The Roland 808 was born in 1980s Japan and was originally designed to be used for studio demos when you didn’t have a drummer around. At the time, there were more realistic sounding combo rhythm units that actually sounded like a real drummer like but every generation is looking to create a new sound. The distinct & truly synthetic sounds of the 808 was quickly embraced by the zeitgeist of emerging artists that ended up creating almost every form of electronic music.    

PUMA headed the celebration of 808 Day this year by dropping special editions of the RS-0 & RS-100 and throwing parties around the globe. Bodega hosted an in-store party that featured a full set of the original TR-808 programmed by DMC champion Lazyboy accompanied by legendary producer Braun Dapper of the Bladerunners. This set rebuilt classics and current tracks all on the 808 with acapella dropped on top. We also had a full sampler set by Medina 5k who won our opening set search contest and walked away with a Roland TR-08. Headlining was the undisputed world champion of wrecking MPCs, ARAABMUZIK, whose set expanded the third eye of everyone in a 700 mile radius.  

Jamie XX -Gosh

Public Enemy - Yo! Bum Rush The Show

Shannon - Let The Music Play

Felix Da Housecat - Kickdrum

Strafe - Set it Off

Kanye West -Love Lockdown

Hudson Mohawke -Chimes

Frankie Knuckles - Your Love

Talking Heads- Psycho Killer

Daft Punk - Doin it Right

Charanjit Singh - Raga Bhairav

SOS Band- Just Be Good To Me

Cybotron - Clear

Too $hort - Freaky Tales

Snoop Dogg  - Sensual Seduction