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.
Today
August Alsina Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Ow)
Get yours, 'cause I'ma get mine's today
I'm sure, won't change my mind today
No choice, I gotta find a way
I'm on the grind, 365, got no time to waste
'Cause I'm ain't sure they ain't gon' put me in the ground today (today)
So, I'm gon' work like they gon' put me in the ground today (ayy, ayy)
I ain't certain they won't put me in the ground today (ayy, ayy)
Still goin' hard everyday, tryin' to overcome, that's real
Still speaking from the heart, tryin' to give people something they could feel
Still N.O. raised H-Town, baby
Gotta keep it trill
Still wake up, praying to God to show me the fake from the real
I'm still chasin' the paper ain't nothing changed
Still gotta pay the bills
Still gotta be there for my nieces, and I just say I will
Seems like everyday I feel like giving up and giving in
Feel like I ain't got a choice
I can't sink I gotta swim
Gotta keep runnin' the race, that's why I'm keeping the faith
Gotta be grateful, nigga you made it
And I ain't stoppin', keepin' it poppin'
Know that they hate it, but I'ma treat 'em the same
They gon' keep chasin' the fame, tell 'em to stay in they lane
Get yours, 'cause I'ma get mine's today
I'm sure, won't change my mind today
No choice, I gotta find a way
I'm on the grind, 365, got no time to waste
And I'm gon' work like they gon' put me in the ground today (today)
'Cause I ain't sure they ain't gon' put me in the ground today (today)
So, I'm gon' work like they gon' put me in the ground today (ayy, ayy)
I ain't certain they won't put me in the ground today (ayy, ayy)
'Til I'm six feet under, I'ma grind
First thing wake up, money on the mind
When you like me, came up in the dark, you can't help but shine
When yo' niggas out here dying, locked up doing time
You gon' hustle like there's no tomorrow
Stack that paper high, and get the fuck up outta dodge
Buy the house you always wanted, foreigns all in yo' garage
Diamonds all over yo' watch, haters back home on your block
See what you got and they plot
Hopin' that they catch you slippin' or maybe you forgot
Gotta keep runnin' the race, that's why I'm keeping the faith
Gotta be grateful, nigga you made it
And I ain't stoppin' keepin' it poppin'
Know that they hate it, but I'ma treat 'em the same
They gon' keep chasin' the fame, tell 'em to stay in they lane
Get yours, 'cause I'ma get mine's today
I'm sure, won't change my mind today
No choice, I gotta find a way
I'm on the grind, 365, got no time to waste
And I'm gon' work like they gon' put me in the ground today (ground today)
'Cause I'm ain't sure they ain't gon' put me in the ground today (ground today)
So, I'm gon' work like they gon' put me in the ground today (ground today, ayy, ayy)
I ain't certain they won't put me in the ground today (ayy, ayy)
Ground today, ayy
Ground today, ayy
August Alsina's song "Today" explores the idea of living life to its fullest every single day, as there's no telling when it will all come to an end. The song begins with him urging the listener to save the world, which is general encouragement to do their best to make a positive impact on the world. He then goes on to talk about his own personal struggles and how he has to keep pushing to survive as he has no choice but to find a way. He speaks from the heart and hopes that his listeners can feel where he's coming from.
Alsina then reflects on his upbringing and how he has to keep it real in order to survive. He mentions how he has to keep chasing the paper to pay his bills and be there for his nieces, but he never feels like giving up. He wants to keep running the race and keep the faith. He realizes that even though there are people hating on him, he still needs to treat them in the right way. The song continues to emphasize that life is short and one needs to work hard and push themselves to achieve their goals every day.
Interesting facts about the song "Today" include that it was released in 2019 and features a sample of "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire. It was produced by Cassius Jay and was part of one of Alsina's three EP trilogy called "Forever and a Day." It peaked at number 22 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart. Another interesting fact is that August Alsina's father was killed when he was just a child, which was a major inspiration for his music. The song's lyrics have been praised for their motivational message and the reminder to live life to the fullest.
Chords:
Unfortunately, the chords for "Today" by August Alsina are not available at this time.
Line by Line Meaning
Save the world
The singer is focusing on how they can contribute to the greater good.
Get yours, 'cause I'ma get mine's today
The singer is determined to succeed and achieve their goals today.
I'm sure, won't change my mind today
The singer is confident in their decisions and will not be swayed by outside influences today.
No choice, I gotta find a way
The artist feels like they have no other options and must find a way to succeed today.
I'm on the grind, 365, got no time to waste
The artist is consistently working hard every day with no time for distractions or breaks.
And I'm gon' work like they gon' put me in the ground today (today)
The singer is motivated to work hard as if each day is their last and they must make the most of it.
'Cause I'm ain't sure they ain't gon' put me in the ground today (today)
The singer acknowledges the uncertainty of life and wants to make sure they make the most of today in case it's their last.
Still goin' hard everyday, tryin' to overcome, that's real
The artist is persevering every day and facing challenges head-on.
Still speaking from the heart, tryin' to give people something they could feel
The artist is being genuine in their message and wants to connect with their audience emotionally.
Still N.O. raised H-Town, baby
The artist is proud of their roots and where they came from.
Gotta keep it trill
The singer must stay true to themselves and their values.
Still wake up, praying to God to show me the fake from the real
The artist wants clarity and discernment to distinguish real from fake people or situations.
I'm still chasin' the paper ain't nothing changed
The singer is still focused on making money and providing for themselves and their loved ones.
Still gotta pay the bills
The singer still has financial responsibilities to take care of.
Still gotta be there for my nieces, and I just say I will
The singer has family obligations and wants to be a reliable and supportive figure for their nieces.
Seems like everyday I feel like giving up and giving in
The artist experiences moments of discouragement and wants to quit.
Feel like I ain't got a choice
The artist feels trapped and forced to continue despite their struggles.
I can't sink I gotta swim
The singer must keep moving forward and pushing through their challenges.
Gotta keep runnin' the race, that's why I'm keeping the faith
The singer is determined to persevere and have faith in their abilities and goals.
Gotta be grateful, nigga you made it
The artist acknowledges their success and wants to express gratitude for it.
And I ain't stoppin', keepin' it poppin'
The artist won't slow down and will continue to be successful and relevant.
Know that they hate it, but I'ma treat 'em the same
The artist will remain true to themselves and treat others the same, regardless of any negativity or hate.
They gon' keep chasin' the fame, tell 'em to stay in they lane
The singer is aware of others' desire for fame and discourages them from trying to infringe on their own success.
'Til I'm six feet under, I'ma grind
The artist will work hard until they die, never giving up.
First thing wake up, money on the mind
The singer's main focus is making money and being successful.
When you like me, came up in the dark, you can't help but shine
The singer had a difficult upbringing but has been able to succeed and shine in spite of it.
When yo' niggas out here dying, locked up doing time
The singer is aware of the struggles of their peers and wants to be successful for them.
You gon' hustle like there's no tomorrow
The artist encourages others to work hard without hesitation, as if there's no time left.
Stack that paper high, and get the fuck up outta dodge
The artist advises accumulating wealth and leaving situations or places that are no longer beneficial.
Buy the house you always wanted, foreigns all in yo' garage
The singer wants to achieve success to be able to afford luxuries like a dream home and expensive cars.
Diamonds all over yo' watch, haters back home on your block
The singer wants to show off their success with expensive jewelry and knows that there will be those back home who are jealous.
See what you got and they plot
Those who are envious of the artist's success will try to take it from them.
Hopin' that they catch you slippin' or maybe you forgot
The artist's haters hope to catch them off guard or forget about their success in order to take advantage of them.
Ground today, ayy
The artist emphasizes the importance of making the most of today in case it is their last.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc., EMPIRE PUBLISHING
Written by: Amanda Jones, August Alsina, Jean Lamothe, Ralph Jeanty, Sean McMillion
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Nayai Evans
Save the world (Save the world)
Get yours, 'cause I'ma get mine's today
I'm sure, won't change my mind today
No choice, I gotta find a way
I'm on the grind, 365, got no time to waste
And I'm gon' work like they gon' put me in the ground today (Today)
'Cause I'm not sure they ain't gon' put me in the ground today (Today)
So, I'm gon' work like they gon' put me in the ground today (Today)
I ain't certain they won't put me in the ground today
Still goin' hard everyday, tryin' to overcome, that's real
Still speaking from the heart, tryin' to give people something they could feel
Still N.O. raised H-Town, baby. Gotta keep it trill
Still wake up, praying to God to show me the fake from the real
I'm still chasin' the paper ain't nothing changed
Still gotta pay the bills
Still gotta be there for my nieces, and I just say I will
Seems like everyday I feel like giving up and giving in
Feel like I ain't got a choice. I can't sink I gotta swim
Gotta keep runnin' away, that's why I'm keeping the faith
Gotta be grateful, nigga you made it
And I ain't stoppin', keepin' it poppin'
Know that they hate it, but I'ma treat 'em the same
They gon' keep chasin' the fame, tell 'em to stay in they lane
Get yours, 'cause I'ma get mine's today
I'm sure, won't change my mind today
No choice, I gotta find a way
I'm on the grind, 365, got no time to waste
And I'm gon' work like they gon' put me in the ground today
Cause I'm not sure they ain't gon' put me in the ground today
So, I'm gon' work like they gon' put me in the ground today
I ain't certain they won't put me in the ground today
Till I'm six feet under, I'ma grind
First thing when I wake up, money on the mind
When you like me, came up in the dark, you can't help but shine
When yo' niggas out here dying, locked up doing time
You gon' hustle like there's no tomorrow
Stack that paper high, and get the fuck up outta dodge
Buy the house you always wanted, foreigns all in yo' garage
Diamonds all over yo' watch, haters back home on your block
See what you got and they plot
Hopin' that they catch you slippin' or maybe you forgot
Gotta keep runnin' away, that's why I'm keeping the faith
Gotta be grateful, nigga you made it
And I ain't stoppin' keepin' it poppin'
Know that they hate it, but I'ma treat 'em the same
They gon' keep chasin' the fame, tell 'em to stay in they lane
Get yours, 'cause I'ma get mine's today
I'm sure, won't change my mind today
No choice, I gotta find a way
I'm on the grind, 365, got no time to waste
And I'm gon' work like they gon' put me in the ground today
Cause I'm not sure they ain't gon' put me in the ground today
So, I'm gon' work like they gon' put me in the ground today
I ain't certain they won't put me in the ground today
Arshiraf Kavuma
TODAY LYRICS
[Intro]
Save the world
[Chorus]
Get yours, 'cause I'ma get mine's today (Today)
I'm sure, won't change my mind today (Today)
No choice, I gotta find a way (Today)
I'm on the grind three sixty-five, got no time to waste (Today)
And I'm gon' run like they gon' put me in the ground today (Today)
'Cause I ain't sure they ain't gon' put me in the ground today (Today)
So I'm gon' work like they gon' put me in the ground today (Yeah, yeah)
I ain't certain they won't put me in the ground today (Yeah, yeah)
[Verse 1]
Still goin' hard everyday, tryin' to overcome, that's real
Still speaking from the heart, tryin' to give people something they could feel
Still N.O. raised H-Town, baby, gotta keep it trill
Still wake up, praying to God to show me the fake from the real
I'm still chasin' the paper ain't nothing changed, still gotta pay the bills
Still gotta be there for my nieces, and I just say I will
Seems like everyday I feel like giving up and giving in
Feel like I ain't got a choice, I can't sink I gotta swim
[Pre-Chorus]
Gotta keep runnin' away
That's why I'm keeping the faith, gotta be grateful
Nigga you made it and I ain't stoppin', keepin' it poppin'
Know that they hate it, but I'ma treat 'em the same
They gon' keep chasin' the fame, tell 'em to stay in they lane
[Chorus]
Get yours, 'cause I'ma get mine's today (Today)
I'm sure, won't change my mind today (Today)
No choice, I gotta find a way (Today)
I'm on the grind three sixty-five, got no time to waste (Today)
And I'm gon' run like they gon' put me in the ground today (Today)
'Cause I ain't sure they ain't gon' put me in the ground today (Today)
So I'm gon' work like they gon' put me in the ground today (Yeah, yeah)
I ain't certain they won't put me in the ground today (Yeah, yeah)
[Verse 2]
'TIl I'm six feet under, I'ma grind, first thing when I wake up, money on the mind
When you like me, came up in the dark, you can't help but shine
When yo' niggas out here dying, locked up doing time
You gon' hustle like there's no tomorrow, stack that paper high
And get the fuck up outta dodge, buy the house you always wanted
Foreigns all in yo' garage, diamonds all over yo' watch
Haters back home on your block see what you got and they plot
Hopin' that they catch you slippin', or maybe you forgot
[Pre-Chorus]
Gotta keep runnin' away
That's why I'm keeping the faith, gotta be grateful
Nigga you made it and I ain't stoppin', keepin' it poppin'
Know that they hate it, but I'ma treat 'em the same
They gon' keep chasin' the fame, tell 'em to stay in they lane
QuaShawndria Maddox
I'm so happy God has allowed and blessed August to be here. I came here from Instagram. Been a fan since 2014 and will continue to be a fan. Love you August.
Maya Girl
@SecretSavage Kill with a user name like yours u think ur entitled to talk about anyone?🙄🙄
SecretSavage Kill
Lol you know that satan rules the music industry right?
Jasmine Shanta
Most definitely 💯
QuaShawndria Maddox
@bryan morales Always
PurpleRoach
Call me crazy... but I was praying for this man to heal, win his battles, and release some music
God is good
Austin Royce
God is good
90s Fella
Raven Powell keep praying for souls though whenever your intuition tells you to! And oh, I like that you love my username! This week was pretty much in debate with my inner self whether I should change it up and you have become an answered prayer as well! 🙏🏾
PurpleRoach
90s Fella honestly....looking back...you are ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!!...that’s crazy 😜 I never looked at it in that aspect!! Love your username 2 btw
90s Fella
I tell you, you were also praying for yourself by praying for him! Look at your raging storms from that time till now, pretty calm huh?