1980.
1980-1982. The Roland TR-808 was officially in production for just two years—from 1980 to 1982. Around 12,000 units were manufactured and although it received support from early adopters like Japan’s Yellow Magic Orchestra, it wasn’t considered a commercial success.
When did the 808 machine come out?
1980
When the 808 first launched in 1980, it failed commercially. Initially, it was seen as a toy that made robotic sounds, rather than a serious instrument. Electronic music wasn’t in vogue yet, and Roland discontinued the 808 in 1983. Its main rival, the Linn LM-1, had a crisper sound and more sales success.
Who was the first rapper to use 808?
His name was Afrika Bambaataa, and his 1982 masterstroke “Planet Rock” is widely believed to be the first hip-hop single to utilize the 808. The song would become hip-hop’s sonic Magna Carta.
Why is the 808 so popular?
The Roland TR-808 was released in 1980 and immediately started making its mark on the way people created music. You can hear the original machine all over’ 80s pop, from Marvin Gaye’s Sexual Healing to Afrika Bambaataa’s Planet Rock and Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance With Somebody.
Why do rappers say 808?
As such, 808 has become slang for a “beat” or “track.” The phrase “heart beating like an 808” is especially common in pop songs. Because of its prevalence in lyrics, people who aren’t musicians or producers may still understand the reference to the 808 as a drum sound.
Did Kanye make 808s popular?
Closely tied with this idea of vulnerability, West revolutionized the structure of rap songs with “808s & Heartbreak.” As opposed to spitting over a beat for the entirety of a song, West added more melodic, singing elements.
Is 808 a bass or kick?
The difference between an 808 and a kick drum is that an 808 refers to just the low-end bass sounds that emanate from the kick, but not the attack of the kick drum. In other words, an 808 is the bass – the sound and frequency – whereas the kick refers to the actual kick drum or VST.
What drum machine did Beastie Boys use?
TR-808
The TR-808 is the Fender Stratocaster of electronic music. The programmable drum machine was heavily used by pioneers like Afrika Bambaataa, the Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, and Derrick May, and its plonks, taps, and thuds can be heard on hundreds of classic rap, techno, and dance tracks.
What drum machine does Kanye use?
While electronic hardware typically lingers in the shadows of the pop music world, Roland Corp’s TR-808 Rhythm Composer has achieved enduring, household-name status.
Is the 808 still used?
Though the 808 was unsuccessful, it was eventually used on more hit records than any other drum machine and became one of the most influential inventions in popular music. By the time Roland discontinued it in 1983, it had become common on the used market, often selling for less than $100 (equivalent to $272 in 2021).
When did hip-hop begin?
The elements of Hip Hop came together in the Bronx borough of New York City. It was the early 1970s and times were tougher than usual for the poorer parts of urban America. From a whole lot of nothing—and a whole lot of imagination—Hip Hop took form.
Why is it called 909?
What is a 909? 909s are a set of drum sounds that originate from the TR-909 drum machine released by Roland in the 1980s. The 909 is characterized by its subtle yet punchy sound that’s well-suited for house, techno, disco, pop and other electronic dance music.
Where do 808s come from?
Many know an ‘808’ nowadays to be a booming bass drum sound, frequent in almost all modern hip hop music. But the term 808 came from a drum machine that Roland produced in 1980: the TR-808 Rhythm Composer.
What frequency is an 808 kick?
between 30Hz and 60Hz
Ideally, the fundamental frequency of your 808 should lie somewhere between 30Hz and 60Hz . You might have a bassline and kick in your mix too, which also occupy that frequency range. If that’s the case, you’ll need to perform some puzzle-piece EQing to gel everything together.
Did Kid Cudi write 808s and heartbreaks?
Ultimately, Kid Cudi co-wrote four songs on 808s & Heartbreak, the first being the chorus for “Heartless”. West told Rolling Stone, “His writing is just so pure and natural and important.
Who is the most influential rapper?
Top 25 Influential Rappers of All Time
- 2Pac. The essence of an MC – lyrics, flow, stage presence (ie.
- Eric B. & Rakim.
- KRS-One. The Blast Master/The Teacher – the self-ascribed walking embodiment of hip hop.
- Nas. Probably the most introspective rapper to ever make an album.
- Ice Cube.
- The Notorious B.I.G.
- Jay-Z.
- Big Daddy Kane.
What is Kanye’s most influential album?
Popular on Gold Derby
- 1. “ My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” (2010) 39.34% of votes.
- 2. “ Graduation” (2007) 15.92% of votes.
- 3. “ The College Dropout” (2004) 9.31% of votes.
- 4. “ Donda” (2021) 8.41% of votes.
- 5. “ The Life of Pablo” (2016) 6.61% of votes.
What bass do rappers use?
Creating and Programming 808s. Whatever it is, modern hip-hop is dominated by 808s. We use the term loosely, but 808s reference the historic long bass drum sound first made popular by Roland’s TR-808 drum machine. In today’s production world, it’s hard to find a big hip-hop hit without an 808 or sub bass.
Does 808 count as a drum?
The TR-808 is most famous for its big, booming bass drum. The renowned 808 kick drum is a staple in hip hop, techno, trap, pop, and other modern music productions. However, mixing the 808 is challenging. Getting an 808 to cut through a mix is difficult.
Does 808 replace the kick?
Like if you use 808 as a substitute for the word kick drum. If you wanted a boom bap sound, you’ll never find the “808” that gives you that. You can find the kick drum that gives you that, but the 808 kick drum that gives you that literally doesn’t exist. Bass is just a frequency range.
What music uses 808?
The history of the Roland TR-808 in eight iconic tracks
- Marvin Gaye – ‘Sexual Healing’ (1982)
- Beastie Boys – ‘Paul Revere’ (1986)
- Whitney Houston – ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)’ (1987)
- 808 State – ‘Flow Coma’ (1988)
- Aphex Twin – ‘Xtal’ (1992)
- Outkast – ‘The Way You Move’ (2003)
