Common, Robert Glasper and Karriem Riggins have formed a super group, August Greene, and have dropped their first single from their upcoming project, "Optimistic" featuring Brandy.

“August Greene actually formed before we chose a name, before we even knew it was a band,” explains Common. "Karriem, Rob and I go back many years. It was something natural. When I started working with them it was like, ‘man, this feels like home,’ and it felt new and fresh. We love working together. The music takes us all to new places and it just feels like, everything I want to be as a musician is within the group of August Greene.”

Back in 2016, the trio of talented musicians linked for an awesome rendition of NRP's Tiny Desk Concert at the White House—signaling the official connection that would eventual come into fruition. They performed their collaboration, "Letter to the Free" from Ava DuVernay's documentary, 13th, which went on to win an Emmy for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics (and push Common closer to EGAT status).

The rapper, pianist/producer and drummer/producer will link up for their debut live performance as August Greene at New York City’s Highline Ballroom onJanuary 26th for Robert Glasper’s sixth annual GRAMMY Joint.

Their self-titled album will be available on March 9 as an Amazon Music exclusive. In the meantime, take a listen to "Optimistic" featuring Brandy below.

 

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