Roland x New Balance Collab
808 Day 2025: Roland Celebrates 45 Years of Rhythm Culture 🥁✨
Highlights: The Rhythm Creators animated video series debut, limited-edition New Balance sneaker and XLARGE lifestyle collaborations, SESSIONS Atlanta mixer, in-store parties, and more.
Roland Corporation celebrated the 45th anniversary of its iconic TR-808 Rhythm Composer today. Since its debut in 1980, the TR-808 has shaped genres from hip-hop to techno, trap, and beyond. Its unmistakable sound has powered decades of iconic tracks, from Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” to Beyoncé’s “Drunk in Love,” as well as countless underground anthems.
🎬 Rhythm Creators
Roland is launching The Rhythm Creators, an eight-part animated series telling untold stories from artists influenced by the TR-808 and TR-909. Animated by Detroit artist Vaughn Taormina, episodes feature narration from legends like Egyptian Lover, Prince Paul, Fatboy Slim, and Soul II Soul’s Jazzie B.
👟 New Balance Collaboration
The special edition Tiago Lemos NM808 x Roland sneaker returns, merging skateboarding, hip-hop, and fashion. To celebrate, Roland and New Balance will host an exclusive mixer at SESSIONS Atlanta, run by legendary producer Tricky Stewart, featuring Sonny Digital, Mix Master David, and Don Cannon.
The sneakers drop August 8, 10:00 a.m. EDT for $114.99 at newbalance.com.
🛍️ Roland Retail Celebrations: Tokyo & London
In Tokyo’s Harajuku District, Roland partners with streetwear brand XLARGE for an 808 Day party, with live sets by REMO-CON, Yebisu303, and Ken Plus Ichiro, plus the exclusive XLARGE x 808 capsule collection (tees, hoodies, accessories).
In London, the Roland Store hosts another celebration with DJ Complexion and worldwide access to the XLARGE x 808 collection.
☁️ Roland Cloud
Hip-hop pioneer Arabian Prince joins Roland Cloud with an exclusive TR-808 sound pack. Until September 9, the TR-808 Software Rhythm Composer is available for $49.
Explore more on Roland’s official TR-808 promo page: roland.com.
About Roland Corporation
For over 50 years, Roland has created trendsetting musical instruments and multimedia products for hobbyists and professionals worldwide. Its brands include BOSS, V-MODA, Drum Workshop, PDP, Latin Percussion, and Slingerland.
