Supergroup August Greene Performs ‘Black Kennedy’ Live on Heart & Soul

Common, Robert Glasper, and Karriem Riggins came together to write “Letter to the Free” for Ava DuVernay’s Netflix documentary, “13th,” which closely examines race, injustice, and mass incarceration in the United States. Their song won an Emmy, and it inspired them to keep their winning formula going. Enter their supergroup: August Greene.

August Greene’s self-titled debut album continues where “Letter to the Free” left off, lyrically exploring what it means to be Black in America today through a vibrant, frenetic blend of jazz, R&B, and hip hop.

During their “Artist Confidential” for Heart & Soul, the trio treated an exclusive group of SiriusXM listeners to live, intimate versions of their songs as well as an impromptu three-minute freestyle. In between songs, SiriusXM host Caymen Kelly spoke with the group about representing Black royalty, transitioning from solo artists to a collaborative group, and how each member has a unique influence on the music they create.