SXSW 2013 Guest Blog: August Alsina Talks First-Ever SXSW Show With The-Dream

[Editor's Note: PopCrush asked a few artists to share their SXSW stories in a series of guest blog posts. Meet August Alsina, Def Jam's newest hip-hop artist and The-Dream's protege. The 19-year-old rapper recently dropped ‘I Luv This S—’ which features label mate, Trinidad James.]

Blog 1:
The ride from ATL-Austin was long as hell, but productive. Me and my team talked about the new album and mixtape plan, listened to music, talked s---, and watched an old classic... 'The Five Heartbeats' (they were callin me August Kane, but niccas jus hatin'!).

After a 15-hour drive (stoppin in NOLA to pick up my brotha first), we finally got to SXSW. Last year was cool, I went to a few parties, networked, but I didn’t perform. This year we had five shows lined up, so we grindin'!

My first ever SXSW show was with my homie [The]-Dream at the SoundCloud Showcase. We did an early sound check, went to the hotel to change, then headed to the show. I hit the stage at 8:45PM and SXSW officially started for me. I had diehard fans in the audience with lit up August Alsina signs, chicks front row singing my lyrics... it was poppin'.

After my set, I kicked it with my fans, signed autographs, then watch Dream rock his set. Def Jam president Joie Manda was in the house to support a yung nicca, Usher and Snoop were in the building, I met the beautiful Karen Civil... so my first SXSW show was official.

Caption: Mobbin 2 Austin Tx w/ The 5 Heartbeats on the Screens #iLTS

Caption: Soundcheck #SXSW

Caption: Tonight... Wayyy too Trill #SXSW

Caption: #LastNightsShow These ladies made me smile .. #SXSW @TsunadiLuv @DivaStyl3