In early 2016, musicians Common, Robert Glasper and Karriem Riggins found themselves in the studio, crafting the soulful backdrop of Commons 11th album, the politically charged Black America Again. The three friends had known each other since the late 1990s, so the camaraderie felt organic. It was such a real form of expression, says Common, whos earned three GRAMMYs, an Oscar, a Golden Globe and an Emmy. It felt natural. We all have an affinity for great music. As the trio created, they began to notice something different taking shapesomething rooted in the warm R&B sounds of yesteryear but still very much in the present. It was soul music with a modern bounce, a jazz-rap hybrid in the spirit of A Tribe Called Quest. It fully encapsulated the black experience: the serenity and pain through which we channel gorgeous art, the beauty and struggle of simply trying to exist. Equally peaceful and profound, the music they captured laid the foundation for August Greene, the newly formed supergroup of Common, Glasper and Riggins. The artists come to this project having reached great respective milestones over the years. Since 1992, the Chicago-born Common has uplifted listeners with his emotive blend of hip-hop and soul, releasing some of the genres greatest work, including 1994s underground breakthrough Resurrection (featuring the classic I Used to Love H.E.R.) and 2000s Like Water for Chocolate (a magnum opus featuring the GRAMMY-nominated single, The Light). In recent years, Common has turned his attention to the silver screen, appearing in high-profile films like Smokin Aces (2006), American Gangster (2007), Selma (2014), Suicide Squad (2016) and John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017). In 2015, his track Glorythe official theme of Selmawon the Oscar, Golden Globe, and GRAMMY for Best Original Song. Glasper, a Houston-born pianist known for his esoteric mix of jazz, rock and soul, has long created music that defies expectation. Across various albumsincluding 2005s Canvas, 2007s In My Element and 2009s Double BookedGlasper has occupied his own space in black music, straddling the line between mainstream and underground, gathering his own accolades along the way. In 2012, the musicians Black Radioa massive collaborative effort featuring Erykah Badu, Bilal, Lalah Hathaway and Musiq Soulchild, among otherswon the GRAMMY for Best R&B Album. Two years later, Glaspers Jesus Childrena remake of Stevie Wonders 1973 cut of the same name, featuring Hathaway and poet-actor Malcolm-Jamal Warnerwon the GRAMMY for Best Traditional R&B Performance. Then in 2016, Glaspers score for director Don Cheadles Miles Ahead won the GRAMMY for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media. Riggins, a Detroit native, is a world renowned percussionist and producer whose work can be heard on Kanye Wests The Life of Pablo, Kaytranadas 99.9%, and Esperanza Spaldings shape-shifting Emilys D+Evolution, among many other albums. As a beatmaker, Riggins pivots between wistful soul and gritty drum breaks, giving ample room for his featured artists to shine. In 2017, Riggins, Glasper and Common earned an award together; their Letter to the Free (from director Ava DuVernays 13th documentary) won the Emmy for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics. Featuring Brandy on a remake of Sounds of Blackness song Optimistic, with bassist Burniss Travis and film score composer Samora Pinderhughes, August Greene culminates years of mutual respect and friendship, channeling the musicians various talents into a cohesive project. The perfect marriage of jazz, hip-hop and soul, its music that just is. This is black expression the way God intended: earnest, unfiltered, and harmonious. Throughout August Greene, you feel the abundance of Glaspers rolling keys, the sheer honesty of Coms lyrics, and the nuanced subtlety of Riggins drum work. Its a fluid sound thats sorely needed in todays landscape, and a teachable moment for the next wave of creators. I feel like we need to set the bar for this generation of musicians and producers, Riggins says
