Before Post became everybody’s favorite genre-hopping cowboy, he was rapping in braids and making this.

Post Malone is giving fans a chance to relive one of the most interesting periods of his career by finally putting August 26 on streaming services.

The project originally dropped in May 2016, despite being called August 26, so Post has apparently decided to finally let the title make sense. It was previously available through DatPiff, but now that the mixtape platform is gone, the project has officially entered the streaming era.

Listening to August 26 takes you back to a version of Post Malone who was much more closely connected to hip-hop. Fresh off “White Iverson,” he was rocking braids, soaking up the culture, and making music that sounded far more rap-focused than much of what he would eventually release. You get plenty of money talk, confident performances, and production that honestly could have fit someone like Roddy Ricch.

What makes the project even more fun is its guest list. Larry June (Before he was the man), 2 Chainz, Jeremih, Lil Yachty, Jaden Smith, and more all make appearances, giving the mixtape plenty of personality.

Post sounds surprisingly natural throughout the project. His recognizable voice cracks are already there, but you can hear an artist still figuring out exactly where he fits (Although “Hollywood Dreams” sounds very close to what he would eventually become). Personally, I think he became an even better artist once he embraced multiple genres. Still, August 26 is a fascinating reminder of just how different his early career could have looked.

Quincy

Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.