With the love and hustle of the Crescent City running through his veins, Au… Read Full Bio ↴With the love and hustle of the Crescent City running through his veins, August is eager to follow in the footsteps of the NOLA music legends that paved his way. His recently inked deal Def Jam Recordings looks to be a great step in the right direction, but music wasn’t always in his future.

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.

Shut It Down
August Alsina Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Shut it down, shut it down
Everywhere I show up if you think you ready
Show me you can hold up
Everywhere I go, I gotta shut it
Shut it down
Everywhere I go, I gotta shut it
Shut it down shut it down, shut it down
Everywhere I show up if you think you ready

Show me you can hold up
Everywhere I go, I gotta shut it
Shut it down
Everywhere I go, I gotta shut it
Shut it down

You bad as hell, so that new smile
Get you a new purse
Let's take shots out of this Ciroc bottle
You shoot first i just walk up on you
Slap that ass and say "Truth hurts"
You just look back and say "Do
It again" with that cute smirk
I don't mean to move too fast
I'm just tryna get you loose
Fuck the old pair, let me put my soul in it
Baby don't it feel like new shoes?
Yeah it's about time that

I come in and give 'em a show
Set 'em on fire and go
Me and you walk out the door
Fireman spray with the hose
That's how I shut it down, shut it down

Shut it down, shut it down
Everywhere I show up if you think you ready
Show me you can hold up
Everywhere I go, I gotta shut it
Shut it down
Everywhere I go, I gotta shut it
Shut it down shut it down, shut it down
Everywhere I show up if you think you ready
Show me you can hold up
Everywhere I go, I gotta shut it
Shut it down
Everywhere I go, I gotta shut it
Shut it down

Walk in, shut it down while it's early
I don't wanna be here too late
You already won all the trophies
Now these hoes compete for your place
35 inches, your booty, 19 inches, your waist
Love how them yams match them thigh bones
Go and fix me a plate
If I make you mine, will you stay?
Can you follow the way?
I know you still in school down at CAU
But I swear you model today

I come in and give 'em a show
Set 'em on fire and go
Me and you walk out the door
Fireman spray with the hose
That's how I shut it down, shut it down

Shut it down, shut it down
Everywhere I show up if you think you ready
Show me you can hold up
Everywhere I go, I gotta shut it
Shut it down
Everywhere I go, I gotta shut it
Shut it down shut it down, shut it down
Everywhere I show up if you think you ready
Show me you can hold up
Everywhere I go, I gotta shut it
Shut it down
Everywhere I go, I gotta shut it
Shut it down

Grind it from the bottom
Now I'm about to blow up
My name done got some fame
So you know I got my hoes up
Everywhere I go I gotta shut it down
Grind it from the bottom
Now I'm about to blow up
My name done got some fame
So you know I got my hoes up
Everywhere I go I gotta shut it down

Shut it down, shut it down
Everywhere I show up if you think you ready
Show me you can hold up
Everywhere I go, I gotta shut it
Shut it down
Everywhere I go, I gotta shut it
Shut it down shut it down, shut it down
Everywhere I show up if you think you ready
Show me you can hold up
Everywhere I go, I gotta shut it
Shut it down

Everywhere I go, I gotta shut it
Shut it down

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Shut It Down" by August Alsina convey a confident and assertive message. The song revolves around the idea of shutting everything down and making a grand entrance wherever the artist goes. It speaks to the power and charisma Alsina possesses, as he demands that those around him prove they can keep up with him. He is looking for someone who can match his energy and confidence, someone who can withstand the spotlight and hold their own. The lyrics also touch upon Alsina's appreciation for beauty and the desire to make a lasting impact on those he encounters.

In the first verse, Alsina acknowledges the attractiveness of a girl, and showers her with compliments. He suggests they indulge in shots of Ciroc together, with her shooting first. It portrays a flirty and playful banter indicative of their chemistry. He then expresses the desire to move at a fast pace, using the metaphor of putting his soul into their connection, akin to putting on a new pair of shoes. It symbolizes the excitement and rejuvenation he feels when he is with her.

The second verse continues the theme of shutting things down, but now it focuses more on Alsina's own achievements and prominence. He mentions how he wants to leave before it gets too late, indicating that he is always in demand and constantly on the move. He acknowledges the attention he receives from other women but declares his preference for the girl he is singing to, emphasizing her physical attributes. He also highlights her educational pursuit and career aspirations, implying that he appreciates her ambition.

Overall, "Shut It Down" is a song that celebrates August Alsina's confidence, charm, and desire for a special connection with someone who can match his energy. It showcases his ability to captivate a room and leave a lasting impression.

Line by Line Meaning

Shut it down, shut it down
I am going to completely dominate and command attention in every situation I enter.

Everywhere I show up if you think you ready
Whenever I arrive at a place, if you believe you're prepared for what's about to happen, prove it to me.

Show me you can hold up
Demonstrate that you are capable of handling the intensity and energy that I bring.

Everywhere I go, I gotta shut it
No matter where I am, I have the responsibility to take control and make a strong impression.

Shut it down
Commanding attention and leaving no room for anyone else to take the spotlight.

You bad as hell, so that new smile
You are incredibly attractive, and your smile is captivating.

Get you a new purse
I want to spoil you and buy you a new designer handbag.

Let's take shots out of this Ciroc bottle
Let's have a great time drinking shots from this bottle of Ciroc vodka.

You shoot first i just walk up on you
You take the lead and make the first move, while I confidently approach you.

Slap that ass and say "Truth hurts"
Playfully and flirtatiously smacking your buttocks while jokingly referencing the idea that sometimes the truth can be painful.

You just look back and say "Do it again" with that cute smirk
You respond with a playful smile, encouraging me to repeat the action.

I don't mean to move too fast
I don't want to rush or push the relationship too quickly.

I'm just tryna get you loose
I am attempting to make you feel comfortable and relaxed.

Fuck the old pair, let me put my soul in it
Let go of any previous experiences or relationships and allow me to bring something new and deeply meaningful into your life.

Baby don't it feel like new shoes?
Doesn't it feel refreshing and exciting, like wearing a brand new pair of shoes?

Yeah it's about time that
It is long overdue for me to step in and make a significant impact.

I come in and give 'em a show
When I enter a space, I captivate the crowd and provide an entertaining performance.

Set 'em on fire and go
I ignite their excitement and energy before moving on to the next experience.

Me and you walk out the door
Together, we leave the current situation and move on to explore new adventures.

Fireman spray with the hose
I make a big, flashy impact that commands everyone's attention, just like a fireman spraying water from a hose.

That's how I shut it down, shut it down
This is the method by which I dominate and command attention in every situation.

Walk in, shut it down while it's early
From the moment I arrive, I take control and make a strong impression at the beginning of the event.

I don't wanna be here too late
I prefer to leave at an appropriate time rather than stay until the event ends.

You already won all the trophies
You have already achieved success and recognition in various areas of your life.

Now these hoes compete for your place
As a result, other individuals are now trying to outshine you and take your position.

35 inches, your booty, 19 inches, your waist
Describing the attractive proportions of your body, with emphasis on your curvaceous derriere and slim waist.

Love how them yams match them thigh bones
Expressing appreciation for the way your buttocks and thighs harmoniously complement each other.

Go and fix me a plate
Prepare a meal for me, showcasing your domestic skills and nurturing nature.

If I make you mine, will you stay?
If I commit to a serious relationship with you, will you be loyal and remain by my side?

Can you follow the way?
Can you understand and support the lifestyle and demands that come with being in a relationship with me?

I know you still in school down at CAU
I am aware that you are currently attending Clark Atlanta University.

But I swear you model today
However, I am convinced that you possess the qualities and beauty of a professional model.

Grind it from the bottom
I started from a disadvantaged position and worked tirelessly to improve my circumstances.

Now I'm about to blow up
Now, I am on the verge of achieving great success and becoming well-known.

My name done got some fame
My name has gained recognition and attention.

So you know I got my hoes up
As a result, I now have a group of devoted and loyal individuals supporting me.

Everywhere I go I gotta shut it down
No matter where I am, I must dominate the situation and leave a lasting impression.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group, Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Aubrey Graham, Noah Shebib, Sidney Brown, Terrius Nash

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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