Pharrell, Afrika Bambaataa & Questlove Speak on History of 808 Machines in New Doc

Ever wonder where some of your favorite hip-hop beats come from? Well, Pharrell, Questlove and Afrika Bambaataa, among others, are at the center of a new film titled '808,' which explores how the drum and bass machine helped music (especially hip-hop) evolve.

The doc details the creation of the Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer, which made beatmaking simpler and much cheaper compared to the Linn LM-1, another machine that would cost you at least $4,000 or more. One of the most well-known tracks to use this machine in the early days was 'Planet Rock' by Akrika Bambaataa and the Soulsonic Force. With synths replacing actual drums, it has now become an iconic beat that brings listeners straight back to the '80s upon a first listen.

"'Planet Rock' switches did something else, too," Pharrell explains in the documentary's trailer. "We never heard anything like it."

Produced by Atlantic Records, the doc also features Arthur Baker, David Guetta, Phil Collins, Lil Jon, Norman Cook, otherwise known as Fatboy Slim, Rick Rubin, Diplo and Goldie.

While there is no release date yet, the trailer above is enough to grab any music nerd or producer's interest.