documentary /2014

808

Director1

  • Alexander Dunn

Summary

Alexander Dunn's documentary on the Roland TR-808 drum machine, narrated by Zane Lowe and produced by Atlantic Films. The film traces the 808's failed 1980 launch as a Roland product, its embrace by hip-hop, electro and Miami-bass producers, and its enduring influence on pop and trap. Interviews include Afrika Bambaataa, Rick Rubin, Pharrell, Phil Collins, Questlove, David Guetta and Diplo.

Hip-hop relevance

The definitive screen treatment of the single piece of gear most responsible for hip-hop's low-end vocabulary, from 'Planet Rock' through Miami bass to modern trap. Essential context for any discussion of hip-hop production lineage.

Key cast1

Subjects1

Linked moments 0

No moments anchored here yet.

External

Citations 2

  1. B
    Wikipedia — 808 (film) Retrieved 2026-05-24.
  2. B
    The Guardian — 808 — The Guardian review Retrieved 2026-05-24.

← All culture