August Alsina – This Thing Called Life (Album Review)

“This Thing Called Life” is motivational music for your typical 9-5 worker.

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TOP 5

5. Been Around The World (Ft. Chris Brown)

I feel like “Been Around The World” is a certified playa’s anthem. Over a smooth yet energetic beat, August Alsina and Chris Brown trade verses about only dealing with baddies—and making sure they match that energy with lifestyle, confidence, and presence.

The track flips the classic hook from “Been Around The World” by Diddy, Mase, and Biggie. I’ll be real—I’m not in love with it, but the verses more than make up for it. Chris Brown’s delivery is aggressive and passionate, which gives the track a needed punch. Meanwhile, August Alsina slides through with that silky, confident vibe—exactly the kind of energy you’d expect from a light-skinned R&B dude who pulls ’em.

It’s catchy, it’s cocky, and it’s got that grown-and-sexy bravado that’ll have the playas nodding in agreement.

4. Job (Ft. Jadakiss & Anthony Hamilton)

Who else felt this track deep in their soul? From the jump, Anthony Hamilton sounds like a freed man singing straight from the gut, setting the tone with a raw, spiritual energy. The piano-driven, church-like production only adds to the weight. Then August Alsina comes in with vocals and lyrics that hit close to home, bigging up the people who do whatever it takes to provide for their family, whether it’s stripping or moving weight.

Jadakiss might not mesh perfectly with the vibe, but he brings that same “Why” energy—introspective, honest, and necessary. His verse adds a layer of reflection that works even if it’s slightly offbeat.

Anthony Hamilton is my favorite homeless singer of all time.

3. Hip-Hop

I wouldn’t call August Alsina a hip-hop artist, but that didn’t stop him from tipping his hat to the genre’s roots. On this track, he flips the hook from Naughty by Nature’s “Hip Hop Hooray” and reflects on how hip-hop shaped his grind and mindset. He also gets into his come-up story—making it out the mud and moving with that hustler’s mentality.

What makes the track interesting is the contrast: the beat is bouncy, almost celebratory, but there’s this underlying loneliness. The piano feels cold, and August pours so much emotion into his vocals that it’s hard not to feel a little off-balance.

Doesn’t it seem like August is smiling on songs where he should be crying, and furious on songs that should feel uplifting? It’s a strange, fascinating vibe—but that’s kind of what makes him unique.

2. First Time

The vibe, the topic, the lyrics—everything about this song is on point. It carries this sensational, almost cinematic feel that captures the emotion of the moment perfectly. The first time is supposed to be special, and this track really leans into that idea with honesty and warmth.

As for my first time? Yeah… it was awkward. It felt less like a movie and more like being stuck in an elevator with a random girl—except the elevator was my own bedroom.

1. Song Cry

If there’s anyone who knows how to make a song cry, it’s August Alsina—and that’s exactly what he does on “Song Cry.”

Backed by a dramatic, multi-layered instrumental, August opens up about the emotional weight of betrayal, grief, and inner turmoil. What makes the song even more powerful is his vulnerability—he tackles the pressure society places on men to hide their feelings, instead choosing to let the music cry for him when he can’t.

Blending infectious melodies with unfiltered emotion, “Song Cry” delivers something for everyone: grit, honesty, and soul. It’s a reminder that sometimes, pain needs a voice—and Alsina gives it one you can feel deep in your chest.

SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

1. This Thing Called Life (N/A)

2. Job (Ft. Anthony Hamilton & Jadakiss) (4/5)

3. Why I Do It (Ft. Lil Wayne) (4/5)

4. Hollywood (4/5)

5. Hip-Hop (4/5)

6. Change (3/5)

7. Dreamer (4/5)

8. Been Around The World (Ft. Chris Brown) (4/5)

9. First Time (4.5/5)

10. Would You Know? (4/5)

11. Song Cry (4.5/5)

12. Other Side (3.5/5)

13. American Dream (4/5)

14. Look At How Far I’ve Come (4/5)

15. The Encore (4/5)

RGM RATING

(80%)

Have you ever heard of struggle R&B? That’s exactly what August Alsina delivers on This Thing Called Life.

Throughout the album, August opens up about the grind—hustling hard, navigating a system built for people like him to fail, and carrying the emotional weight of others’ pain too. It’s not just about personal struggle—it’s about empathy, resilience, and finding purpose through pain.

The production leans soulful, while August’s vocal performances tap deep into his emotions, resulting in verses and hooks that sound great—but more importantly, feel real. This isn’t your typical love-song R&B. This Thing Called Life is a powerful, moving listen that stands out from the genre’s current wave of surface-level hits.