Kid Ink
Kid Ink, born Brian Todd Collins on April 1, 1986, in Los Angeles, California, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He began his music career as a producer, working under the name Rockstar before transitioning to rapping. Influenced by artists like Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, and Swizz Beatz, he gradually developed his own distinct style blending hip-hop, R&B, and pop elements. Kid Ink gained attention with his mixtape releases, including "Crash Landing" in 2010 and "Daydreamer" in 2011. His growing popularity led to the release of his independent debut album, "Up & Away," in 2012, which featured the hit single "Time of Your Life." The success of this project led to a deal with RCA Records. In 2014, he released his major label debut, "My Own Lane," which included the platinum-certified single "Show Me" featuring Chris Brown. The collaboration with Brown became one of his most recognized hits and helped cement his place in mainstream music. He continued to release additional projects, including "Full Speed" in 2015 and "7 Series" in 2017, showcasing his versatility and knack for catchy hooks. Known for his extensive tattoo art and laid-back California vibe, Kid Ink has collaborated with a variety of artists across genres and remains a notable figure in the hip-hop and pop music scenes. His work continues to appeal to a broad audience with its blend of melodic rap and radio-friendly production.
