Birmingham, Alabama-based hip-hop artist AU has delivered another compelling chapter in his career with his debut EP, ‘AU VOLUME ONE.’ A four-track release that serves as a raw and unfiltered exploration of East Coast rap, it follows the powerful statement he made with his recent collaboration with SketchTurner, ‘Dawg Leg.’
Backed by AU’s affinity for the classic boom bap sound, and a passion he says is inspired by “all walks of hip-hop,” the EP wastes no time in grabbing your attention with its opening track, ‘H.T.T.H.’ Driven by a pulsating, looped beat, the track immediately immerses listeners in AU’s world. His delivery is confident and steady, firing off bars with a well-earned swagger. Lyrically, ‘H.T.T.H’ sets the tone for the entire project, weaving together introspective reflections with a darker, cinematic narrative.
On following cut, ‘SURVIVAL,’ AU digs into a more soulful and nostalgic space. It’s a track built on flickering melodies that provide a warm backdrop for his lyrical prowess. It's a clear demonstration of his ability to adapt his flow to different sonic landscapes without losing his distinct voice.
The EP’s clear standout is ‘SOUL,’ a track that opens with a sweeping, almost harmonic backing that allows AU’s flow to shine. It’s a stellar track elevated by a short passage from John F. Kennedy’s iconic ‘Moon Speech,’ which is masterfully stitched into the fabric of the song. The overlap of those famous words, blending with AU’s verse to create an inventive and powerful sound, adding a layer of depth to the track.
The EP concludes with ‘P.S.P.,’ a track that takes aim squarely at the modern world. The song opens with a chaotic introduction before AU declares, “We’re on the verge of World War 3.” The instrumental is free-spirited and slightly off-kilter, yet it remains consistently engaging, reflecting the unpredictable nature of the subject matter.
‘AU VOLUME ONE’ is a bold and cohesive debut that firmly establishes AU as a force to be reckoned with. It’s an EP that is both an homage to the golden age of hip-hop and a fresh, modern take on the genre. His passion for the craft is evident in every beat and bar, making this a truly essential listen.
You can stream the new EP above on Spotify, and for more, be sure to follow AU on Instagram.
