Antonoff's influence. "Georgia" has been described as tender and nostalgic. Ghettobaby, the album's second part has been described as increasingly personal, discussing Abstract's childhood, former friendships and insecurity, and featuring mostly sung R&B-hip hop fusions. "Corpus Christi" contains a reference to former Brockhampton member Ameer Vann, who was fired from the group following domestic abuse allegations. "Baby Boy" is a psychedelic rock song, with plucked guitar and distant synthesizers.
Critical reception
Part one
Hannah Mylrea of NME described the project as "short-but-sweet", praising its polished and focused nature compared to Abstract's previous work with Brockhampton, and describing it as "a neat reminder of talent". For The Line of Best Fit, Sophie Walker wrote that the album "demonstrates chameleon-like talent for creating everything from the most infectious beats to the gentlest verses".
Track listing
The album's parts were released cumulatively, meaning Ghettobaby also includes part one, and the final release includes all three parts, without a specified distinction between each part.
