3 award-winning artists, 1 supergroup: August Greene

Common, Robert Glasper and Karriem Riggins came together to write “Letter to The Free” for Ava DuVernay‘s Netflix documentary 13th, which closely examines race, injustice and mass incarceration in the United States. Their song won an Emmy, and it inspired them to keep their winning formula going. Enter their supergroup: August Greene.

August Greene’s self-titled debut album continues where “Letter to the Free” left off, lyrically exploring what it means to be black in America today through a vibrant, frenetic blend of jazz, R&B and hip-hop.

During their Artist Confidential for Heart & Soul (Ch. 48), the trio treated an exclusive group of SiriusXM subscribers to live, intimate versions of their songs as well as an impromptu three-minute freestyle.

In between songs, host Caymen Kelly spoke with the group about how they represent black royalty, how they transitioned from solo artists to a collaborative group, and how each member has a unique influence in the music they create. You can find the full interview and performance ON DEMAND on Heart & Soul.

Check out August Greene’s performance of “Black Kennedy”

When duty calls, but you come back with a freestyle…

Get your energy up with this performance of “No Apologies”