Since his debut in Arizona on Rich Brian’s Amen, I’ve anxiously waited for his first solo work. Luckily, the wait wasn’t long, as his first single, Funeral, was dropped on February 7th, just 5 days after Amen’s release.

The new R&B/Soul artist steps into the music scene with a very simple message. Growing up, August Grant, AKA AUGUST 08, didn’t have a good relationship with his father, which he elaborates on in an interview with Pigeons and Planes. The word funeral itself brings a lot of thoughts and ideas into people’s minds, which only helps the song’s message be put across.

Likely referring to his troubles growing up, with his father leaving around age 11 or 12, AUGUST sings, “Been through the trenches Been through the mayhem.”

Continuing on some of his struggles throughout life, AUGUST sings in the pre-chorus “Hollerin’ ’til we feel our voices start to break,” which could be a reference to a fight between him and a loved one, and in the second verse he continues with “I know I messed up Aimless intention So quick to end us My eyes are bloodshot My heart is shell-shocked What is the purpose of giving me no love.” This verse also appears to be a fight, with the “bloodshot eyes” appearing to be in relation to tears, rather than drugs as some would interpret it.

While the chorus throughout the song makes it obvious that he wants those he’s close to express how they really feel about him, rather than bottling up, the small spoken part before the final chorus truly explains how important the matter is to him.

“You know what I’m tired of? I’m tired of these people that never say shit to your face but say everything on the side. You got something to say, say that to me in my face. If not, you’re dead to me.”

This song sounds amazing from a musical standpoint and is emotionally driving. AUGUST 08 could not have had a better single debut in my opinion, and I can’t wait for his EP Father, which he says will be released in March.