New Orleans-born R&B star August Alsina previewed his highly anticipated EP Downtown: Life Under the Gun at the offices of Island Def Jam in Manhattan this week. The star himself was brief and to the point, thanking everyone for attending the listening session before acknowledging the inspiration behind his work.
“Who I do this for?” “This is for my brother and his kids,” August explained.
Alsina’s brother murdered in New Orleans in 2011 and his memory looms over the ambitious Downtown project. In spite of that personal tragedy, the singer’s star has been steadily rising over the past year. His single “I Luv This S–t” featuring Trinidad James has been well received by fans and the charts.
His journey is only beginning.
Hit the click to check out some pics from the session…