Compton artist Yestrdy (Barshay Clay) has officially released what he calls the most personal record of his career—Blue Cadillac, now streaming everywhere. The song serves as both a milestone in his artistry and a heartfelt tribute to his late best friend and longtime collaborator, Ray “August 08” Jacobs, who passed away unexpectedly.
Known for his raw storytelling and genre-bending style, Yestrdy has built his name not only as a singer, rapper, and songwriter but also as a behind-the-scenes force with credits tied to Def Jam, Atlantic, BMG, and collaborations alongside Wale, T-Pain, DaniLeigh, and Tiara Monet. Yet, despite all his accomplishments, this release feels different—intimate, spiritual, and deeply personal.
Ray Jacobs, known professionally as August 08, was a Los Angeles–based singer, songwriter, and producer affiliated with the label 88rising and later signed to Def Jam Recordings and Jhené Aiko’s imprint, Allel Sound. One of his most notable contributions was co-writing the massive hit “I’m the One” by DJ Khaled, featuring Justin Bieber, Quavo, Lil Wayne, and Chance the Rapper. He also co-wrote Wale’s “Fashion Week” (featuring G-Eazy) and Sabrina Claudio’s “Orion’s Belt.” His pen, artistry, and voice left a permanent mark on modern music, and Blue Cadillac now stands as a deeply personal extension of that legacy.
Blue Cadillac was originally written with August 08 in mind for his next album. But in classic August fashion, he encouraged Yestrdy to keep the record for himself, telling him: “You need to keep this one for you—but let me add to it.” The result is the only track that features both of their voices on the same song, making it a once-in-a-lifetime moment preserved forever in music.
Yestrdy didn’t just perform on the record—he produced and arranged it from the ground up, layering live guitar from Jason Masoud with soulful textures and dynamic percussion. The record captures both festival-sized energy and heartfelt intimacy, reflecting the brotherhood and creative chemistry the two artists shared for nearly 20 years.
—Blue Cadillac isn’t just a drop, it’s a moment. It’s a story of legacy, love, loss, and the enduring power of music to keep memories alive.
“This isn’t just a song,” Yestrdy says. “It’s our story. It’s love, pain, growth, and everything we went through together. I want people to feel that when they press play.”
Blue Cadillac is streaming now on all platforms.
