In the mid-2010s, Sean Miyashiro established 88Rising. Before the turn of the decade, 88Rising would become the most influential Asian American record label in the world. His roster featured rappers like Rich Brian and The Highher Brothers along with Niki and Joji, the first Asian artist ever to go #1 on Billboard's R&B/Hip Hop album chart. Another signee who endeared himself with 88Rising fans was an R&B singer/music producer named August 08. Although he was not of Asian descent like the rest of his label mates, August 08 was embraced by his colleagues and featured on classic anthems like "Mid Summer Madness" in 2017. After his departure from 88Rising, August 08 moved on to Def Jam Recordings, where he penned DJ Khaled's hit single "I'm The One." Sadly, August 08 has passed away during the last week of August. While details of his untimely death have not been released, his former label, 88Rising, took to social media to honor him shortly after the news broke on Wednesday.
"It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of Ray Jacobs, also known as AUGUST 08," 88 Rising's Instagram post reads. "RIP August the kindest and most talented genius you will be missed beyond words. 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. Thank you for helping us be brave."
Rich Brian, the biggest Asian rapper in the world, also paid tribute to his former label mate and "big brother" with a touching post on Instagram.
"Still struggling to wrap my head around this one," Rich Brian wrote. "Thank you for being a big brother to me ever since I first came to America, I got to be around u during all those sessions & it pushed me to be better cuz I didn’t know anybody could be That good and u always made it look so easy, when things would overwhelm me on tour id look over to you and u were always so calm and it felt like seeing a calm cabin crew during a flight turbulence n realizing it’s all gonna be fine, thank you for giving me honesty at times when I needed it, always protecting me & being an amazing human being, u inspired me and many others more than you could think, safe travels [August 08]."
One hour after Rich Brian shared an emotional testimony about his August 08, Niki followed suit with a heartfelt message on Instagram stories.
"Still in shock, Niki wrote." I cannont belive it. Rest in peace [August 08], my friend. You were one of the first people to vehemently believe in me, in all of us. Your tenacity for the life & music was palpable & inspiring. You were an empowering force & I learned much from you. It is so so unfair that you are gone. We love you very much."
A native of Los Angeles, California, August 08 (Ray Davon Jacobs) was 31 years old at the time of his passing.
Scroll up and swipe right to view the tributes from Rich Brian and Niki.
Source: Instagram
