Having spent the majority of the early part of his career behind the control board and not the mic, Kid Ink crafting his production skills working with multi-platinum artists like Sean “Diddy” Combs and Sean Kingston as well Yung Berg and Nipsey Hussle. Production came natural for Kid Ink, "I started making the beats because I already had several artists trying the rap thing out, so I thought I would be more useful supplying the production." But sitting behind the board was not enough for Kid Ink. Just a few short years ago, Kid Ink picked up the mic and a new contender in the Hip-Hop game was born.
Honing his skills as a songwriter creating hooks for his beats, Kid Ink stepped up his lyrical repertoire with full length and completed songs.
2010 was a breakout year in the young rapper’s career. Teaming up with world-renowned DJ ill Will and DJ Rockstar’s newly formed Tha Alumni Music Group; Kid Ink became more focused in his grind and began working on the underground hit, Crash Landing Mixtape. His hard work paid off and the music industry began to take notice. Within 10 days of its release, Crash Landing garnered critical acclaim, a position at the top of Datpiff.com’s ‘Top Mixtapes of the Week’ section and amassed an astonishing 50 thousand downloads.
After Crash Landings’ debut, national and international request to perform rolled in. Kid Ink has toured the states with stops in Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Denver, Kansas City and Buffalo; and internationally in Toronto, Canada, Zurich, Switzerland, Melbourne, Australia and Krasnador, Russia.
Solidifying himself as a real MC, Kid Ink garnered career-defining features from Hip-Hop and R&B stars including Young Money's Gudda Gudda, Roscoe Dash, Sterling Simms, Bei Maejor, Meek Mill and many more. Kid Ink’s uncompromising work ethic would not allow him to rest on his more than impressive laurels; there needed to be a ‘visual’ movement to showcase his innovative style and unique persona.
Lensed by Director Alex Nazari, Kid Ink released an astounding 8 cutting-edge music videos in 2010 alone. Tearing the Net to shreds, to date his now 26 released videos have garnered a very impressive 50 plus million views.
2011 continued to be phenomenal for the young MC. Having released his (free to the public) sophomore album Daydreamer on June 21st via the internet, the lyrical juggernaut accumulated over 150 thousand downloads in its first week. Fans went ballistic over the album that featured all original production from the likes of The Runners, Lex Luger, Jahlil Beats, Cardiak & Tha Bizness as well as major features from the Cory Gunz, Meek Mill, Ray J, Sean Kingston, Dorrough, Bei Maejor and more.
Bucking the norm of waiting for a major label deal to kick off his career, the rapper has taken his fate in to his own hands and crafted an internet campaign that rivals many of the acts resting high on the Billboard charts. With videos under his belt including Internet sensations “Lowkey Poppin,” “Please” and “Cali Dreamin,’” Kid Ink is definitely rockin’ to his own beat.
Kid Ink continued his 2011 tear by releasing “Wheels Up,” yet another all original Mixtape on October 10th to an overwhelming response. Once again outdoing the numbers his previous project accumulated. Following the release of “Wheels Up,” Ink has been on a mini “Wheels Up” tour including stops in the Bay Area, Denmark, New York, Boston, Toronto, Denver & Chicago to name a few, performing to packed crowds of 600-2,000.
Ink started 2012 red hot as the first single “Time Of Your Life” off his debut album “Up & Away” was picked up in early January by radio & the first week this song was released on iTunes it sold a staggering 20k copies. “Time Of Your Life” peaked at #32 on the Rythmic Radio Charts with 750+ spins a week and has reached an audience of over 100 million selling 160k + singles Independently. In addition, the official video for “Time Of Your Life” has reached over 12 million views on Youtube and was added to regular rotation on MTV Jams and MTV2. Following the success of “Time Of Your Life” and the follow up single “Drippin,” Ink launched his Indie album “Up & Away” in June to commercial success with 20k albums sold the 1st week in the US reaching top 20 on Billboard charts (All Albums) and #2 that week in Hip-Hop/Rap. Immediately following the success of “Up & Away” Ink toured the US, selling out shows throughout the Country including 6 Summer Jam concerts, followed by a headlining “Up & Away” UK Tour that included 25 shows in 35 days – selling out 18 of the shows. “Up & Away” has sold well over 50k albums to date (US) & over 70k worldwide.
After the immediate sales success of “Up & Away,” Ink found himself in a bidding war with all the major labels. Ink decided to cap off his career defining 2012 with another Mixtape in November of 2012 titled “Rocketshipshawty” which has done well over 600k downloads online, followed by 6 videos off the project. Starting off the New Year in 2012 Ink decided to sign a major label deal with RCA Records. On January 3rd, 2013 Ink announced his signing and launched his debut Major Label single “Bad Ass” feat MMG heavyweights Wale & Meek Mill.
His Internet game is just as tight as his rap game. His website, www.kidinkmusic.com gets between 90,000 and 150,000 hits a month, his Facebook page has over a 500,000 Likes, his Twitter game is continually growing with 300k plus Followers, Instagram over 260k follows and via HotNewHipHop.com Kid Ink has a staggering 13 million + digital downloads.
Lights On
Kid Ink Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pull up at the Red Light, uh, District (ayy)
Riding off the gear right, uh, twisted (ayy)
Tell her roll the blunt tight, uh, lipstick (ayy)
Can't slow it down, came up too quick (ayy)
ISM, this a tune, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa (whoa)
Howling at the moon, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa (whoa)
I put everything on the line for the goals (whew)
I been getting mine, read the story untold (ayy)
Can't be mad at what you can't control (no)
Niggas gon' switch shit up with the quickness
This here risky business (yeah, yeah, yeah)
Don't get it twisted, that bitch vicious (whoa)
Just gave her back to the street, no West (hey)
Bg, me and my team on a mission (yeah)
Niggas try to look the other way and they miss shit
Ooh, too cool for y'all jakes (wait)
Everybody tryna move to my state (what's up?)
You ain't living in The Hills, ain't the right place (whew)
Niggas in a bad mood 'cause they ain't paid (whew)
No way, no way, no
Tell 'em they could never take my place (bitch)
Nobody higher than me
Tryna smoke what I'm smoking, gotta holla at T (okay)
Pull up at the Red Light, uh, District (ayy)
Riding off the gear right, uh, twisted (ayy) (go)
Tell her roll the blunt tight, uh, lipstick (ayy)
Can't slow it down, came up too quick (ayy)
ISM, this a tune, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa (whoa)
Howling at the moon, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa (whoa)
Livin' in a dream but my eyes ain't closed (ayy)
I put everything on the line for the goals (ayy)
Come back like I'm PG
Talk to 'em like a Mac, not a PC (ayy)
Had to make this shit happen, ain't no plan B (oh)
Way a nigga did the math, thought I had a degree (woo)
Tell them niggas stand back like they got a disease
We already had a wave, watch us rinse and repeat
You ain't never made an M, how you gon' critique?
Niggas married to the game, hit it while they were sleep
Whoa, wake up lil' nigga, yeah (yeah)
They did it big, watch how I do a bigger set (me)
My shit hit different like SZA (wait)
Hop in the pussy, in the grave I dig her
Ayy (ayy), I knock it down and yell timber (timber)
Run with the gang, I'm the founder and member, remember
Nobody higher than me
Tryna smoke what I'm smoking, gotta holler at T, okay
Pull up at the Red Light (Red Light), District (ayy)
Riding off the gear right (gear right), twisted (ayy)
Tell her roll the blunt tight (ooh-ooh), lipstick (ayy)
Can't slow it down, came up too quick (ayy, ayy, ayy)
ISM, this a tune, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa (whoa)
Howling at the moon, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa (whoa)
Livin' in a dream but my eyes ain't closed
I put everything on the line for the goals
In Kid Ink's song "Lights On," the lyrics depict a confident and ambitious mindset. The artist pulls up at the Red Light District, emphasizing his desire to live life on the edge and take risks. He references riding with the right gear, which suggests being in control and fully immersed in the moment.
The lyrics also convey a sense of determination and self-assurance. Kid Ink highlights his commitment to his goals, willing to put everything on the line to achieve them. He acknowledges that success may come quickly but explains that he is prepared for it and unafraid of the challenges that may arise.
The lyrics contain references to the ISM, which could be interpreted as a symbol of Kid Ink's personal philosophy or unique approach to life. He describes himself as howling at the moon, symbolizing his relentless pursuit of his dreams. Despite living in a dream-like state, he emphasizes that his eyes remain open, suggesting that he is fully aware of the realities and obstacles he faces.
Line by Line Meaning
Pull up at the Red Light, uh, District (ayy)
Arriving at a place where temptation and indulgence are prevalent.
Riding off the gear right, uh, twisted (ayy)
Enjoying the high and excitement of life, feeling a bit intoxicated.
Tell her roll the blunt tight, uh, lipstick (ayy)
Asking someone to prepare the marijuana joint perfectly, paying attention to detail like applying lipstick.
Can't slow it down, came up too quick (ayy)
Unable to slow down the fast-paced lifestyle that has brought success.
ISM, this a tune, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa (whoa)
Referring to his lifestyle and beliefs, declaring that this song represents it.
Howling at the moon, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa (whoa)
Expressing a wild and unrestrained attitude, not conforming to society's rules.
Livin' in a dream but my eyes ain't closed (ayy)
Living a lavish and extravagant life without being naive or ignorant.
I put everything on the line for the goals (whew)
Taking risks and making sacrifices to achieve his aspirations.
I been getting mine, read the story untold (ayy)
Successfully obtaining success and accomplishments that haven't been widely recognized or acknowledged.
Can't be mad at what you can't control (no)
Choosing not to be upset or resentful about things that are beyond one's control.
Niggas gon' switch shit up with the quickness
Referring to people quickly changing their behavior or loyalty.
This here risky business (yeah, yeah, yeah)
Acknowledging that his lifestyle and choices involve significant risks and uncertainty.
Don't get it twisted, that bitch vicious (whoa)
Warning not to underestimate the intensity or unpredictable nature of a particular person or situation.
Just gave her back to the street, no West (hey)
Returning a woman to the lifestyle she is accustomed to, not controlling or restricting her.
Bg, me and my team on a mission (yeah)
Focused and determined to accomplish a specific goal together with his close associates.
Niggas try to look the other way and they miss shit
Some people intentionally ignore or overlook important details or opportunities.
Ooh, too cool for y'all jakes (wait)
Considering himself too fashionable and sophisticated for others who are less stylish or interesting.
Everybody tryna move to my state (what's up?)
Many individuals are eager to replicate his success and be a part of his lifestyle.
You ain't living in The Hills, ain't the right place (whew)
Implying that unless someone lives in an affluent and luxurious area like The Hills, they can't fully understand his level of success.
Niggas in a bad mood 'cause they ain't paid (whew)
People feel unhappy or frustrated because they haven't achieved financial success.
No way, no way, no
Emphatically denying the possibility of something happening amidst all the obstacles.
Tell 'em they could never take my place (bitch)
Asserting that his unique position and success cannot be replaced by anyone else.
Nobody higher than me
No one surpasses him in terms of status, accomplishment, or influence.
Tryna smoke what I'm smoking, gotta holla at T (okay)
Interested in partaking in the same recreational activities (most likely marijuana) as him, needing to contact his supplier.
Come back like I'm PG
Making a return or comeback similar in style or impact to a professional basketball player named Paul George (PG).
Talk to 'em like a Mac, not a PC (ayy)
Expressing oneself confidently and smoothly, resembling the charisma of a Mac computer compared to a PC.
Had to make this shit happen, ain't no plan B (oh)
Being determined to achieve success without any alternative or backup plan.
Way a nigga did the math, thought I had a degree (woo)
Figuring out the calculations and strategizing like having an academic degree.
Tell them niggas stand back like they got a disease
Requesting others to keep their distance as if they carried an infectious illness.
We already had a wave, watch us rinse and repeat
Having already experienced success, expecting to recreate it by following a similar formula.
You ain't never made an M, how you gon' critique?
Challenging someone's authority or opinion when they haven't achieved the level of financial success he has (making a million dollars).
Niggas married to the game, hit it while they were sleep
Devoted and committed to the music industry, having success while others were unaware or unprepared.
Whoa, wake up lil' nigga, yeah (yeah)
Urging someone, possibly a competitor or detractor, to become aware and acknowledge the reality of the situation.
They did it big, watch how I do a bigger set (me)
Acknowledging others' achievements, but asserting that he will surpass them in terms of performance and impact.
My shit hit different like SZA (wait)
Referring to his unique and exceptional style, comparing it to the distinctive sound and artistry of the singer SZA.
Hop in the pussy, in the grave I dig her
Engaging in sexual activity, metaphorically expressing a grave or passionate connection with a woman.
Ayy (ayy), I knock it down and yell timber (timber)
Successfully seducing a woman and celebrating the outcome by exclaiming what's about to fall or collapse (timber).
Run with the gang, I'm the founder and member, remember
Being an integral part of a group or collective, even being the one who established it.
Lyrics © Ultra Tunes, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Brian Collins, Ishmael Montague, Jamal F Rashid
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Noah Dalton
on Ride Out
da shit