August 08, the singer-songwriter/producer credited on DJ Khaled’s “I’m the One” and Jhené Aiko’s first signing to her Def Jam Recordings recording venture, Allel Sound, has died. He was 31 years old.
Def Jam broke the news on Tuesday afternoon with a statement that read: “The entire Def Jam family mourns the tragic loss of Ray ‘August 08’ Jacobs. An outstanding singer, talented musician and singular artist, August will remain in our memories as a colleague and dear friend. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”
88rising, the collective artist that August 08 belonged to, also shared the news on Instagram without confirming the cause of death: “RIP August the kindest and most talented genius, we will miss you beyond words,” they wrote, ” Thank you for being an incredible mentor and unwavering friend all these years. We will forever be grateful for the joy you brought to every room and every song. Your energy, guidance and care brought so much that is an inspiration and strength to us that we will always miss you.” .”
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Born Ray Jacobs, also taking the name August Grant, August 08 signed with Aiko’s Allel Sound in July of last year, coinciding with the release of her latest EP, “Towards the Moon”, which included a single Aiko “Water Sign”, along with “What we had to say” he and Joji.
Signing off, Aiko said of August: “August is an incredible writer, singer and artist whose music resonates on so many levels… As a Los Angeles native, I’m so proud of him. His love of songwriting and his artistic approach is something I identify with and admire greatly. It was a natural evolution of our friendship and musical collaboration for him to become the first artist signed to Allel Sound. with August.”
“Towards the Moon” is the second part of August’s début album project, titled “Seasick”. The first installment, “Towards the Sun,” was released on Def Jam in April 2022. The Los Angeles native released his debut EP “Father” in 2018, followed by 2019’s “Happy Endings with an Asterisk” and the “Emotional Cuh” EP from 2020.
Outside of his solo work, August shares songwriting credits with Jackson Wang, Sabrina Claudio, and Ty Dolla $ign, among others.
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