This is the Roland TR-808, the “808” in Kanye’s newest album 808’s & Heartbreak. West insisted that each track had to feature the Roland TR-808, he stated that he did not want any typical hip-hop beats.
“They’ve gotta be tribal drums.” - Kanye West
This explains the crazy drums in Lovelock Down, its exciting to see something new and different with a hip-hop artist. Hip-hop isn’t dead its just changing.
808 also happens to be the area code of Hawaii where Kanye worked on the album.
Recent comments