AUGUST ALSINA "Hip Hop" release

Since popping up on our radar a couple of years ago, August Alsina has delivered a number of personal, introspective songs that navigate the realms of R&B and hip-hop. He continues to do so on his latest single, "Hip Hop," which manages to blend half-sung spitting with dramatized details on his past and present in a new video. 

The track has the vocalist tunefully talking about growing up on the block and how life is apparently better now. It also alludes to growing up in "the humblest beginnings," rising from the bottom, and keeping a level head about fame. "I pray for more better days," he croons, the hopeful voice cresting above harp sounds and a boom-bap beat. 

The video, meanwhile, finds a family watching news reports on police brutality, and various people rallying together behind the "Black Lives Matter" campaign and trying to make a change.