New Slang: "808"

4:00 am Dec 18 - by Tommy Trafton – buzz Music Editor

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"808" — noun

1. A reference to the TR-808 Rhythm Composer, a drum machine introduced by the Roland Corporation in 1980. Intended to be used for demos, the machine doesn’t sound like a real drum kit, giving it a signature sound that has transcended it’s original purpose. First hitting the mainstream through Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing,” it has been a staple of hip-hop since, with Kanye West’s latest release 808s & Heartbreak using the machine in every track.

2. A reference to the sound of bass from stereo speakers. Used as the penal code for disturbing the peace.

Example: “fresh like, uh; Impala, uh / chrome hydraulics, 808 drums” — Game in “How We Do”

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Last post: Dec. 18, 2008 at 9:54 am

J_fisher7 (Josh Fisher) said on Dec. 18, 2008 at 9:54 am:

No way! The cops really use 808 for noise disturbances? Crazy coincidence. I kind of want one of these rhythm composers now...

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