5 Reasons You Should Listen To Austin Fortson's New Album Step Out Nights

Austin Fortson has been steadily building momentum in Charlotte’s rap scene, and his new album Step Out Nights feels like the moment where everything clicks. Spanning 17 tracks, the project was crafted over a year and a half in his home studio and captures the full spectrum of what the nighttime can bring. Whether you are looking for a club-ready banger or something more reflective for a solo drive, Fortson has it covered. Here are five reasons why Step Out Nights deserves a spot in your rotation.

1. It captures the energy of the night perfectly

The concept behind Step Out Nights is simple yet brilliant: one album that reflects every kind of mood the night brings. There are tracks that sound built for the club, songs that pair perfectly with a ride home, and quieter moments for when everything slows down. Fortson nails the balance between big energy and late-night introspection, making the project a versatile listen.

2. “Christmas In July” is already a standout

Every album needs that one song people can rally around, and Fortson delivers it with “Christmas In July.” With lines like “It’s a Step Out Night, fuck it we gon let it ride, I’m gon check this list twice” and “I’m the summertime Santa, come get on my lap, we been round the town every weekend I don’t need no map,” the track is fun, clever, and impossible to shake once it’s in your head. It is quickly becoming one of his defining songs.

3. The range is impressive

Not many rappers can convincingly jump from bass-heavy, turn-up anthems like “Too Easy” and “Here & Now” to more vulnerable cuts like “Toxics” and “The Ropes.” Fortson proves he can. The sequencing keeps the album dynamic, and the variety makes it easy to replay without skipping. It feels like he thought about every stage of a night out and soundtracked each one.

4. It shows real growth as an artist

Fortson has been laying the groundwork with earlier projects like Love and Hate 2 and Dusk Before Night. Those hinted at his potential, but Step Out Nights is the most complete project yet. The confidence in his delivery, the attention to detail in the writing, and the overall polish show that he is evolving fast and ready for a bigger stage.

5. It is authentic to who he is

What makes Fortson stand out is how real the music feels. The stories and imagery come across naturally, without trying to chase trends. You can hear that this project was built from the ground up in his own space, at his own pace, and it carries that sense of honesty throughout. Whether he is flexing on a high-energy track or reflecting on relationships and personal struggles, it all sounds like Austin Fortson.

Step Out Nights is more than just another rap release. It is a full experience of what the night feels like, told through the voice of an artist who is carving out his own lane. If you are looking for a project that brings energy, versatility, and personality, this is the one to play.