August Alsina "Hurt" Over Botched American Music Awards Performance

After August Alsina‘s inaugural appearance at the 2016 American Music Awards last Sunday (November 20), the R&B singer was left hurt and confused. During the live performance of the Major Key track “Do You Mind” with DJ Khaled, Nicki Minaj, Future, and Rick Ross, Alsina experienced technical difficulties with his microphone, but to the viewers, it looked like he was lip-syncing.

Initially, it seemed as if he was able to shrug it off, but according to a recent Instagram post, he’s clearly still upset. Alsina says he learned his mic’s audio was purposely nixed. The post features a screenshot of a text message thread from an unidentified person alleging the AMA tech staff was given instructions not to run his mic to live television.

Woke up to this message.. This Has bothered my spirit for the longest time , I'm more confused than yesterday. Is it because I'm new and that was my first introduction to the AMA world? Is it because I'm black and you don't know what to expect ? Is it because of my past that you may be trying to bind me to ? Or Is this pure hate and just to rob me of a moment? To make people think I'm lip syncing as if I'm not even a person who tries! Someone whose not serious about his craft. I'm from the bottom where if we don't do anything else, we TRY! And last night I not only tried but DID & conquered & it's as if it never happened. Someone help me understand.. Im sorry for rambling but I'm just confused. I went into this with the most reverence for your establishment and platform only to be failed in return. You may have muted my mic to TV but you can't mute reality and the infection of that crowd rock. The response from people in that building afterward. A really sweet older & very graceful white woman had an interaction after the performance on my way to the restroom & she said "wow, you were just magical up there, how do I not know you." She then went on to apologize to me & said I'm sorry (which I was confused about) so I asked why for clarity. She said "with what I just saw and felt you should be lots of awards at this place". I kindly smiled and said Thankyou with the most gratitude & honor & formally introduced myself to her and went to shake her hand. She ended with "ohhhh trust me, I know who you are now.. You're unforgettable"! So I am just completely and utterly confused. Once again though, I will say Thankyou for the opportunity AMA's. Through it all, Allah keeps on blessing me. #DoUMind is the number one record in the country God is my Solid Rock!

A photo posted by Yungin' (@augustalsina) on Nov 21, 2016 at 7:04pm PST

“Woke up to this message,” the caption begins. “This Has bothered my spirit for the longest time, I’m more confused than yesterday. Is it because I’m new and that was my first introduction to the AMA world? Is it because I’m black and you don’t know what to expect ? Is it because of my past that you may be trying to bind me to ? Or Is this pure hate and just to rob me of a moment? To make people think I’m lip syncing as if I’m not even a person who tries!”