From 'Say You Will' to Legacy: Kanye’s 808s and Heartbreak

Welcome back to another episode of The Record Report!

DISCLAIMER: This episode came out before the Kendrick Lamar vs Drake Beef picked up. If you want to hear our breakdown of the music that came out, peep our full breakdown episode

In this episode of Record Report Podcast, Ahmad and Vance take a dark yet fascinating turn as they explore Kanye West’s fourth studio album, 808s & Heartbreak. Released in 2008, this project shocked the music world. While Kanye’s previous albums celebrated clever rhymes and soulful beats within the boundaries of hip-hop, 808s ventured into 80s New Wave minimalism, telling a raw and emotional story of pain, loss, and reflection.

The album, inspired by the tragic loss of Kanye’s mother and a tough breakup, became a pivotal moment in his career. It moved away from his signature sound, embracing autotune and stripped-down production to create an entirely new sonic landscape. Despite early criticism, 808s & Heartbreak became a cultural cornerstone, shaping the Blog Era of music in the 2010s and inspiring a generation of artists.

Joined by special guest Z (@ZTVInspire), Ahmad and Vance dive into their top three tracks, discuss the criticism and eventual legacy of the 808s, and explore its lasting impact on modern music. They also touch on topics like the Kendrick vs. Drake beef, Mr. Hudson’s role in the album, and Lil Wayne’s autotune era.

Stream now to hear their take on this groundbreaking project!

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