★★★★★
Everything goes in cycles, particularly in music. Fifteen years is a long time in hip hop, but it was that long ago that Ja Rule started taking over the airwaves with his gruff style of croon-rap that enabled him to save hiring vocalists for his radio singles. It was immensely popular, but then became unfashionable once 50 Cent was "chosen" to take hip hop forward - even though he ended up doing a similar thing with songs like "Candy Shop"...
- rapreviews.com
2014-01-21
★★★★★
The major label debut from LA's Kid Ink finds the MC taking his own lane right into the pop mainstream and it's not a smooth ride. Ink mostly relies on a nasal singsong flow that, too often, accidentally detours into monotony over slickly produced club beats borrowed from better sources. Hip-hop is so saturated with songs about women and partying, Ink's additions to the hey-ho hedonism become wearying...
- www.bostonglobe.com
2014-01-18
★★★★★
Kid Ink's "My Own Lane" lacks any creative risks, but it bridges his mainstream appeal of 2013 with a new stylistic presence. While the news of an artist signing to a major label is typically met with skepticism, Kid Ink's decision to sign with RCA last year felt like a natural progression for the Los Angeles native. Since breaking into the Rap scene in 2008, Ink has proven to be an individual who can score a hit that caters to the club and streets alike...
- www.hiphopdx.com
2014-01-15
★★★★★
Kid Ink Is Unpredictable And Entertaining On 'My Own Lane'
Jan 7th, '14 • Music • by XXL Staff • 4 Comments
If you aren't attentive enough you may confuse Kid Ink's aesthetic for superficiality. The punch-drunk nature of his clubby, infectious hit, "Show Me," a collaboration with Chris Brown, is a rather cursory reflection of his brand as a whole if you take it simply at face value...
- www.xxlmag.com
2014-01-15
★★★★★
Putting ink to flesh is a powerful thing. Elaborate patterns spread on the back of a warrior can signal status in an Amazonian tribe. A simple word printed on a forearm can remind a son of the father he lost. Lines of scripture can express a religious belief; a thorny rose can express strength and beauty. Kid Ink, born Brian Collins in Los Angeles, California, is a walking canvas...
- www.djbooth.net
2014-01-10
★★★★★
Rising rapper Kid Ink has unleashed his latest EP, Almost Home, via RCA Records. The digital-only release include five new songs as well as a remix of the artist's current, Meek Mill and Wale-assisted single, "Bad Ass." Also featured on the tracklist are reader-approved cuts "Bossin' Up" (ft. ASAP Ferg & French Montana) and "Sunset." Beats come courtesy of Allan Ritter, Devin Cruise, Dwayne "D'town" Nesmith, KB, Lifted, Mike Maven, N4, Ned Cameron and Vinylz...
- www.djbooth.net
2013-06-03