Kid Ink – Artist to Watch in 2013

Kid Ink is the perfect example of the ethos that if you work hard you will eventually reach your goals.

After dropping several acclaimed mixtapes, the California native released his independent album 'Up & Away' in 2012. The collection debuted at No. 2 on Billboard's Rap Albums chart and boasts the hit single 'Time of Your Life.' The song's accompanying video has garnered over 12 million views on YouTube.

On Jan. 3, he signed a major-label deal with RCA Records, home of fellow rapper A$AP Rocky, and dropped his first single, 'Bad A--' (Featuring Meek Mill and Wale). The tattoo-loving emcee, who resembles Chris Brown but is not related, is not only a rapper, he's also producer and songwriter.

Overall, Kid Ink wants his music to connect with his loyal fan base of 18-to-24-year-olds. "My goal is to make relatable music. I don’t specify into a certain market," he told The Source. "Just enjoying the music ain’t enough, people want to know who you are and what you stand for."

Watch the Kid Ink 'Can't Ignore Me' Video