For this 20-year-old New Orleans native, music is a gift and a savior. The young singer began uploading videos to YouTube as a teen, using the space as an outlet to deal with his life, which was plagued by violence and drugs. After losing multiple family members to violence, he began pursuing his craft seriously and his climb began.

Now signed to Def Jam throw The-Dream's Radio Killa Records, August has been working with the veteran crooner on his debut album, which is set to arrive later this year. In the meantime, watch him cover a plethora of hip-hop records with acoustic versions such as 'Bandz a Make Her Dance'  and even a throwback like Juvenile's 'Slow Motion.'

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