808s & Heartbreak is the fourth studio album by the American rapper and record producer Kanye West. It was released by Def Jam Recordings and Roc-A-Fella Records on November 24, 2008, having been recorded earlier that year in September and October at Glenwood Studios in Burbank, California and Avex Recording Studio in Honolulu, Hawaii. Dominating its production, West was assisted by fellow producers No I.D., Plain Pat, Jeff Bhasker, and Mr Hudson, while also utilizing guest vocalists for some tracks, including Kid Cudi, Young Jeezy, and Lil Wayne.
West (center) working on the album with producer and former mentor No I.D. (left)
The Roland TR-808, the drum machine which served as a primary instrument on the album
West performing at the 2008 Democratic National Convention leading up to the album's release
A billboard advertising the album in Chicago, 2009
Ye is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and fashion designer. A subject of widespread controversy and public interest, West is a significant figure in contemporary pop culture.
West in April 2009
West received early acclaim for his production work on Jay-Z's The Blueprint. The two are pictured here in 2011.
West in Portland in December 2005 as a supporting act for U2 on their Vertigo Tour
West performing in 2008
