August learned at an early age that drugs and money could make you, or break you. With both his father and stepfather battling crack addiction, August’s mother moved their family to Houston, Texas in search of a fresh start. But Houston provided no happy ending. For years, a young August endured a home life plagued by drugs and violence. At just 14, he got word from New Orleans that is father, August Sr., lost his battle with drugs and alcohol.
In an attempt to escape his reality, August took to Youtube, where he posted dozens of homemade performance videos. His clips covering the likes of Musiq Soulchild and Lyfe Jennings went viral, generating millions of views in just over a month. It seemed that he was finally taking his first steps toward a bright future in music, but just a year later, reality hit home when his best friend was shot and killed in the streets of Houston. As quickly as August appeared, he vanished form Youtube, back to the real world. With tensions mounting, 16-year-old August was kicked out of his mother’s home. Alone, he returned to New Orleans. He bounced around between family and friends houses, but on some nights, only the corner store provided him shelter. Eventually, he took to the streets, selling drugs as a means of survival.
With his older brother also in the streets hustling, it wouldn’t be long before August learned that the addiction to money could be just as deadly as the addiction to drugs. Just days before August’s 18th birthday, his older brother was gunned down in New Orleans East, another unsolved murder in one of the nations most dangerous cities. “I never expected them [the police] to find his killer”, August explains. “People die everyday in the streets of New Orleans. Unfortunately, death has become a way of life,” but not for August. His brother’s death became his motivation to not become a statistic, but to pursue his musical aspirations on an entirely new level.
Under the guidance of NNTME MuCo, AKA Noontime, (management/production company), August relocated to Atlanta in 2011 to begin carving his own musical path, creating music in a lane that would separate him from his R&B counterparts. His experiences in life are what shaped him, so those experiences, no matter how brutally honest, positive or negative, would serve as the focal point of his artistry. In April of 2012 August teamed up with Hoodrich/MMG’s own DJ Scream for the release of his debut mixtape, ‘The Product’, which garnered him an internet and radio buzz, and spawned the Sound Mob produced single, “Sucka” featuring fellow New Orleans native, R&B crooner Lloyd. The anti-love track offers the opinion that “love is for suckas”, providing an alternative to the sappy love songs associated with today’s R&B.
This past May, Alsina returned with his second installment of ‘The Product‘ series, this time teaming up with DJ Drama and his Gangsta Grillz brand. The debut single “I Luv This Shit” finds August paired with fellow Def Jam label mate, Trinidad Jame$. The top 10 hit, produced by Knucklehead, speaks to the rebellious and, sometimes, reckless lifestyle that finds August singing words that many can relate to, “I’m way too drunk to be talking like this, I’m way too high to be trippin like this, I’m way too young to be livin like this, ask me why I do it I’ma put it like this... God Damn it, I luv it”. It’s that honest and rebellious tone that caught the ear of Cash Money CEO/Rich Gang boss, Birdman, who jumped on the remix to stamp the fellow New Orleans native.
With his buzz building, August’s next stamp would come from media giant MTV, as he was named one of 2013’s Fab 5, their annual list of hip-hop artist to watch. Exposure on the network helped to make his independent video “Downtown” ft. Kidd Kidd, a viral hit, generating nearly 1 million views in less than 2 months. The autobiographical song/visual would become the title track for Alsina’s first official NNTME/Radio Killa/Def Jam release, an 8-song EP titled, ‘Downtown: Life Under the Gun’, which offers collaborations between Alsina and the previously mentioned Jame$ & Kidd Kidd, along with NOLA veteran Curren$y, and Atlanta newcomer Rich Homie Quan. Of the EP, Alsina says, “It allows you to walk through my hood with me and see where I’m from. Don’t get it confused, this isn’t my album, just a few songs to let people know what I’m about and why I do this”.
While just 21 years old, and already a lifetime of experiences behind him, August Alsina is living proof that your past doesn’t have to dictate your future, and that life’s hardships can be the motivation required for success.
Drugs
August Alsina Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Aw aw, oh yeah, yeah, ah
I got you on my mind, oh
I got you on my mind
You're not here and I can't sleep
I got you on my mind
And I can't seem to find you nowhere
'Cause you been on the run, Forrest Gumpin'
Girl, don't hide it
I'm just tryna to this dirty laundry
I got a few towels to throw in
Just lick my blunt when I roll it
'Cause I can't get enough of your drugs
'Cause I can't get enough of your drugs
So baby, just tell me when you're ready, oh
Ooh baby, just tell me when you're ready
Guess you can't give me no answers
If I can't give you no ransom
You rather take your chances
And do shit the hard way
When you left that door open
Girl, I got the notion
You still had emotions
Guess silence is golden
Baby, when I tell you I want you, I want you bad
If not more than before, I want you more than the time before that
I can't give you no closure, no
I can't give you no closure, oh
I can't give you no way out
I can't give you no way out
I can't give you no way out, yeah
I can't give you no way out
'Cause I can't get enough of your drugs
'Cause I can't get enough of your drugs
So baby, just tell me when you're ready, oh
Ooh baby, just tell me when you're ready
In August Alsina's song "Drugs," the singer is consumed with thoughts of a lover who is not present. The chorus repeats the line "I can't get enough of your drugs," which can be interpreted in a few different ways. One possible interpretation is that the lover is like a drug to the singer, keeping them "high" with their presence and causing them to crave more. Another interpretation is that the "drugs" referenced are actually a metaphor for the passionate and intense nature of the relationship - the singer is addicted to the excitement and intensity that their lover brings.
The verses provide some additional context for the situation. The singer is searching for their lover, who seems to be actively avoiding them ("you been on the run, Forrest Gumpin'"). The singer also acknowledges that they can't give their lover any closure; there are unresolved emotions between them that are keeping the singer hooked. Despite the difficulties, the singer remains devoted and persistent, willing to wait for their lover to return and give them another chance.
Overall, "Drugs" is a song about a powerful and intoxicating love that is difficult to let go of. The repeated use of the word "drugs" suggests that the relationship may not be entirely healthy, but the singer is unable to resist its pull.
Line by Line Meaning
Aw yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Starting off the song with a catchy tune and repeating the word 'yeah' multiple times for emphasis.
Aw aw, oh yeah, yeah, ah
Adding to the catchiness of the song by repeating the words 'aw' and 'yeah' with an added sound effect.
I got you on my mind, oh
The singer is constantly thinking about someone who is not with them.
I got you on my mind
The repetition of the previous line further emphasizes the artist's constant thoughts about this person.
You're not here and I can't sleep
The absence of the person is causing the artist to lose sleep.
I got you on my mind
The singer is again emphasizing their constant thoughts about this person, potentially hinting at an obsession.
And I can't seem to find you nowhere
The singer is actively looking for this person but is unable to locate them.
Baby, you got me patrollin'
The artist is so invested in finding this person that they feel like a detective 'patrolling' the area.
'Cause you been on the run, Forrest Gumpin'
The reference to Forrest Gump running aimlessly suggests that the person the artist is searching for is evading them for unknown reasons.
Girl, don't hide it
The artist pleads for the person to stop hiding and instead open up to them.
I'm just tryna to this dirty laundry
The singer is metaphorically using the term 'dirty laundry' to represent the person's hidden secrets or personal issues that they are trying to uncover.
I got a few towels to throw in
This line suggests that the artist is willing to help this person with whatever problem they're facing.
Just lick my blunt when I roll it
The singer is offering the person to share a blunt, which could be seen as a bonding experience or a way to reveal hidden feelings while under the influence.
'Cause I can't get enough of your drugs
The person is a metaphorical drug to the singer, and they are addicted to them or the emotions they bring out.
'Cause I can't get enough of your drugs
The repetition of the previous line emphasizes how the singer is addicted to this person or their emotions.
So baby, just tell me when you're ready, oh
The artist is giving the person control to decide when to open up to them. They are ready to listen when the time comes.
Ooh baby, just tell me when you're ready
The artist is again emphasizing that they are waiting for the person's readiness to share their issues with them.
Guess you can't give me no answers
The person is unable or unwilling to answer the singer's questions or provide valuable information about their behavior or whereabouts.
If I can't give you no ransom
The singer is unable to offer the person anything to gain their cooperation or to get them to reveal what's going on.
You rather take your chances
The person is willing to take risks or deal with the consequences of their actions, even if it means potentially losing the artist's trust or relationship.
And do shit the hard way
The person is doing things in a challenging or problematic way that makes it difficult for the artist to understand or help them.
When you left that door open
The person may have accidentally revealed something or left a clue that the artist is using to try and find them.
Girl, I got the notion
The singer has a feeling or idea of what might be happening with this person, but they don't have enough information to make sound conclusions.
You still had emotions
The artist believes that the person still has feelings or emotional attachments to them, despite what their actions might suggest.
Guess silence is golden
The singer is acknowledging that the person is not going to open up or say anything, and that silence is more valuable than empty words.
Baby, when I tell you I want you, I want you bad
The singer is making it clear that their feelings for the person are genuine and strong, and that they want to be with them no matter what.
If not more than before, I want you more than the time before that
The singer's feelings for the person continue to intensify with each passing moment, and they are becoming more and more invested in the relationship.
I can't give you no closure, no
The artist is unable to provide the person with a sense of closure regarding their actions or relationship, and they are left to deal with their emotions on their own.
I can't give you no closure, oh
The repetition of the previous line emphasizes the artist's inability to provide closure, potentially indicating that their relationship is complicated or messy.
I can't give you no way out
The singer is also unable to provide a way out or solution to whatever problem the person is facing. The person is left to deal with it on their own.
I can't give you no way out
The repetition of the previous line emphasizes the singer's inability to offer any help or solution, potentially indicating the severity of the person's situation.
I can't give you no way out, yeah
The artist emphasizes one final time that they are unable to provide any solutions or assistance to the person's situation.
'Cause I can't get enough of your drugs
The repetition of this line again emphasizes the artist's addiction to the person or their emotions.
'Cause I can't get enough of your drugs
The final repetition of this line solidifies the artist's addiction to the person or their emotions and the central theme of the song.
So baby, just tell me when you're ready, oh
The song ends on the same note it began with the singer waiting for the person to be ready to open up to them and provide them with the 'drug' they crave.
Ooh baby, just tell me when you're ready
The final line reiterates the artist's willingness to listen and support the person whenever they are ready.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: August Alsina, Denisia Andrews, Brittany Coney, Kevin Gomringer, Shane Lindstrom, Tim Gomringer
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
KelKel__
I really wanna see August Alsina win. With all his hard work and dedication to music he deserves all the recognition he can get. Continue to be you August Alsina can doing your thing. I been a fan and I'm not gonna stop being a fan. I admire the way u wear what u want u rock ur hair the way without giving a fuck and anyone's else opinion. You're comfortable with your masculinity and u know who u are. I have a feeling 2017 is gonna be your year Mr.Alsina. I see ur growth.
Prosperity Ofentswe
Same here boo❤️❤️
Klissaura R
Yes
Helloxons Fan
100% agree...!!! This is the work of a highly skilled & talented genius...!!! Love it...!!! 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Sibyl Matriarch Rising
He's drop dead gorgeous...and he can sing. Creative and beautiful...A threat.
Jacob & Ashley
He done been through some things! This boy singing from his heart. His music gets better and better.
4LCAngel22
Listening to August’s voice and watching the video to this song is really exotic like. I’m definitely impressed by his ability to bring what he visualized with the lyrics of the song to life. Very artistic and serious about his music and it’s growth. Still here in 2020 loving all your music.
samba e bossa nova
Love his voice.
K Z
Me too girl!!
Vendetta BABY
Taae Caash I subscribe to you but don't see you posting anything 😒