The Roland TR-808 has been called the cornerstone of rap music. It’s chest-pounding kick drum, classic cowbell and unmistakable clap have provided the instrumental foundation for rap, electronic and pop music for more than three decades. Today (April 3), the music world mourns the loss of Roland founder and one of the key developers of the TR-808 drum machine Ikutaro Kakehashi has died at 87.
Late last year, You Know Films and Atlantic Films released their feature length documentary 808 chronicling the incredible story of the Roland TR-808 drum machine, a small but powerful piece of technology that changed the course of music history.
Narrated by Beats 1’s Zane Lowe, the film features commentary and contributions from such superstars as Pharrell Williams, Afrika Bambaataa, Questlove, The Beastie Boys, Damon Albarn, David Guetta, Phil Collins, Diplo, New Order, and Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim), as well as pioneering producers including Rick Rubin, Jellybean Benitez, Hank Shocklee, and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.
The filmmakers’ three-year-journey concludes in the 808’s birthplace of Japan, where Roland founder Mr. Ikutaro Kakehashi at last reveals the untold reason for the machine’s mysterious early discontinuation, just as it was turning up on more hit records than any other drum machine.
Zane Lowe spoke on his involvement with the project, stating,
“I love this film. The 808 has left an impactful mark on my life. It’s been the driving force for so many of my favorite records, and I jumped at the chance to be involved. I wanted to learn more about how this incredible drum machine came to exist, and it’s been exciting to hear other people’s stories and what it means to them. It’s the magic ingredient.”
The feature length documentary is available today for download on the iTunes Store . Check out the trailer below as The Beastie Boys, Rick Rubin, Afrika Bambaataa, Questlove and Pharrell talk about the machine that inspired their careers and timeless music.
