Covered from head to toe in tattoos, Los Angeles-based rapper Kid Ink (aka … Read Full Bio ↴Covered from head to toe in tattoos, Los Angeles-based rapper Kid Ink (aka Brian Collins) is wrecking havoc on the streets and in cyber world. The Rapper/Producer/Songwriter/Tattoo Aficionado has released three studio albums and charted two Top 20 hits in the USA.

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.

Show Must Go On
Kid Ink Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Dear Lord
Forgive us for we know not what we do

I used to snatch purses
Now I'm stealin' money from corporate America
Writing these goddamn verses
Tryna get 50 cents to me
Stupid I turn into G Unit

Make em beg for mercy
Fuck juice, get a keg I'm thirsty
Walk in the VMA's while your mans rehearsing
I don't give a shit if he went platinum twice
If he ain't a real one I'ma snatch the mic

Uh, go on gimme that feelin' like Yeezy
Tell me where the Henny at
We deserve it, we been workin'
Even on days when it don't seem worth it
I be two on
New shit your style need a group home
Old bitch I'm beasting, hungry
Mothafucka need me somethin' to chew on

Come here I'm too gone
2 AM gettin' head in the Yukon
Two grams of the kush in the blue bong
Two students in the bed from the Tuscon
What more can a mothafucka do wrong
I'm a sinner I know
Maybe that's why there is fire
Every city I go
Maybe I'ma just retire and become a supplier
Cause I'm already buying all the
Fuckin' weed y'all grow

Know I roll, one to the sky and blow
Lock and load, can't nobody stop this show
Can't nobody knock this flow, kick down
Fuck knockin' your door, we doin' it biggie
Gettin' busy, competition is lookin' iffy
You ain't gotta gas me, ridin' on empty
No invite I'm runnin' through the entry gone

We live fast but we don't wanna die young
We don't wanna die young but
We ain't never gon' run you can send 'em
I'll be ready when they come
The show must go on, the show must go on
Can't nobody stop this show (Na, na, na)
Can't nobody stop this show
(Na, na, na) The show must go on
Can't nobody stop this show (Na, na, na)
Can't nobody stop this show (Na, na, na)
The show must go on

Fuck with me, I been trill like Bun with me
Gettin' big like Pun with me
Cleveland bone thugs with me
It's the first of the month
Fried shrimp for lunch
Rossi in my cup, lace the fuck up

Said if you got a problem
Baby you can get the back hand
Tryna say that I'm a bad man
Sayin' labor was a bad plan
But I don't feel no pressure
Same way I feel about your impression
It's money over depression
Representing for the reckless
Know you could feel my presence
Through the message
Gotta thank God, it's a blessing
Stackin' up like Tetris
And I take more if you let me
Just take five, let me shine
My eyes low, but I'm not tired
Keep quiet, man I tried
This suicide, suicide

We live fast but we don't wanna die young
We don't wanna die young but
We ain't never gon' run you can send 'em
I'll be ready when they come
The show must go on, the show must go on
Can't nobody stop this show (Na, na, na)
Can't nobody stop this show
(Na, na, na) The show must go on
Can't nobody stop this show (Na, na, na)

Can't nobody stop this show (Na, na, na)
The show must go on

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Kid Ink's song "Show Must Go On" reflect the artist's journey from a troubled past to his determination to succeed in the music industry despite the obstacles he has faced. In the first verse, Kid Ink expresses remorse for his past actions, acknowledging that he used to engage in illegal activities such as stealing purses. However, he has now shifted his focus to making money through his music.

Kid Ink also references his ambition, stating that he is writing verses in order to earn money. He compares himself to G Unit, a successful rap group, and asserts his dominance by stating he can make others beg for mercy. He shows his determination to succeed in the competitive music industry by stating that he doesn't care if someone has achieved platinum record sales if they're not "real." He is ready to snatch the microphone and prove himself.

In the next verse, Kid Ink continues to assert his confidence and desire for success. He mentions Kanye West, a highly influential rapper known for his self-assured attitude, and expresses a desire for the feeling that Kanye's success brings. He references Henny, a brand of cognac, acknowledging that he and his team deserve to celebrate and indulge in their hard work. Despite the challenges and moments when it may not seem worth it, Kid Ink remains focused and driven.

Kid Ink also highlights his lifestyle, mentioning indulgences such as smoking marijuana and engaging in sexual encounters. He acknowledges that he may have made mistakes in the past, referring to himself as a sinner. He ponders retiring from the music industry to become a marijuana supplier, as he already consumes a significant amount of weed. This line suggests that his success has allowed him to fulfill his indulgences.

In the chorus, Kid Ink emphasizes that despite the fast-paced and risky lifestyle he lives, he and his peers are not willing to die young. He asserts that they will not run away from any challenges they may face and that they will be ready to confront them head-on. The phrase "the show must go on" serves as a metaphor for their determination to continue their journey despite any obstacles or setbacks they may encounter. In the final repetition of the chorus, Kid Ink reiterates this sentiment, emphasizing that nothing can stop their success and drive to pursue their dreams.

Line by Line Meaning

Dear Lord
O Lord, please forgive us for our lack of knowledge and understanding.

Forgive us for we know not what we do
We ask for forgiveness for our actions, as we are unaware of the consequences.

I used to snatch purses
There was a time when I would steal purses from others.

Now I'm stealin' money from corporate America
But now I am taking money from large corporations.

Writing these goddamn verses
I am currently writing these lyrics with frustration and determination.

Tryna get 50 cents to me
My aim is to earn 50 cents, to gain success and recognition.

Stupid I turn into G Unit
In my foolishness, I transform into a member of the G Unit.

Make em beg for mercy
I have the power to make others plead for forgiveness and mercy.

Fuck juice, get a keg I'm thirsty
I have no interest in fruit juice, I desire a keg of alcohol as I am very thirsty.

Walk in the VMA's while your mans rehearsing
I confidently enter the VMA's before your friend has even finished rehearsing.

I don't give a shit if he went platinum twice
I do not care if he has achieved platinum status twice.

If he ain't a real one I'ma snatch the mic
If he is not authentic, I will take control of the microphone.

Uh, go on gimme that feelin' like Yeezy
Give me a sensation similar to what Kanye West elicits.

Tell me where the Henny at
Inform me about the whereabouts of Hennessy.

We deserve it, we been workin'
We have put in the effort and deserve the rewards.

Even on days when it don't seem worth it
Even on days when it feels like our efforts are not valued.

I be two on
I am intoxicated.

New shit your style need a group home
Your style is in need of guidance and support.

Old bitch I'm beasting, hungry
I am fiercely hungry for success, surpassing older competitions.

Mothafucka need me somethin' to chew on
I require something to consume, metaphorically referring to my desire for challenges.

Come here I'm too gone
Approach me, as I am too intoxicated.

2 AM gettin' head in the Yukon
At 2 AM, I am receiving oral pleasure in a Yukon vehicle.

Two grams of the kush in the blue bong
I have two grams of high-quality cannabis in a blue water pipe.

Two students in the bed from the Tuscon
In bed, I enjoy the company of two individuals from Tucson.

What more can a mothafucka do wrong
I wonder, how much more can one person make mistakes?

I'm a sinner I know
I acknowledge that I am a sinner.

Maybe that's why there is fire
Perhaps, the presence of fire is related to our sinful nature.

Every city I go
Regardless of the city I visit.

Maybe I'ma just retire and become a supplier
Perhaps I should retire from my current lifestyle and become a drug supplier.

Cause I'm already buying all the
Because I am already purchasing all the drugs that are available.

Fuckin' weed y'all grow
Specifically marijuana that you all cultivate.

Know I roll, one to the sky and blow
Understand that I roll a joint, raise it toward the sky, and release smoke.

Lock and load, can't nobody stop this show
Prepare your weapons, because no one can halt this performance.

Can't nobody knock this flow, kick down
No one can disrupt this rhythm, even if they try.

Fuck knockin' your door, we doin' it biggie
Forget about knocking on your door politely, we are doing it with boldness and extravagance.

Gettin' busy, competition is lookin' iffy
I am getting to work, and my competitors are appearing uncertain.

You ain't gotta gas me, ridin' on empty
You do not need to hype me up, as I am already running on fumes.

No invite I'm runnin' through the entry gone
Without an invitation, I am charging through the entrance and making my presence known.

We live fast but we don't wanna die young
We choose to live life at a rapid pace, but we have no desire to die at a young age.

We don't wanna die young but
Although we do not want to die young,

We ain't never gon' run you can send 'em
We will never back down, even if you send opposition.

I'll be ready when they come
I will be prepared to face them when they arrive.

The show must go on, the show must go on
Regardless of the circumstances, the performance must continue.

Can't nobody stop this show (Na, na, na)
No one has the power to halt this spectacle.

Can't nobody stop this show
Nobody can put an end to this event.

(Na, na, na) The show must go on
The performance is required to continue, regardless of any obstacles.

Fuck with me, I been trill like Bun with me
Engage with me, as I have been authentic and true like Bun B.

Gettin' big like Pun with me
Growing in popularity like the late rapper Big Pun.

Cleveland bone thugs with me
I have the support and companionship of the Cleveland-based group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.

It's the first of the month
It is the beginning of the month.

Fried shrimp for lunch
I am enjoying fried shrimp as a midday meal.

Rossi in my cup, lace the fuck up
I have Rossi wine in my cup, and I am preparing to lace up my shoes.

Said if you got a problem
I mentioned that if you have an issue.

Baby you can get the back hand
My response will involve physical force if you provoke me.

Tryna say that I'm a bad man
You are attempting to claim that I am a wicked individual.

Sayin' labor was a bad plan
Suggesting that labor or hard work was an unwise decision.

But I don't feel no pressure
However, I am not feeling any stress or strain.

Same way I feel about your impression
I have a similar lack of concern towards your opinion.

It's money over depression
Prioritizing money over negative emotional states.

Representing for the reckless
I am proudly representing those who engage in reckless behavior.

Know you could feel my presence
I am aware that you can sense my existence.

Through the message
This understanding is conveyed through my lyrics.

Gotta thank God, it's a blessing
I must express gratitude to God, as it is a blessing.

Stackin' up like Tetris
I am accumulating wealth rapidly, comparable to the stacking blocks in the game Tetris.

And I take more if you let me
And I will gladly take even more if you allow me.

Just take five, let me shine
Please step aside and let me have my time to shine.

My eyes low, but I'm not tired
Although my eyes may appear droopy, I am not fatigued.

Keep quiet, man I tried
Please remain silent, as I have made efforts.

This suicide, suicide
This situation is self-destructive and detrimental.