The Song:

Upon hearing a remix of Lana Del Rey’s “Summertime Sadness” by Canadian DJ and producer Ryan Hemsworth,San Francisco based rapper A-1 knew the track was perfectly suited to his unexpectedly somber reminiscing on real life summertime experiences. With a production style that he describes as piling “a whole bunch of aggressiveness and energy on top” of an already gloomy record, the Hemsworth remix allowed A-1 to explore themes of unrest, crime and violence among young people in the city that are often amplified by the brutal heat, long days and ample free time that summer provides.

While most people associate summertime and summer themed music with beaches, sunshine, parties and swimming pools, A-1 recalls two stories of gun violence brought about in the blistering heat of long days and nights. He describes a very true reality of life in the city, “When it’s hot outside the kids are out of school, people have too much time on their hands, people are irritable, people need money, the crime rate goes up…when you think about it, that’s kind of where violence comes from…too much energy and not enough positivity to channel it.”

Having explored these issues in his previous work – last year his music video for his song “Double Dose” was shot in various locations throughout San Francisco during the Giants World Series Riot – A-1 continues to provide a commentary about social issues facing young people in his community, this time aided by collaborator Sam Woostaar, who recorded, mixed and mastered the track as well as provided the artwork. And at a time when gun violence perpetrated by young people particularly spotlighted in the media, “Summer Sadness” couldn’t be more relevant.

New song with Fashawn and Berner called “Kush Jar” (produced by Nima Fadavi) off of Fashawn’s newest project “Champagne and Styrofoam Cups”. Just a little something for the hustlas out there.. Enjoy!

Everyone showed so much love. We had it rockin and Los Rakas killed it with like an 8 piece band it was dope. Only drawback was the girl that came up to me after the show and said “I just had to let you know.. you’re the worst rapper I’ve ever heard, You’re a disgrace to rap music and you’re ugly as f***.” Thought she was joking but she was serious. Hahaha guess you can’t please everyone! Thanks to everyone else who was there though! THURL!

#bathroomstallwisdom #sandiego #porterspub #almostshowtime

Settin up at the Hardrock Cafe in Vegas.. A-1 bout to get real weird right now. #Thurl.