AUGUST 08, the R&B singer-songwriter signed to Jhené Aiko’s Allel Sound and Def Jam Recordings, has died. He was 31.
The Los Angeles native’s cause of death has not been revealed at this time.
Def Jam Recordings provided Rated R&B with the following statement: “The entire Def Jam family mourns the tragic loss of Ray ‘August 08’ Jacobs. A brilliant songwriter, an accomplished musician and a singular artist, August will remain in our memory as a beloved colleague and friend. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones.”
AUGUST 08’s sister also shared a statement on Instagram:
“As we all try to press through understand that we all come here to serve a soul purpose. I find comfort in knowing that my brother lived a full life of abundance. He was able to travel the world, and touch millions of people while fulfilling his soul purpose as a musician,” she wrote in an Instagram caption.
“I am proud to have a brother who lives on through music, and I encourage you all to keep streaming his records and telling everyone how great he is. 08/08 = infinity I give thanks to you all for the calls, text, and prayers. Please keep us uplifted.”
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Born Ray Jacobs, the R&B newcomer released his first EP, FATHER, on Red Bull Records/ 88 Rising Music in 2018.
He followed up with Happy Endings with an Asterisk, which was released Aug. 8, 2019. It included features from Goldlink, Duckwrth, Smino and Wynne.
In August 2022, AUGUST 08 released his debut album, Seasick, on Aiko’s Allel Sound and Def Jam.
The project included the songs from his two EPs, Towards The Sun and Towards The Moon. Both EPs were released in May and July of last year. The latter was the first project issued on Allel Sound.
“August is an incredible writer, singer and artist whose music speaks to me on so many levels,” said Aiko in a previous statement announcing his signing. “As a fellow Los Angeles native, I am so proud of him. August’s talent, love for songwriting and hands-on approach with his art is something I can relate to and have a great amount of respect for. It was a natural evolution of our friendship and musical collaboration to have him become the first artist signed to ALLEL Sound. I couldn’t be more excited to work with August.”
Seasick includes features from Aiko, ScHoolboy Q, and Joji. AUGUST 08’s single with Aiko, “Water Sign,” received an official video. The song has over two million streams on Spotify.
In June, AUGUST 08 returned with his single “Bruises,” produced by Kryptogram.
“Bruises are an expression of love through all. Been through a lot of heartache in my love life but I’ve always been able to put the pieces back together and move forward. ‘Bruises’ speaks to love and how it may waiver but never completely abandons us,” AUGUST 08 explained.
“Bruises” was the lead single from his next EP, Pretend It’s Okay.
Revisit AUGUST 08’s debut album, Seasick, below.
