This R&B and hip-hop hybrid from New Orleans first gained recognition in 2013, with his debut Def Jam single, “I Luv This S--t” featuring Trinidad James. He continued to build his fanbase with the release of his Downtown: Life Under the Gun. Alsina became the first R&B singer to grace the cover of XXL magazine's annual freshman list in 2014. He released his debut album, Testimony, the same year.