Producer and author of Def Jam dies on August 8 at the age of 31.

He was considered one of the beginning authors of the new rap, died suddenly on August 8 at the age of 31.

In a genre that is in constant and continuous evolution, which in recent years has literally exploded with phenomena of the first magnitude, August 08 it was considered manna from heaven. Inspirational and extremely creative author signed an exclusive contract with Def Jam, a giant in the industry, and he was destined for extraordinary greatness in the future, especially as a writer.

August 08, sudden death

On August 8, Ray Devon Jacobs died suddenly at the age of 31. He was a performer and released some highly successful singles, but from the beginning of his career, also because of the writing style that seemed to make it easier for him to produce for others, his lyrics and loops satisfied several top notch artists, which put him at ease. , evidence of a large market.

August 8 was amazing quality: in the era of copy and paste and artificial intelligence, August 08 he was still one of those old-fashioned writers who, sometimes with a PDA, much more often with a pen and paper, could write dozens of poems in a few hours. With a unique feature of its kind: they perfectly matched the style of the one who interpreted them.

Not only. He was an excellent musician: as a child, he began working with synthesizers and electronic drums, succumbing to the influence of his roots. So ComptonThe Cradle of Rap takes place in the 80s and 90s where he was born and in Long Beach where he moved with his family at a very young age.

Wrote for Justin Bieber

He offered music of the highest level: among the artists who performed his songs were Justin Bieber and Jene Aiko, with whom he collaborated for a long time.

But also DJ Khaled why did he write I’m that one which today clearly emphasizes its qualities: “Today, rap artists are called to industrial production, and it’s no longer a fact that there is always something to say. There are times when the frenetic work associated with exhibitions can distract you from the fundamental creative aspects. In this sense, having a character like August 08 was very important. It is not given to everyone to write interesting, impressive things, respecting the personality and rhythm of those who will have to offer them to the general public … “

And that was obviously what I did best on August 8th.

It was thanks to these qualities of him as an author and producer, since due to his musical abilities he was especially skilled in working with sounds and remixes, On August 8, he signed a contract with Alled Sound.one of the labels Def Jam Recordings.

Death message

News of his death was spread by his sister Lasherry Joy McKinney via video and later confirmed by his closest associates and friends.

These are the words with which the Def Jam label

a true giant in the field of rap and hip-hop, expresses condolences on his sudden disappearance.

“The entire Def Jam family is mourning the tragic loss of Ray “08 August” Jacobs. A brilliant songwriter, accomplished musician and exceptional artist, August will remain in our memory as a beloved colleague and friend. We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
On August 08, he became famous as a solo artist, being one of the first members of the artistic group 88 Rising, which produces the Head in the Clouds festival in Los Angeles.

88rising also shared this news. on Instagram without confirming the cause of his death: “Rest in peace, Augustus, the kindest and most talented genius, you will be missed unspeakably. Thank you for being a wonderful mentor and true friend all these years. We will be eternally grateful to you and for the joy you have brought to every room, through every song. Your energy, drive and care have given so much inspiration and strength that will always move forward.”

Eclectic and holistic artist

Ray Jacobs also wrote and signed under several other pseudonyms. including August Grant. The signing with Allel Sound was formalized last July. As part of a song and lyric signing agreement for the company, Def Jam released their EP on August 8. To the moon which included the single water sign with the participation of Jena Aiko, one of the performers with whom she collaborated the most on August 08.

To the moon represents the second chapter of a very large project called seasickness whose first episode To the sun was released on Def Jam in April 2022.

On August 08, the debut EP was released. Father in 2018 and then Happy ending with an asterisk 2019 and from EP Emotional dick 2020.

Beautiful voice

On August 8, he painted in truly industrial volumes, and, to name just a few of the artists with whom he has collaborated over the past four years: August 08 boasts songwriting credits with Jackson Wang, Sabrina Claudio and Ty Dolla $ign, among others.

The reasons for his death are not clear. Apparently, it happened on Saturday, but officially became known only a few hours ago. And that it would have happened quite suddenly, probably due to illness.

Augusta Ray struggled with weight issues for a long time. and hypertension. That didn’t stop him from performing on stage not only with the inclination that rap preferred, but also with sharp RnB sentences thanks to an extremely extended and modulated voice that was very warm and pleasant.