Black August cover

Black August

Killah Priest · 2003

26 min · 15 tracks · hip-hop

A profound blend of introspective lyricism and gritty beats, reflecting urban struggles and personal resilience.

Why this album works

'Black August' received critical acclaim for its thoughtful exploration of social issues and personal experiences, solidifying Killah Priest's reputation as a leading voice in conscious hip-hop. It helped to maintain his relevance in a rapidly changing industry while influencing subsequent artists who sought to convey deeper narratives in their music.
Best for
introspective lyricism for reflection short bursts of impactful storytelling gritty beats energizing urban struggles
Context
Upon releasing 'Black August' in 2003, Killah Priest was establishing his solo identity following his work with the Wu-Tang Clan and as a member of the group Sunz of Man. This album marked a pivotal moment for him as it showcased his lyrical prowess outside of collaborative projects, building on the foundation laid by his previous albums like 'Heavy Mental'.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Intro
  • 2 Black August Standout
  • 3 Excalibur 3:49
  • 4 When I'm Writing Standout 3:44
  • 5 Time 4:00
  • 6 Robbery Standout 4:08
  • 7 Come With Me 2:45
  • 8 Musifiction
  • 9 Big World
  • 10 The Rain
  • 11 Deja Vu 3:25
  • 12 Rush
  • 13 Goodbye 4:34
  • 14 Do You Want It
  • 15 Breathe (remix)

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata