Underrated urban contemporary artist August Alsina returns with addictive, passionate new single, “Drugs.”  

August Alsina is an incredibly talented R&B singer.  Despite his talents, the emotions-on-his-sleeves singer is incredibly underrated.  Part of the reason is because he takes a different approach compared to his contemporaries.  Rather than singing about sex, Alsina focuses on his come-up and the “hard-knock life.” On his quietly released single “Drugs,” Alsina makes a departure, courting love and sex.

Moody pads initiate “Drugs,” perfect for setting the tone of the record.  On the first verse, Alsina showcases his infatuation – his addiction – amplified by lyrical repetition.

“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…”

Alsina yearns on the chorus:

“‘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.”

On the second verse, he’s even more passionate.  He grows a bit edgier:

“Guess you can’t give me no answers / If I can’t give you no ransom / You 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.”

Often, August Alsina sings about hardships in regards to his life.  While his authenticity and honesty is his selling point, it’s refreshing to hear him sing about love (and sex), even if it is cliché in urban contemporary music

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, “Drugs” is well-produced, well-sung, and enjoyable from start to finish.  August Alsina continues to impress, despite being incredibly underrated.

August Alsina • Drugs (single) • Def Jam • Release Date: 1.6.17

Photo Credit: Def Jam