Kid Ink
My Own Lane
Release Date: Jan 7, 2014
Genre(s): West Coast Rap, Pop-Rap
Record label: RCA
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Album Review: My Own Lane by Kid Ink
Fairly Good, Based on 4 Critics
Based on rating 7/10
Mixing the hazy, lazy feeling of cloud rap with a sound that's slick and entirely prepared to be the 2014 definition of radio-friendly, L. A. -based Kid Ink isn't necessarily in My Own Lane because of his patched-together style, but the talented, Drake-sounding rapper is certainly unique when it comes to cocky career development.
Based on rating 3.0/5
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. Along those same lines, the 27-year-old has a sound that stays on top of what’s now.
Opinion: Excellent
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. However, when digested with more scrutiny, Kid Ink’s music weaves an elaborate web of sounds and textures that tackles classic rap tropes of glitz and glamour with creativity and flair.
Opinion: Average
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.
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