In music production, “808” typically refers to the Roland TR-808 drum machine, which was introduced in the early 1980s and quickly became a staple in electronic music production.

The term “808” has since become synonymous with the distinctive drum sounds produced by the TR-808, including its deep, punchy bass and snappy, crisp high-end. These sounds have been used in countless hip-hop, trap, electronic dance music (EDM), and other music productions, and have become an iconic part of music history.

In modern music production, the term “808” is often used to refer more broadly to any sounds that are similar in style to the classic TR-808 drum sounds. This can include synthesized bass sounds, percussion sounds, and other electronic sounds that share the same sonic characteristics as the original 808 sounds.

In short, “808” has become a shorthand way of referring to a specific sound or style of electronic music production that has had a significant impact on the development of modern music production techniques.