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 feat. MGK & Math Allen
Kid Ink Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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, can't nobody stop this show
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, can't nobody stop this show
The show must go on
The lyrics of the song "Show Must Go On" by Kid Ink, featuring MGK and Math Allen, depict the struggles and challenges of being successful in the music industry. The opening line, "Dear Lord, forgive us for we know not what we do," shows the artist's recognition of their sins and seemingly contradicting actions. The verse "I used to snatch purses, Now I'm stealin' money from corporate America" portrays the transition from hustling to making it big in the rap game. The references to G-Unit, VMA's, and platinum records highlight the pursuit of fame and success, disregarding other artists' achievements. The lyrics also touch on drug use, sex, and the temptation to indulge in vices. The chorus emphasizes the determination and resilience to navigate through the obstacles and negativity that come with the territory.
Additionally, the song maintains a party vibe throughout, with mentions of Henny and kush, and the repetition of "the show must go on" backs up the theme of never giving up, no matter what. The track features a catchy beat, with production from Danja and Jim Jonsin. The song includes verses from two rappers, Kid Ink and MGK, and a singer, Math Allen. The artists' styles complement each other, making for an enjoyable and dynamic listening experience. Overall, the song depicts the highs and lows that come with the music industry, while maintaining an "I can do anything" attitude.
Line by Line Meaning
Dear Lord, forgive us for we know not what we do
Asking for forgiveness from God for our mistakes that we make unknowingly
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
The artist has changed his ways and instead of taking from innocent people, he's trying to make money through music. He doesn't care about other people's success if they are not genuine and will do anything to be on top.
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
The artist wants to enjoy the fruits of his labor and celebrate for all the hard work he has done. He has confidence in his own style and is still pushing even when times get tough.
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
The artist has made some bad decisions but is still having fun and enjoying his life. He's buying a lot of weed from different places and just wants to retire and live freely.
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
The show must go on, no matter what. The artist is confident in his abilities and his flow and is ready to face any competition. He's not asking for anyone's approval or help and is determined to make it by himself.
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, can't nobody stop this show
The show must go on
The artist is living a fast-paced life and enjoying every moment of it, but he doesn't want to die young. He's ready for any challenges that come his way and the show must go on no matter what.
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
The artist has some really good friends like Bun and Pun, and he's keepin' it real while advancing in his career. He's in Cleveland with his bone thugs, enjoying some good shrimp and drinking Rossi while getting ready for whatever the future holds.
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
The artist doesn't take kindly to those who criticize him or his work. He's not afraid of hard work or making mistakes because money is more important than feeling depressed. His reckless driving is to show off the confidence he has in himself, and he's grateful for everything he has. If he's given the opportunity, he'll keep succeeding and keep working hard, no matter what.
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, can't nobody stop this show
The show must go on
The artist realizes that life is short, but he still wants to enjoy it while he can. He's not scared to face the consequences of his actions and is always ready to face any challenges that come his way. The show or party must go on, no matter what, and no one is going to stop or interfere with his journey.
Contributed by Brooklyn S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Noah Dalton
on Ride Out
da shit