August 08, L.A. singer, songwriter and producer has died at age 31 on Tuesday.
His death was confirmed by his former record label 88rising and an Instagram post by his family.
Who was August 08?
August 08, real name Ray Davon Jacobs was a favorite co-writer for major acts like Bieber (“Sorry”), DJ Khaled (“I’m the One”), Quavo and Chance the Rapper.
His 2022 LP, “Seasick,” released on Def Jam in conjunction with Jhené Aiko’s Allel Sound imprint, featured collaborations with Aiko, Schoolboy Q and Joji.
Ray Davon Jacobs was born on Jan. 2, 1992. In an interview, he said his family came from Compton and that he grew up in Lynwood and Long Beach.
He discovered music through his extended family and childhood friends like Sheldon Young, a.k.a. producer Channel Tres.
Jacobs’ music drew from R&B and club music, which gave a wide palette for his sleek, lonesome vocals.
Recent singles like this year’s “Bruises” pulled from the same Black house music traditions that have captivated Beyoncé and Drake.
August 08 came to prominence as a solo artist as an early member of the 88 Rising artist collective, which produces L.A.’s Head in the Clouds festival.
He appeared on tracks with 88 Rising peers Higher Brothers, Joji and Rich Brian, and released his debut solo EP “Father” in 2018 through the collective’s label.
“No one is talking about … having father issues,” he told Complex that year. ”That’s why I think [the single] ‘Funeral’ is a very important part to the puzzle of opening people up, to realize that’s a bold thing to say to someone: ‘Don’t say it at my funeral, say it to me now.’”
He would go on to release several EPs and the albums “Emotional CUH” in 2020 and “Seasick” in 2022.
At the time of his signing, Aiko described August 08 as “an incredible writer, singer and artist whose music speaks to me on so many levels.”
August 08 is survived by his mother and two sisters.
How did August 08 died?
August 08 cause of death
The news was announced on Instagram by his former record label, 88 Rising, and confirmed by his current label, Def Jam Recordings.
“It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of Ray Jacobs, also known as AUGUST 08,” 88 Rising’s Instagram post reads. “RIP August the kindest and most talented genius you will be missed beyond words. Thank you for being an amazing mentor and a steadfast friend through all these years.”
The caption continued, “We are forever grateful to you and the joy you brought in every room, through every song. Your energy, guidance and care gave so much inspiration and strength that will be carried on always. Thank you for helping us be brave.”
A cause of death was not revealed.
Jacobs’ sister, LaSherry “Joy” McKinney, posted in a video that her brother died Saturday.
Peers throughout the music world paid tribute on Tuesday.
“I’m so heartbroken,” songwriter Bonnie McKee wrote on Instagram. “August you are so talented and I was loving watching your star rise.
We only did one song together but damn I was so impressed … You were so kind and a genuine pleasure to work with.”
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