What is an 808 beat?

An 808 beat typically refers to a drum pattern or sequence that prominently features the Roland TR-808 drum machine. The TR-808 was introduced in the early 1980s and became iconic for its deep, booming bass drum sound, as well as its crisp snare and hi-hat sounds.

808 beats are commonly used in hip-hop, trap, and electronic music genres for their distinctive sound and ability to create a hard-hitting, rhythmic groove. The repetitive nature of the 808 beat often creates a hypnotic and driving feel that is popular in dance music.

In addition to the standard bass drum, snare, and hi-hat sounds, producers often manipulate the 808 sounds using techniques such as pitch shifting, distortion, and filtering to create unique and dynamic rhythms. The versatility of the 808 drum machine has made it a staple in modern music production, with countless variations and iterations of the classic 808 beat being used in popular songs across various genres.