On September 18, 2020, Keem returned with the release of two new songs, "Hooligan", and "Sons & Critics Freestyle".[12] He then released "No Sense", on March 5, 2021.[13] On April 30, Keem released "Durag Activity" with Travis Scott.[14] The song was followed by another collaboration with Kendrick Lamar titled "Family Ties", which was released on August 27, 2021.[15] These songs are featured on Keem's debut studio album The Melodic Blue, which was released on September 10, 2021.[16][17] The album also included the single "Issues", which Keem performed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, a collaboration with Don Toliver titled "Cocoa", as well as previously-teased tracks "Vent" and "Range Brothers".[18] Keem also made an appearance on Kanye West's tenth studio album Donda, on the song "Praise God", alongside Travis Scott.[19]