Since day one, August Alsina has never been shy about telling the truths of his once troubled past. On his debut album “Testimony,” which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 last week, he used it as an outlet to be more candid and personal about his rises and falls.
He gets even more honest in his cover story of the latest Rolling Out issue. The 21-year-old explains how he changed his life better after dealing a drug that took the life of his father. “I remember giving this girl a crack rock,” said Alsina. “To see her smoke crack in front of me messed me up. Because it was the same drug that messed up my life and my family’s life. My stepdad was on crack. My real father was addicted and he died. That day, I realized my heart was too big to continue selling drugs. I didn’t want to be a part in the destruction of someone else’s family.”
While the “I Luv It” artist isn’t your typical male R&B singer, he’s cool with staying being in “my lane.” He explains why, “If you don’t have a vision for yourself, someone will have a vision for you,” he says. “People want something fresh and new. As long as I relate to the ones that are down, I’m good. There are more people who are poor than rich. I want to make music to lift the people.”
This week, his “Testimony” album dips from No. 1 to No. 2 on the Billboard R&B Albums chart. The debut set shifts three positions down to No. 5 on the Billboard 200.
Read more of the Rolling Out interview where Alsina talks about his trust issues with women and why he considers himself an artist who will have longevity.
