What makes Summer in the Winter by Kid Ink notable?

'Summer in the Winter' debuted at number 14 on the Billboard 200, showcasing Kid Ink's growing popularity and mainstream acceptance. The album's lead single 'Promise' received notable airplay and further established him as a prominent figure within the contemporary hip-hop scene. Released on December 25, 2015, 'Summer in the Winter' marked Kid Ink's third studio album, following his commercial breakthrough with 2014's 'Full Speed'. At this point in his career, he was solidifying his presence in pop rap, seeking to balance mainstream appeal with his West Coast hip-hop roots.

Who is Summer in the Winter for?

Summer in the Winter works well if you're into carefree summer day vibes, steady mid-tempo groove and for road trips.

How many songs are on Summer in the Winter?

Summer in the Winter has 11 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Summer in the Winter

Kid Ink · 2015

36 min · 11 tracks · pop rap

A vibrant blend of catchy hooks and laid-back beats, reflecting the carefree essence of summer while grounded in hip-hop rhythms.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Promise — This track features a memorable hook and radio-friendly production that exemplifies Kid Ink's crossover appeal, blending rap with pop sensibilities.
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Bunny Ranch — Opening the album with an infectious beat, this track sets the tone for a playful exploration of themes surrounding nightlife and fun.
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Summer in the Winter — The title track captures the album's overarching theme of enjoying life’s fleeting moments, combining smooth melodies with relatable lyrics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

43 /100

Lowland

Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

The album blends catchy hooks with varied tempos but lacks standout depth or innovation.

What we noticed

Several songs incorporate melodic hooks that are repeated throughout, creating a sense of familiarity and cohesion.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

carefree summer day vibes
steady mid-tempo groove
for road trips
catchy hooks for sing-alongs
light-hearted party atmosphere

Maybe skip if you

prefer slower, introspective music
seek complex narrative structures

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on December 25, 2015, 'Summer in the Winter' marked Kid Ink's third studio album, following his commercial breakthrough with 2014's 'Full Speed'. At this point in his career, he was solidifying his presence in pop rap, seeking to balance mainstream appeal with his West Coast hip-hop roots.
Stylistic neighbors: Chris Brown· Iggy Azalea· French Montana