Los Angeles singer-songwriter August 08 has died at age 31.
“Your entire Def Jam household mourns the tragic lack of Ray’ August 08′ Jacobs,” Def Jam stated in an announcement to Billboard on Tuesday (Aug. 29). “A superb songwriter, an completed musician and a singular artist, August will stay in our reminiscence as a beloved colleague and pal. We prolong our deepest sympathies to his household and family members.”
Born Ray Jacobs, August was the primary signee to Jhene Aiko’s Allel Sound label and launched his first EP below her imprint in July 2022. Titled In direction of the Moon, August’s undertaking was anchored by his music “Water Signal” with Aiko. In direction of the Moon was the follow-up to his April 2022 EP In direction of the Solar.
“August is an unimaginable author, singer and artist whose music speaks to me on so many ranges… As a fellow Los Angeles native, I’m so happy with him,” Aiko advised Selection final yr upon signing him. “August’s expertise, love for songwriting and arms on strategy together with his artwork is one thing I can relate to and have a large amount of respect for. It was a pure evolution of our friendship and musical collaboration to have him change into the primary artist signed to Allel Sound. I couldn’t be extra excited to work with August.”
Earlier than August teamed with Def Jam and Aiko’s label, he beforehand aligned with 88rising, the place he labored with Joji on his Seasick album minimize “What We Used To Be.” He additionally paired himself with ScHoolboy Q on “Cutlass” on the aforementioned undertaking.
“RIP August the kindest and most proficient genius you’ll be missed past phrases,” 88rising shared on Instagram. “Thanks for being a tremendous mentor and a steadfast pal by all these years. We’re without end grateful to you and the enjoyment you introduced in each room, by each music. Your power, steering and care gave a lot inspiration and power that will probably be carried on at all times.”
In June, August 08 launched “Bruises,” which he referred to as “an expression of affection by all.” “Been by numerous heartache in my love life however I’ve at all times been in a position to put the items again collectively and transfer ahead. ‘Bruises’ speaks to like and the way it might waiver however by no means fully abandons us,” he stated after the discharge. “This video represents love in all kinds and the way irrespective of our distinction we are able to love by all. I really like how music can join individuals from throughout permitting for freedom of specific. I needed to pay homage with love and respect to the artwork and the neighborhood.”
On the songwriting aspect, August collaborated with Ty Dolla $ign, Duckwrth, Kyle and extra. He additionally co-wrote DJ Khaled’s Billboard Scorching 100 No. 1 hit “I’m the One,” that includes Justin Bieber, Quavo, Likelihood the Rapper and Lil Wayne.
