Listen to “SICKO MODE” by Travis Scott—the 808 doesn’t just provide rhythm; it delivers a visceral energy that defines the track.

"SICKO MODE" makes heavy use of 808s throughout its three distinct beat switches. The first section, featuring Drake, uses deep, rolling 808s to create a dark and atmospheric vibe. The second section, produced by Hit-Boy, features a punchy, hard-hitting 808 bassline that drives the energy forward. Finally, the third section, produced by Tay Keith, incorporates booming 808s paired with sharp hi-hats and trap drums, delivering a classic, club-ready bounce that defines much of modern hip-hop production.

Support Drum Patterns

While 808s are most famous for their deep bass tones, their origins as a full drum machine shouldn’t be overlooked. The original Roland TR-808 came packed with distinct drum sounds—snappy snares, crisp hi-hats, punchy kicks, and the signature cowbell—that have shaped countless genres. These elements can add unique texture, rhythm, and groove to your production.

Snares & Claps

The classic 808 snare has a short, punchy attack, often layered with handclaps to create a crisp, snappy backbeat.

Kanye uses 808 snares and claps in a stripped-down, robotic fashion, reinforcing the song’s minimalist yet powerful vibe.

Hi-Hats & Rolls – Tight, rapid hi-hat rolls are a staple of trap and modern hip-hop, adding bounce and momentum.

The rolling 808 hi-hats in this track keep the groove moving while complementing the hypnotic flute melody.

Create Emotional Impact

808s aren’t just for hard-hitting bangers—they can evoke serious emotion in slower, melodic tracks. By tuning the pitch of your 808 to follow your chord progression, you can create an emotional connection.

Drake's "Marvins Room" is a melancholic, slow-tempo track that uses 808s in a subtle yet impactful way. The production, handled by Noah "40" Shebib, features soft, filtered 808 kicks that provide warmth and depth without overwhelming the ethereal, lo-fi atmosphere of the song. The 808s help create a distant, dreamlike quality, reinforcing the themes of loneliness and regret present in Drake's introspective lyrics.

How to Create Powerful 808s

Crafting clean, impactful 808s is an art. Here’s how to get them sounding just right:

Sound Design: Choosing Samples

Start with high-quality 808 samples or synthesizers. Many DAWs (digital audio workstations) include preloaded options, but platforms like Splice or Cymatics offer professional-grade 808 packs.

Layering for Depth

To make your 808s stand out:

• Combine a Sub Layer with a Mid-Layer: Use a clean sine wave as the base (for sub-bass) and layer it with a distorted or saturated tone for added texture.
• Control High Frequencies: If your 808 has buzzy top-end noise, use an EQ to roll off frequencies above 500Hz unless they serve a creative purpose.

Example: Layering an 808 kick with a short acoustic sound can help it punch through in genres like pop or indie.

Tuning the Pitch

Always tune your 808s to match the key of your track. Tools like Melodyne or your DAW’s piano roll can help keep everything in harmony.

Add Character with Effects

• Distortion and Saturation: Adds warmth and grit.
• Sidechain Compression: Helps your 808 sit cleanly in the mix by syncing it with the kick drum.
• Glide/Portamento: Creates smooth pitch transitions—a hallmark of trap beats.

Pro tip: A/B your 808 tone with commercial tracks to ensure your sound is industry standard.

If you’re just getting to grips with 808s and this all sounds a little complicated, don’t worry. The best way to learn is by doing: Start experimenting with the sounds we’ve covered here, but don’t take it too seriously. Have fun with the sounds and get a ‘feel’ for the vibe you want in your tracks.

Tips for Mixing 808s for Different Genres

Different genres require different mixing techniques. Here’s how to tailor your 808s for the best results:

Trap

Trap 808s are often the driving force of the track. To achieve that signature punchy, hard-hitting sound:

• Boost low-end frequencies (50-80Hz) for a deep, heavy bass presence.
• Use pitch slides and glides for a dynamic, expressive feel.

Produced by Metro Boomin, this track showcases tight, rhythmic 808s with rolling patterns that complement Offset’s rapid flow. The deep, punchy bass and sparse melodic elements create an infectious groove that defines modern trap production.

Lo-Fi

For a warm, nostalgic sound in lo-fi beats:

• Apply a low-pass filter to soften high frequencies and create a muffled, vinyl-like effect.
• Add gentle saturation or subtle tape emulation for a vintage feel.

This track features soft, rounded 808s that blend seamlessly into the mix, adding warmth without overpowering the dreamy, melancholic vibe of the song.

Pop

808s in pop music should be supportive rather than overpowering:

• Keep the bass short, tight, and controlled to blend seamlessly with the mix.
• Avoid excessive distortion unless it serves a specific stylistic purpose.

This song features tight, minimal 808s that stay punchy and clean, allowing Billie’s vocals and quirky production elements to take center stage while still driving the rhythm.

EDM

Electronic genres like dubstep and future bass push 808s in creative ways:

• Add modulation effects (such as chorus or phasing) for unique textures.
• Experiment with reverse 808s or “fake drops” to build tension and excitement.

Skrillex’s signature sound design features aggressive, distorted 808s that hit hard in the drop. The bass is heavily processed with saturation and layered with other low-end elements, creating a powerful, club-shaking effect that’s common in dubstep and EDM.

Artists & Producers Who Have Mastered 808s

Looking for inspiration? Check out these artists and producers who have mastered the 808:

Kanye West

"Love Lockdown" features some of Kanye West's most distinctive use of 808s. The song was built around the Roland TR-808 drum machine and the deep, distorted 808 bass hits drive the song’s minimalistic instrumental, adding weight and emotion to Kanye’s Auto-Tuned vocals. The contrast between the sparse piano chords and the booming 808s creates a stark, haunting atmosphere, emphasizing the themes of heartbreak and detachment.

Metro Boomin

Metro Boomin's production on "Type Shit" relies heavily on aggressive 808s that hit with precision and intensity. The deep, sub-heavy basslines are layered with rapid hi-hats and crisp snares, creating a high-energy trap beat that complements the braggadocious lyrics. The 808s give the track a pounding, club-ready sound that is characteristic of Metro’s signature production style.

Flume

While Flume’s production style leans more toward experimental electronic music, "Never Be Like You" incorporates 808s in a more atmospheric way. The track features deep, resonant 808 bass hits that sit under the lush synth textures and glitchy percussion, adding warmth and depth to the production. Instead of driving the beat aggressively, the 808s in this song serve to enhance the emotional, dreamy feel, blending seamlessly with Kai’s ethereal vocals.

Mastering 808s with Melodics

Feeling inspired? Melodics can help you perfect your production techniques. With interactive lessons, real-time feedback, and step-by-step exercises, you can master the art of crafting powerful 808s and beyond.

Start your free trial today and take our course entirely dedicated to crafting basslines with 808s!