Building the Beat: Inside Legendary Roland TR-808 Tracks

The legacy of the TR-808’s boom transcends genre—touching on everything from hip-hop and R&B to techno and house. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the legendary drum machine, a group of musical luminaries breaks down their stone-cold 808 classics. Watch Arthur Baker, A Guy Called Gerald, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Jermaine Dupri, the Avila Brothers, Cozmo D, and Carl Craig discuss mainstream hits and underground classics from their discographies. The iconic 808 tracks that we break down are: 0:43 — Planet Rock by Afrika Bambaataa & Soul Sonic Five (interview with Arthur Baker) 1:42 — Jam On It by Newcleus (interview with Cozmo D of Newcleus) 2:19 — Tell Me If You Still Care by . Band (interview with Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis) 3:34 — Moist by Janet Jackson (interview with Avila Brothers) 4:26 — From Beyond by Carl Craig (interview with Carl Craig) 5:47 — Voodoo Ray by A Guy Called Gerald (interview with A Guy Called Gerald) 6:49 — Nice & Slow by Usher (