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.
I'm Gone
August Alsina Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pa pa pass it up, keep it coming 'til I'm stuffed
And I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone
And I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone
The club kiss 'er down when I park outside
All eyes on me when I walk inside
When they go a nigga will like it's undecided
Hate nigga get up out my space
Talk Obama, we gon cut the case
Matter of fact where's that bitch with that ass?
In a away I'm tryna use her face
She says she likes to be laid back
Go hard on film and let her play back
Exotic actress, good times
She gotta shake down the niggas seat pulled way back, way back
She feel Mike Myers, hot, get into really got on fire
I tell 'er gon blow like wire
Rain on her tits round up by where gonna play at
Picture rockin' OJ, Shawty name when I'm thirsty
Shawty says she don't take shots
Margarita then ole
Dollar bills and they're stacked up
All my homies be racked up
DJ in the zone so this song's about to get back up
Plan again if you fuck with it, Ino be my city
Shout out to my tex niggas who throat bangin' in cell sleepin'
If you yell I'm here now
Lookin' for that good cush
That's all I want, you break down
Happens to me like George Bush
I'm on and I'm pullin' tron
Coffin on that stone got me feeling like I'm grown
Maybe too young to be just done
I don't care but it's too fun
And tonight I'm gonna get some
So I'm headin' down
Pour some liquor in my cup, shake it stir it up
Pa pa pass it up, keep it coming 'til I'm stuffed
And I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone
And I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone
Give me your Shawty in my lap, we twirk it, make it clap
Then drop this to the floor get back up and throw it back
And I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone
And I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone
She got hip she got ass, she got eye she got face
She got lips she got 'fuck me' in her eyes
Now she got so many buns
She lick just like a teller
She say tell me when to stop but I don't ever tell 'er
'Cause fucked up when it's drink
I can't even think
All she see is money she can't even blink
All I see is switches and my nigga pimping
Now I'm seein' double but I'm still sleepin aah
I'm on and I'm pullin' tron
Coffin on that stone got me feeling like I'm grown
Maybe too young to be just done
I don't care but it's too fun
And tonight I'm gonna get some
So I'm headin' down
Pour some liquor in my cup, shake it stir it up
Pa pa pass it up, keep it coming 'til I'm stuffed
And I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone
And I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone
Give me your Shawty in my lap, we twirk it, make it clap
Then drop this to the floor get back up and throw it back
And I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone
And I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone
Champagne show how to campaign
Four whips in the air lane
Swatch it nigga hold that night
I ain't talkin unless you want a nigga last name
Pimps on the body, we can keep the cup
Let's lie to the crib, I wanna beat it up
The pen hot feel right
Heard this shit, know I gotta beef it up
And I'm gonna have to admit I'm gone
Always hopin' that you grown
Baby show me that thong
Shawty takin' this to the to sell for the cash she slagged out on that call
She slide down that pole, though I saw all these hoes
Damn that ass hittin' on smoke
Never see nothin' like it's but fo'
What it gonna take for you to go?
Want to smoke the L2O
Teen magazine the way she pose
Remember when she drop it down real low
To be discreet, nigga that fold
Got a nigga throwin' her only cash
The fast pussy they go
Pour some liquor in my cup, shake it stir it up
Pa pa pass it up, keep it coming 'til I'm stuffed
And I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone
And I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone
Give me your Shawty in my lap, we twirk it, make it clap
Then drop this to the floor get back up and throw it back
And I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone
And I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone
Pour some liquor in my cup, shake it stir it up
Pa pa pass it up, keep it coming 'til I'm stuffed
And I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone
And I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone
Give me your Shawty in my lap, we twirk it, make it clap
Then drop this to the floor get back up and throw it back
And I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone
And I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone
August Alsina’s song I’m Gone is a reflection on the rapper’s desire to escape his problems through partying and substance abuse. The lyrics describe how he is seeking to numb his pain by indulging in liquor and drugs, and the chorus repeats his sentiment of wanting to be gone. August Alsina reveals his thoughts on how people treat him at the club, observing that everyone is watching him when he arrives. He describes how he is drawn to a particular woman because she has a great body and is open-minded, letting him live out his fantasies. Within the song, he also tackles topics such as women who are too intrusive, friendships, and the use of drug and alcohol abuse to combat his insecurities.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of detachment from reality, as August Alsina admits to being under the influence of drugs and alcohol. He believes that the high will bring him some relief and happiness, but in reality, he is only numbing his misery. The song conveys a sense of vulnerability as the artist shares his struggles and desires with his listeners. It also highlights the way people can use vices to cope with the complexities of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Pour some liquor in my cup, shake it stir it up
Start pouring liquor into my cup and mix it well
Pa pa pass it up, keep it coming 'til I'm stuffed
Pass the cup to me so I can keep drinking until I'm fully satisfied
And I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone
I am extremely intoxicated and unable to function properly
The club kiss 'er down when I park outside
As I arrive at the club, I'm immediately given attention and treated like royalty
All eyes on me when I walk inside
Everyone in the club is looking at me as I enter
When they go a nigga will like it's undecided
People are unsure of what will happen when I leave
Behind these notes like I'm tryin' to have my faith
I'm putting all my effort into making music and trying to make a name for myself
Hate nigga get up out my space
Anyone who hates on me needs to stay away from me
Talk Obama, we gon cut the case
Stop talking and let's get down to business
Matter of fact where's that bitch with that ass?
I'm looking for a woman with a great body
In a away I'm tryna use her face
I want to have sex with her and use her for my own pleasure
She says she likes to be laid back
She prefers to take it easy and not be too active during sex
Go hard on film and let her play back
I want to make a sex tape and let her watch it later
Exotic actress, good times
She's an attractive woman who is open to having a good time
She gotta shake down the niggas seat pulled way back, way back
She's got an amazing butt and she wants to show it off by sitting far back in the car seat
She feel Mike Myers, hot, get into really got on fire
She's getting turned on and feeling hot like in a Mike Myers movie
I tell 'er gon blow like wire
I tell her to give me oral sex like a wired object blowing up
Rain on her tits round up by where gonna play at
I plan to ejaculate on her breasts during sex later
Picture rockin' OJ, Shawty name when I'm thirsty
Imagining myself drinking alcohol and stating a woman's name when I'm in need of sexual satisfaction
Shawty says she don't take shots
The woman I'm with says she doesn't drink shots
Margarita then ole
She prefers margarita drinks instead
Dollar bills and they're stacked up
I have a lot of money and it's all piled up
All my homies be racked up
All my friends are also highly intoxicated
DJ in the zone so this song's about to get back up
The DJ is in a good mood and about to play a great song
Plan again if you fuck with it, Ino be my city
Don't mess with me, I'm the king of my city and I have a plan if you try to interfere
Shout out to my tex niggas who throat bangin' in cell sleepin'
Giving a shout out to friends who are having oral sex in jail
If you yell I'm here now
If you need help, I'm here to assist you
Lookin' for that good cush
I'm searching for high-quality marijuana
That's all I want, you break down
That's my only desire, to get the best possible weed
Happens to me like George Bush
Getting high affects me like it affected George Bush (presumably negatively)
Give me your Shawty in my lap, we twirk it, make it clap
I want a woman to dance on my lap and make her butt shake
Then drop this to the floor get back up and throw it back
After dancing, she should drop down to the floor then stand back up and shake her butt again
She got hip she got ass, she got eye she got face
She's an all-around attractive woman with a nice body
She got lips she got 'fuck me' in her eyes
Her lips are attractive and she gives off a sexual vibe with her eyes
Now she got so many buns
She now has a lot of men who are interested in her
She lick just like a teller
She performs oral sex as if she's counting money like a bank teller
She say tell me when to stop but I don't ever tell 'er
She asks me to let her know when to stop but I never do
'Cause fucked up when it's drink
I act strange when I'm drunk
I can't even think
I'm too intoxicated to process thoughts clearly
All she see is money she can't even blink
The woman I'm with only cares about my money and doesn't even blink when she sees it
All I see is switches and my nigga pimping
I only see the classic cars and my friends who act like pimps
Now I'm seein' double but I'm still sleepin' aah
I'm so drunk that my vision is blurry and it feels like I'm dreaming
Champagne show how to campaign
Drinking champagne makes me feel worthy of running a political campaign
Four whips in the air lane
I'm driving four cars on the highway
Swatch it nigga hold that night
I'll enjoy this time and never forget it
I ain't talkin unless you want a nigga last name
I'll only talk to a woman if she wants to marry me and take my last name
Pimps on the body, we can keep the cup
My friends and I are acting like pimps and keeping our drinks close
Let's lie to the crib, I wanna beat it up
Let's go back to my place and have sex
The pen hot feel right
I'm feeling confident and creative with my music
Heard this shit, know I gotta beef it up
Heard someone else's music and now I want to create something better
And I'm gonna have to admit I'm gone
I have to admit that I'm extremely intoxicated
Always hopin' that you grown
I'm hoping that the woman I'm with is mature enough to handle herself while drunk
Baby show me that thong
I want her to show me her thong underwear
Shawty takin' this to the to sell for the cash she slagged out on that call
The woman I'm with is selling herself for money
She slide down that pole, though I saw all these hoes
She's working as a stripper and I'm watching her along with other women doing the same job
Damn that ass hittin' on smoke
Her butt looks amazing and is making me go crazy
Never see nothin' like it's but fo'
I've never seen anything like it before
What it gonna take for you to go?
I'm trying to get her to leave with me and have sex
Want to smoke the L2O
I want to smoke marijuana
Teen magazine the way she pose
She poses like a model in a teen magazine
Remember when she drop it down real low
I remember when she danced and bent down really low
To be discreet, nigga that fold
To keep things secret, let's fold up the bills
Got a nigga throwin' her only cash
I'm spending all my money on her
The fast pussy they go
Women who work in the sex industry tend to move quickly from customer to customer
Contributed by Alice P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Latasha Banks
I love August Alsina music and swag. If I wasn't married he would be what I would be looking for.
arama turner
The beautifulest singer out"
Mike Worsfold
ur flow is like crack ,,, im loving every track.,, keep making music man ur shits therapy to me
Big Blakk
Shit is straight! Big ups to August all day!
Darrell Johnson
Real dude bringing good r&b music bac.he got his own style I fux wit ya homie.
Latasha Banks
I love his music real spit!!!😍❤😉👍💘
D
You can tell August is a much different person now, he matured really fast
Jerria Shipley
I love this young boy Power House Was thr Shit!
Jazz MaTazz
One of my favorites ❤️
Paola Guerrier Frédéric
I want you back my homie August youve been too damn good