Compton-born artist Yestrdy (Barshay Clay) has built a career on authenticity, versatility, and heart. A gifted singer, rapper, songwriter, and arranger, he’s worked behind the scenes with major labels like Def Jam, Atlantic, and BMG, while also collaborating with the likes of Wale, T-Pain, DaniLeigh, and Tiara Monet. His music, often rooted in acoustic R&B and layered with soulful, darker textures, reflects his unique ability to merge vulnerability with artistry.
But this Tuesday, Yestrdy is stepping into his most personal release yet: “Blue Cadillac,” featuring the late Ray “August 08” Jacobs.
Yestrdy and August 08 shared nearly two decades of friendship and brotherhood, coming up together in the Los Angeles music scene. They wrote songs, toured, and built their artistic legacies side by side—but never released a record together that featured both of their voices. “Blue Cadillac” changes that. It stands as the first and only official collaboration between the two, making it not just another single, but a living tribute.
The record also carries added weight for Yestrdy. For the first time, he produced and arranged a track completely from start to finish. With guitarist Jason Masoud adding rich layers and every mix decision handled personally, the song became a labor of love—crafted with intention, care, and the spirit of his late friend in mind.
Originally written for August 08’s next album, the track took a different direction when August 08 insisted: “You need to keep this for yourself… but let me add to it.” That decision gave “Blue Cadillac” its meaning: two brothers immortalized on the same record, bonded forever through music.
Though originally planned for August 8th, the release was rescheduled to September 9th, Yestrdy’s birthday. That timing is more than symbolic—it’s a celebration of friendship, artistry, and the kind of bond that lives on long after someone is gone.
With “Blue Cadillac,” Yestrdy isn’t just sharing a song. He’s sharing his heart, his story, and a piece of his greatest friendship.
