1. The penal code for disturbing the peace. Refers to the sound of bass from stereos.

2. An 808 refers to a drum machine called a Roland TR-808.

3. Sometimes a reference to Hawaii. 808 is Hawaii's area code.
"IM BACK WITH A 808 CAUSE IM BOSSY" - Kelis

"We be going boom like an 808"- Blaque

by ~Cookie~ August 1, 2006
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The Roland TR-808 Sequencer

Roland introduced this analogue synthesiser in 1981 and it was used in many 80's tunes. The sounds, when not processed by other equipment, has a trademark "hollow/tinny" sound. The trademark sound of this synth is the "cowbell".

16 total sounds, 12 voice polyphony. Midi In/Out
The Roland 808 is how an 80's garage band could get away with not having a good drummer.
by someone June 15, 2004
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808 often refers to the Roland TR-808 analog drum machine. It was released in late 1981 and was produced up until 1984. TR stands for Transistor Rhythm. The 808's insanely deep bass drum, snappy snare, and that weird cowbell sound are among the legendary synthesized drum sounds produced by this machine. You can hear this machine in popular songs dating back to the early 80's, to even today's popular music. Though, modern producers most likely use 808 samples.

If you want to buy one secondhand, good luck. They're very expensive with prices ranging from $1200 and up. For some situations, samples will suffice, but some people say samples do not capture the true nature of the TR-808. So wether or not samples are good enough is completely subjective.

Another option for 808 sounds are various hardware and software "clones" which set out to reproduce the 808 sound as faithfully as possible. Roland, who originally created the TR-808, has never made a dedicated TR-808 clone themselves, and will most likely never produce this legendary machine ever again. They have, however, offered 808 samples in many different products for well over a decade now.
"Nothing sounds quite like an 808."
by Alex_Edwards July 23, 2008
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What goes around comes around. Good and bad actions always makes a full circle back to you... Karma
He'll get his, 808...
by The Q B June 5, 2014
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1. The penal code for disturbing the peace. Refers to the sound of bass from stereos.

2. Refering to an analogue synthesiser called a Roland TR-808 used in many 80's tunes.

3. At times a reference to Hawaii's area code: 808.
"I'm back with an 808 'cause I'm bossy" - "Bossy" by Kelis

"Drop that 808/The walls begin to shake/It's too much for the club to take" - "ERFQUAKE" by Family Force 5
by katesnightout March 23, 2007
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The area code for the entire State of Hawaii.

Represent Island-pride.
Wow, I'm getting island-fever gotta plan a trip back to Hawaii cuz you know the 808 rocks!
by Tupu February 1, 2008
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old school Roland sequencer like the 303
Everybody gettin’ down, make no mistake. Nothing sounds quite like an 808
by SchmuckyTheCat May 9, 2003
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