SXSW 2013 Guest Blog: August Alsina Performs at Diamond Supply + Def Jam Showcase

[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 3:
The busiest and biggest of the three days was today (Friday, March 15). First stop, to get some more free s--- from Diamond Supply (s/o to Chad).

First show of the day was the Supreme Showcase. We were in a grimy hole-in-the-wall bar, with only a few people in the spot, but my team said it was my best show so far. I took a lot of pictures and met a lot of up-and-coming artists, so it was actually a pretty cool experience.

My homie LG from New Orleans performed right after me, so I stayed to catch his set then dipped to my other sound check for the big event, the Diamond Supply & Def Jam showcase. We got my sound right, dipped to the hotel to get my gear right, then headed back to the venue for interviews with Vibe, Oovoo, and Hip-Hop Weekly.

At 8:40PM, with some gingerale and whisky on deck, I hit the stage and rocked for the biggest crowd so far. My brotha Luv came out to do 'Shoot or Die' [a remix of Justin Timberlake's 'Suit & Tie'] with me, the energy was crazy.

After my set I chopped it up with a few people; T.I., B.o.B and DJ Drama were in the building, I connected with YG and King Louie (real niccas), then I took the stage one last time on Trinidad’s set. Trin showed me love, and we rocked 'I Luv This S---' together for the first time live. Definitely the highlight of all the SXSW performances.

I felt like those last two performances were my best, and I’m just gettin' warmed up. My mom made the drive down from Houston, so that s--- was real cool. After the show we all went to Denny’s, ate and kicked it.

SXSW 2013 is a wrap. Back to ATL in the morning...

Caption: My nigxa @TIP came thru to the show! #SXSW #DEFJAM

Caption: @bobatl came thru too! #SXSW AUSTIN TX #ILTS

Caption: Tonight was wayyyy too TRILL!!! S/O 2 my brother @TrinidadJamesGG

Caption: iForgot This One... My nigxa @YG say he luv dis shxt. #YungNigxa's #SXSW #ILTS

Watch August Alsina at the Diamond Supply Co + Def Jam Recordings SXSW Showcase