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.
Never Change
Kid Ink Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bat gang bitch big business yea you know what it is
Right from the beginning
I've been tryna keep it real with these niggers
But they just don't understand
Everything changed since I left home
Tryna do it big say I'm dead wrong
Can't worry bout putting no one else on
Everyday blowing up my cellphone
I just disappear yea throw the stealth on
Uh I'm looking at em like fools
But they still looking at me like fool
What it do
We made it through the storm
Lost a couple friends
I don't toot my horn
I just tell it how it is
Let me tell you how it is
Once you get the fame
And the money swear ain't nothing the same
But I can never change
Two cups two blunts
Yea they tell me that I'm doing to much
But I can never change
For real for life
If it's wrong I don't wanna be right
No I can never change
I can never change
Man of my city no LeBron James
Hands if you with me
Yea we on the way
Team strong even though I had to make a couple trades check
Hardhead still here
Nigger L still here
Better watch the throne
Make you get up out your chair
I believe in god
So it's nothing else to fear
Rolling with the A-Team
I can never fail ah
Turn em in to ashes
Burn one tell these niggers
I've been on my rap shit
West side throw it up
See if you can catch this
I pay dues in taxes bitch
We made it through the storm
Lost a couple friends
I don't toot my horn
I just tell it how it is
Let me tell you how it is
Once you get the fame
And the money swear ain't nothing the same
But I can never change
Two cups two blunts
Yea they tell me that I'm doing to much
But I can never change
For real for life
If it's wrong I don't wanna be right
No I can never change
No for nothing
Came in the game
Straight up out the oven
Too hot to be ready
Nobody was ready
Bitch I'm on fire
Somebody come wet me uh
Come get me
Fore I talk that shit
Life ain't fare
But I can show you
What that waffer is
I'm off that shit
Coughing it
Sick as fuck
Call a medic
I ain't talking to these niggers like they outfits
Remember back in the days we was riding pegs
It was simple then now it's all wired
Just call me 5 down cause I'm outta here
We made it through the storm
Lost a couple friends
I don't toot my horn
I just tell it how it is
Let me tell you how it is
Once you get the fame
And the money swear ain't nothing the same
But I can never change
Two cups two blunts
Yea they tell me that I'm doing to much
But I can never change
For real for life
If it's wrong I don't wanna be right
No I can never change
The lyrics to Kid Ink's song Never Change express his desire to maintain his values and principles despite the changes that fame and money bring. He mentions that from the beginning, he has tried to keep it real with his peers, but they do not understand the pressure he faces. He also talks about the sacrifices he has made, including losing some friends, to get to where he is now. Despite the criticisms he has received for his lifestyle, he declares that he can never change, reflecting his commitment to stay true to himself.
The chorus emphasizes Kid Ink's conviction not to change his ways. He acknowledges that fame and money have altered his life, but this will not make him lose sight of who he is. The idea of two cups and two blunts in the chorus symbolizes the hedonistic lifestyle that some would associate with a successful musician. Kid Ink is suggesting that although he enjoys the good life, he is still the same person who started his music journey, and he will not let success change him.
The final verse starts with a declaration of how Kid Ink entered the music industry and how he was underestimated at first but, over time, proved he was worth it. He then talks about the challenges he faces in the industry and how he has to work hard to maintain his success. The line "Life ain't fare / But I can show you / What that waffer is" shows Kid Ink's resilience despite the odds against him. Kid Ink closes the verse by reminiscing about his humble beginnings and emphasizes that he cannot change.
Overall, "Never Change" expresses Kid Ink's desire for authenticity despite fame and money. It highlights the price he has paid to succeed and his commitment to himself and his values.
Line by Line Meaning
Uh four B's and we in this
Kid Ink and his crew, Bat Gang, are present and accounted for.
Bat gang bitch big business yea you know what it is
Bat Gang is a big business, and every member knows it.
Right from the beginning
Kid Ink is being authentic from the start.
I've been tryna keep it real with these niggers
Kid Ink tries to be honest with his friends but they don't get it.
But they just don't understand
Despite his efforts, Kid Ink's friends don't get where he's coming from.
Everything changed since I left home
Kid Ink's life has drastically changed since he left his hometown.
Tryna do it big say I'm dead wrong
Kid Ink is always striving for greatness, but some people criticize him for it.
Can't worry bout putting no one else on
Kid Ink can't focus on helping others when he's still trying to help himself.
Mofucker I'm still tryna put myself on
Kid Ink is still trying to succeed in his own career.
Everyday blowing up my cellphone
Kid Ink receives calls and messages frequently.
I just disappear yea throw the stealth on
Kid Ink sometimes disappears from the public eye to avoid attention.
Uh I'm looking at em like fools
Kid Ink doesn't understand the actions of his friends sometimes.
But they still looking at me like fool
His friends sometimes judge Kid Ink's actions unfairly.
What it do
Kid Ink is wondering what his friends are doing.
We made it through the storm
Kid Ink and his friends have gone through tough times together.
Lost a couple friends
Unfortunately, some of Kid Ink's friends didn't make it through the struggle.
I don't toot my horn
Kid Ink doesn't brag about his success.
Let me tell you how it is
Kid Ink will speak honestly and truthfully.
Once you get the fame
Fame changes your life.
And the money swear ain't nothing the same
Money changes how people treat you and the lifestyle you live.
But I can never change
Kid Ink will always be himself no matter what success comes his way.
Two cups two blunts
Kid Ink likes to party with two cups and two blunts.
Yea they tell me that I'm doing to much
Some people tell Kid Ink he's partying too hard.
For real for life
Kid Ink is serious about his decisions and lifestyle.
If it's wrong I don't wanna be right
Kid Ink sticks to his beliefs even if they go against popular opinion.
No I can never change
Kid Ink will always be true to himself.
Man of my city no LeBron James
Kid Ink is like a leader in his city, not unlike LeBron James in his sport.
Hands if you with me
Kid Ink is calling on his fans to show support.
Yea we on the way
Kid Ink and his fans are headed in the right direction.
Team strong even though I had to make a couple trades check
Kid Ink's team may have changed but they are still strong.
Hardhead still here
Kid Ink has maintained his resilience through hardship.
Nigger L still here
One of Kid Ink's original crew members, L, is still around.
Better watch the throne
Kid Ink has his eyes on the top spot.
Make you get up out your chair
Kid Ink's music and ambition can motivate others to action.
I believe in god
Kid Ink has faith in a higher power.
So it's nothing else to fear
Kid Ink has no fear because he knows God is watching out for him.
Rolling with the A-Team
Kid Ink's crew is the best of the best.
I can never fail ah
Kid Ink is confident in his ability to succeed.
Turn em in to ashes
Kid Ink can destroy enemies with his words and music.
Burn one tell these niggers
Kid Ink is ready to smoke weed and tell his haters to back off.
I've been on my rap shit
Kid Ink has been dedicated to his craft as a rapper.
West side throw it up
Kid Ink reps the west coast.
See if you can catch this
Kid Ink's flow and lyrics are hard to keep up with.
I pay dues in taxes bitch
Kid Ink has earned his success and pays the price to the government.
No for nothing
Kid Ink's life has not been an easy one.
Came in the game
Kid Ink entered the music industry.
Straight up out the oven
Kid Ink came into the music industry hot and fresh.
Too hot to be ready
Kid Ink was not fully prepared for the success that came so fast.
Nobody was ready
Even Kid Ink's team wasn't totally prepared for his fast rise.
Bitch I'm on fire
Kid Ink is on top of the world in his career.
Somebody come wet me uh
Kid Ink's success is so hot he needs to be cooled off.
Come get me
Kid Ink is waiting for someone to come after him and his success.
Fore I talk that shit
Kid Ink won't say anything negative until someone comes for him first.
Life ain't fare
Kid Ink recognizes that life isn't always fair.
But I can show you
Kid Ink can lead others to success.
What that waffer is
Kid Ink knows how to make it in the music industry.
I'm off that shit
Kid Ink has moved on from some of his past struggles.
Coughing it
Kid Ink is still dealing with some of his past mistakes.
Sick as fuck
Kid Ink is really struggling with some of his past problems.
Call a medic
Kid Ink needs help to overcome his issues.
I ain't talking to these niggers like they outfits
Kid Ink doesn't waste time or energy on trivial matters, like fashion choices.
Remember back in the days we was riding pegs
Kid Ink is reminiscing about simpler times in his youth.
It was simple then now it's all wired
Life was easier in the past, but technology and success have complicated things.
Just call me 5 down cause I'm outta here
Kid Ink is leaving the situation and won't tolerate any drama.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Brian Collins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rumen Naumovski
2020 still goes hard
Ruprt
I love kid inks music soo much , it actually brings me into different moods calm into Crazy, Sad to Happy , his music is very different from all the others right now and he's my Inspiration ! My Idol ! I hope he keeps doing his thing !
Miguel Santana
Kid Ink never fails to bring it, and Dj IllWill directs his videos to sick #props.
Mirco Beyer
The old songs from him are so much better
ACIDXIII
2020/2021 still doin too much 🔥
Raze
Ive been a fan since hes first mixtapes and i will never stop..hes raw and i always bump hes stuff in my car..and he should have his own clothing called "Eeegh"
Jo O
He may not be "Hollywood" famous yet but he got my heart already hahaha ! #teamkidink allll day B A T G A N G!
Trén
Kid Ink's the most underrated in the game, hope he's comin up with a studio album soon BatGang biaaaatch
Frank Hitech
"God on my side so i can never fail, rolling with an A team so i can never fail" sick line...this kid is spittin life
Mucka Dellic
Kid Ink gets off on everything, he's the dresses the freshest, raps the best, and has the best tats! Batgang for life <3