The inspiring story of the Roland TR808, from the creation of Planet Rock which established it as a dynamic modern instrument, to how it defined hip hop and modern dance culture, through to its continued use today.
Direction
Dunn lets legends tell their own stories, no filter.
Sound
Every kick, snare, and cowbell isolated and worshipped.
Production
Vintage gear porn that'll make synth nerds weep.
Director
Alex Dunn
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Roland discontinued the TR-808 in 1983 after semiconductor shortages; working units now sell for thousands.
The 808's boom became the sonic signature of Miami bass, then trap — a 40-year lineage from one machine.
US
GB
