Hell & Back
Kid Ink · Up & Away [2012]
You can tell them that
I've been through hell and back
When the heat is on
I fire back
In this cold world
Where your lighters at
Let's burn it down
Fire back
[Verse 1]
Uh, let's take it to the ground
Done too many make it coming to our town
Looking for a detour nowhere to be found
When the pressure's on seems nobody's around
Uh, but I won't let them see me sweat
Yea it took a little time
But can't really be upset
Long way to the top
I can barely see the steps
Yeah, they sleeping on me still
But I barely need to rest
See me standing here hand high
Face up, I don't need no X-Ray
Show you what I'm made of
Tell 'em I paid my dues and
You can check the pay stops
Never had a chance so
I had to go and make one
Say some
You can tell them that
I've been through hell and back
But I'm home, can't really complain when
It's the life that I chose
Sacrificed it all and everything that I owned
Say "What doesn't kill me can only make me stronger"
[Hook (x2)]
You can tell them that
I've been through hell and back
When the heat is on
I fire back
In this cold world
Where your lighters at
Let's burn it down
Fire back
[Verse 2]
Yo, can you feel the heat
The block is hot as ever
In these city streets
You only get one shot
Keep your arm steady
They tried to make me wait
But I'm more than ready
To go and get my grind liker and line
Skater check your wrist watch you'll see that
This time it's my time
And I don't need no invite
To the party, got roll over menace and
Feels like my calling, uh
I'm just doing what I can
With a whole lot of drive
Trying to make my own path
Take a chance, can't sit and worry about
No 5-year plan gotta live for the day
Cause I could die where I stand
Tell 'em
You can tell them that
I've been through hell and back
But I'm home, can't really complain when
It's the life that I chose
Sacrificed it all and everything that I owned
Say "What doesn't kill me can only make me stronger"
[Hook (x2)]
You can tell them that
I've been through hell and back
When the heat is on
I fire back
In this cold world
Where your lighters at
Let's burn it down
Fire back
About Hell & Back
Kid Ink's "Hell & Back" serves as a gritty centerpiece on the 2012 album *Up & Away*, embodying the raw, unpolished aesthetic that defined his early solo career. Released during a pivotal era for West Coast hip-hop, the track showcases Ink's signature blend of aggressive flow and street-level storytelling, capturing the volatility of life on the streets. The recording reflects the broader trends of the early 2010s, where artists prioritized authentic, gritty narratives over high-production gloss. As part of his discography, the song stands as a testament to his ability to convey complex emotional landscapes through minimalistic yet impactful production. It remains a notable example of his work from this period, highlighting his transition into a more mature, self-directed artistic voice while maintaining the core elements that established his reputation in the genre.