Tuesday’s Talent – Kid Ink

Stop – Kid Ink ft. 2Chainz & Tyga

Los Angeles native and rapper-on-the-rise Kid Ink last week and got the scoop on his collaboration with Lil Wayne and dude’s personal style. Stay on the lookout for the latest in DJ Ill Will’s roster of talent.

How has your upbringing shaped you as an artist?

I believe I had the best of both worlds. I never lived in the best of neighborhoods and I have had my taste of the streets, but my mother always made sure she sent me to the right schools and programs which kept me busy [while] learning new experiences outside of the streets.

How did your feature on Lil Wayne’s “When I Sleep” come about?

To be honest, it was as surprising to me as it was to the fans. I would say about six to seven months ago, I did a feature for a producer out of the Bay Area. He sent me the beat he made with a hook and open slot [so] I did my thing and that was the end of it. I look up one day and “Lil Wayne featuring Kid Ink” was all over the internet.

What are you working on now music-wise?

I think I have one more mixtape to give the fans but for the most part, I’m in the studio with different artists working my pen game and touring.

Describe your style for us:

X-Games meets Batman [laughs]. I tend to switch it up throughout the day… early on I might have my West Coast skater look goin’ on: snapback, skinny Levis, tank top, tattoos, Ray Bans… then by the evening a little more GQ: throw on a nice jacket, Retrosuperfuture shades, all black everything.

What inspires your look?

My look is inspired by something new all the time. The weather, the time of day, what [album] I’m listening too at the time. Something I might see on TV or in a magazine all can inspire new ideas for looks. I don’t really go after a specific style. Nowadays having style to me is about just having the confidence and feeling like “I make this look good.”

What are some of your favorite brands?

Crooks and Castles, Play Cloths, Young and Reckless, BBC… but I don’t look at brands names as much as I do quality.

What do you think of the current state of fashion?

I think fashion is in a state of freedom right now. Especially with icons like Lady Gaga and Kanye, I think we are able to explore a bit more and create original style.