AUGUST 08 in Los Angeles in August 2019.Photo:Scott Dudelson/Getty
Scott Dudelson/Getty
Singer, songwriter and producerAUGUST 08died at age 31 on Tuesday.
The Los Angeles musician was known for collaborating with artists such asDJ Khaled,Justin BieberandJhené Aiko, among others, in addition to releasing his own solo music.
The recording artist, who was born Ray Jacobs and also adopted the name August Grant, belonged to the music collective88rising, which shared news of his death onInstagram.
“It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of Ray Jacobs, also known as AUGUST 08,” 88rising wrote in a statement.
“RIP August the kindest and most talented genius you will be missed beyond words,” the statement continued. “Thank you for being an amazing mentor and a steadfast friend through all these years. 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.”
The post concluded, “Thank you for helping us be brave. We will miss you so much, love you August. 🕊️❤️”
AUGUST 08’s family also confirmed his death onInstagramwithout disclosing the cause.
The singer-songwriter’s sister shared a tribute, which included a statement from his mother Mena that said, “It is with our deepest sorrow that we announce the death of our beloved son, brother, uncle, singer, song writer, musician and mentor … He will continue to blossom and spread his love through his music.”
In the caption, his sister Blackie wrote, “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 continued. “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.”
Jacobs was among the writers of the No. 1 hit DJ Khaled song “I’m the One,” which featured Justin Bieber,Quavo,Lil WayneandChance the Rapper. He also worked on songs such asSabrina Claudio’s “Orion’s Belt.”
The R&B singer-songwriter released his debut solo albumFATHERin 2018. He followed the project with 2020’sEMOTIONAL CUHand 2022’sSeasick, which was out on Def Jam Recordings and made up of theTowards The SunandTowards the MoonEPs. ScHoolboy Q, Joji and Jhené Aiko were among features onSeasick.
To coincide with theTowards the MoonEP in summer 2022, Aiko announced she signed the AUGUST 08 to her label Allel Sound, under Def Jam Recordings, according toVariety.
AUGUST 08.Scott Dudelson/Getty
The singer most recently releasedhis single “Bruises”in June.
In a 2019 interview withOnes to Watch, he shared, “The most successful to me are the people who are actually on the ground doing this shit."
He also spoke about vulnerability in music in a 2018 interview withDJ Booth. “What I’ve learned is, you have to feel. You’re either going to be happy, or you’re going to be sad, but you have to take time to let those emotions out,” the artist shared.
He added, “I want those kids who are out there, who don’t have an outlet, to find an outlet to make themselves feel better because I never had one. I want those kids to find something to make themselves feel special. My high school didn’t have a music program, you know? I really want those kids to look at themselves and say, ‘This is what’s gonna make me happy. This is what’s gonna make me feel good about myself.'”
source: people.com
