August Greene

August Greene remains an active supergroup, though the three members have kept busy with their individual careers since the 2018 debut. Common continues to release music and act, Robert Glasper is a prolific jazz artist with multiple Grammy wins, and Karriem Riggins tours and produces with a wide range of acts.

The group is known for its seamless blend of hip-hop and jazz, with Common's socially aware verses floating over Glasper's rich chords and Riggins' crisp drumming. Their self-titled album, released on Amazon Music, was praised for its live, organic feel, a deliberate contrast to the digital-heavy production common in much of contemporary rap.

Fans of the group tend to be followers of the members' solo work, drawn to the chemistry that made "Letter to the Free" so powerful. While the group has not released new material in several years, the possibility of future projects remains open. [edit]

The roots of August Greene reach back to 2016, when Common, Robert Glasper, and Karriem Riggins found themselves collaborating on a song for Ava DuVernay's documentary 13th. The track, "Letter to the Free," addressed mass incarceration in America and struck a chord with audiences and critics alike. In 2017, the trio shared the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics, an honor that made them the first hip-hop and jazz artists to win in that category.

That Emmy win was the catalyst. The three artists, already friends and frequent collaborators, decided to formalize their partnership. Common had worked with Glasper on his Grammy-winning album Black America Again (2016), and Riggins had long been a fixture in jazz and hip-hop circles, having drummed for Diana Krall and produced for J Dilla. The supergroup was born.

They made their live debut on January 26, 2018, at New York's Highline Ballroom, performing at Glasper's sixth annual Grammy Awards party. The set was well received, and on February 21, 2018, they taped an NPR Tiny Desk Concert that brought in special guest vocalists. Their eponymous debut album arrived on March 9, 2018, via Amazon Music, preceded by the single "Optimistic," a cover of the Sounds of Blackness song featuring Brandy.

The album showcased their chemistry, with Common's reflective rhymes over Glasper's soulful keys and Riggins' nuanced drumming. Critics noted how the group's sound allowed a veteran rapper like Common to stay relevant without chasing trends. The project was a statement about bringing live instrumentation back to hip-hop, a mission the members have spoken about in interviews. [edit]

August Greene's sound sits at the intersection of hip-hop and jazz, with a healthy dose of soul. Common's delivery is measured and contemplative, often tackling social issues and personal introspection. Glasper's piano work is the harmonic backbone, drawing on his deep jazz training while remaining accessible to rap fans. Riggins provides the rhythmic pulse, his drumming subtle yet driving, a style honed through years of working with jazz legends and hip-hop producers.

The group's production favors live instrumentation over samples and synthetic beats. Tracks like "Meditation" and "Black Kennedy" unfold with organic grooves, allowing each musician room to breathe. The lyrics often address the Black American experience, police brutality, and the search for hope, echoing the themes of their Emmy-winning "Letter to the Free."

Their approach is a deliberate counter to the digital minimalism of much modern rap. In interviews, the members have expressed a desire to bring more live music to hip-hop, and the album's warm, unpolished feel reflects that ethos. It's a sound that rewards attentive listening, with layers of piano, bass, and drums revealing themselves over repeated plays. [edit]

August Greene's formation was a notable moment in the ongoing fusion of hip-hop and jazz. By winning an Emmy for "Letter to the Free," they demonstrated that socially conscious rap could be recognized by mainstream television institutions. The song itself, tied to Ava DuVernay's 13th, brought attention to mass incarceration and racial injustice, amplifying the documentary's message.

The group's NPR Tiny Desk Concert, released in 2018, became a platform for showcasing their collaborative chemistry to a wide audience. Their performance on Austin City Limits further cemented their place in American music television history, a rare honor for a hip-hop act.

Beyond their own music, August Greene has influenced how fans and artists think about genre boundaries. By bringing together a rapper, a jazz pianist, and a jazz drummer, they've modeled a way for hip-hop to embrace live musicianship without sacrificing lyrical depth. Their work has been cited as an example of how veteran artists can evolve while staying true to their roots. [edit]

August Greene doesn't have an official fandom name, lightstick, or fan colors. Instead, their audience is drawn from the existing fanbases of Common, Robert Glasper, and Karriem Riggins, along with listeners who appreciate jazz-hip-hop fusion. Fans often discover the group through their NPR Tiny Desk Concert, which has become a gateway for many.

On social media, the group maintains a modest presence, with an Instagram account (@augustgreeneband) that highlights their album and live performances. Fans engage with the music by sharing tracks and discussing the interplay between the three musicians. The group's live shows, though rare, are celebrated as intimate showcases of virtuosity.

There's a sense of community among fans who appreciate the group's commitment to live instrumentation and social commentary. Forums and comment sections often feature debates about the best tracks on the album and hopes for future releases. [edit]

August Greene's name is a playful combination: "August" suggests dignity and majesty, while "Greene" is a common surname, giving the group a stately yet grounded feel. The exact origin of the name has been discussed in interviews but remains somewhat ambiguous.

The group's formation was unusual in that it was catalyzed by a television award rather than a record label or producer. The Emmy for "Letter to the Free" directly led to the supergroup's creation.

Their album was released exclusively through Amazon Music, part of a wave of streaming-exclusive projects in 2018. Physical copies were later distributed through retailers like Fat Beats.

All three members have had extensive careers spanning decades. Common has won three Grammys and an Oscar for "Glory" from Selma. Glasper has multiple Grammys for his jazz albums. Riggins has produced for J Dilla and drummed for Herbie Hancock. [edit]