LIL BABY ANNOUNCED AS ‘SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE’ MUSICAL GUEST

Lil Baby is set to make his Saturday Night Live debut this month as the iconic sketch show makes its return for the 2023 season.

Announcing the line-up for its next two shows in a tweet on Thursday (January 5), SNL revealed Baby will perform on January 28 with actor Michael B. Jordan as host.

The Atlanta rapper follows recent SNL musical debuts from some of his rap peers such as Gunna and Jack Harlow – who also handled hosting duties.

The episode the week before Lil Baby’s will see British singer Sam Smith take on music duties while actor Aubrey Plaza hosts.

New year, new shows!! pic.twitter.com/IEyYUMlLku

— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) January 5, 2023

Lil Baby had a monumental 2022 and it looks like the momentum won’t be slowing down any time soon. Nabbing 40 Hot 100 singles for the year, he tied with his DJ Khaled “Staying Alive” collaborator Drake for the most Billboard Hot 100 placements of 2022. The feat was thanks in large part to his third studio album, It’s Only Me.

When the project’s 23-song tracklist entered the Hot 100 charts in its first week, the Atlanta native became the youngest solo artist — and the third overall — to land an entire album onto the chart. The release also joined “Staying Alive” and 2017’s “Freestyle” to give Baby 25 songs on the coveted list simultaneously.

Additionally, Lil Baby’s 2022 count was boosted by featured appearances alongside Nardo Wick, SleazyWorld Go, Ed Sheeran, Nicki Minaj, Gunna, NAV, Roddy Rich, Chris Brown and an additional appearance of his own on DJ Khaled’s GOD DID.

The 4PF rapper was also honored with his own day in his ATL hometown on November 13, with the date now being officially recognized as Dominique “Lil Baby” Jones Day going forward.

And just before the year ended, Baby dropped off the first-ever music video filmed at the World Cup.

“I’m excited to make history with Budweiser and close out the 2022 FIFA World Cup with this unforgettable video,” the rapper said in a statement. “Working with Director X and the amazing people from around the globe, we’re celebrating what it means to bring the world together and inspire people to chase those dreams.”