AUGUST 08

August 08 appeared to be a left-of-center R&B newcomer when he debuted as a recording artist in 2018, but he was well-known behind the scenes, most notably as a co-writer of DJ Khaled’s number one pop hit “I’m the One.” An affiliate of 88rising — with whom he scored the gold-certified single “Midsummer Madness” — August 08 was unflinchingly introspective with his own output, which includes the EP-length releases Happy Endings with an Asterisk (2019), Emotional Cuh (2020), and the two-part Towards the Sun and Towards the Moon (2022). The latter two EPs were combined to form Seasick, his official debut full-length. Also an arranger, producer, and experienced background vocalist, August 08 was a late bloomer and a quick study. The Los Angeles native (born Ray Davon Jacobs) was inspired to learn multiple instruments and compose after hearing Dwele’s 2008 cover of Bobby Caldwell’s “Open Your Eyes.” August’s earliest efforts were credited on several releases, under the names August Grant and Ray Jacobs, across 2016 and 2017. During this period, his most popular work was heard on Wale’s “Fashion Week” and DJ Khaled’s “I’m the One,” the latter a number one pop hit in the U.S. and a chart-topper elsewhere. In February 2018, August was featured on Rich Brian’s Amen album, and then he released “Funeral,” his debut single. These recordings, the subsequent hit “Midsummer Madness,” and the quick-to-follow Father EP established his partnership with the management, marketing, label, and artist collective 88rising. After Happy Endings with an Asterisk and Emotional Cuh were issued through 88rising, August struck a deal with Def Jam. His next move was the single “Keep Me Around,” trailed by a cover of James Blake’s “Retrograde.” Both tracks were out toward the end of 2021. During the front half of 2022, August began to roll out his debut album in installments beginning with the seven-song Towards the Sun and followed several months later by the six-song Towards the Moon. Both sets were merged on his official debut full-length Seasick, which landed that August. August 08 passed away on August 28, 2023, just months after the release of his final single “Bruises.” ~ Andy Kellman