808s & Heartbreak (2008)

808s & Heartbreak is the fourth studio album by the American rapper Kanye West. It was released through Def Jam Recordings and Roc-A-Fella Records on November 24, 2008. West recorded it between September and October 2008 at Glenwood Studios in Burbank, California and Avex Recording Studio in Honolulu, Hawaii, and produced it with assistance from No I.D., Plain Pat, Jeff Bhasker, and Mr Hudson. Guest appearances include Kid Cudi, Young Jeezy, Mr Hudson, and Lil Wayne.

West conceived 808s & Heartbreak following the death of his mother Donda in November 2007 and his breakup with his then-fiancée Alexis Phifer in April 2008. It marked a major artistic departure from his previous hip-hop records; West mostly sings instead of rapping, with vocals processed through Auto-Tune against an electronic production and minimalist sonic palette, including prominent use of minor keys and the Roland TR-808 drum machine. Lyrical themes include loss, heartache, and West's struggles with pop stardom.

808s & Heartbreak's announcement bewildered audiences, who were taken aback by its departure from West's previous work, but it debuted atop the Billboard 200 and received positive reviews, with praise for West's experimentation. It was promoted with four singles, including "Love Lockdown", which became the highest Billboard Hot 100 debut of West's career, and "Heartless", which was certified septuple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Numerous publications named 808s & Heartbreak one of the best albums of 2008, and its third single, "Amazing", was nominated for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group at the 52nd Grammy Awards.

Music journalists regard 808s & Heartbreak as one of West's most influential albums, as it had an immediate impact on hip-hop, pop, and R&B music; many rappers, singers, and producers adopted its stylistic and thematic elements. It has been credited with pioneering the emo rap and experimental R&B subgenres. In 2014, Rolling Stone named it one of the most groundbreaking albums, and in 2020, listed it among the 500 greatest albums. 808s & Heartbreak sold 1.7 million copies in the US by 2013; in 2026, it received a quadruple platinum certification from the RIAA.

Background

After the release of his third studio album Graduation in 2007, Kanye West experienced profoundly-affecting events in his personal life. On November 10, his mother Donda West died due to complications from cosmetic surgery involving an abdominoplasty and breast reduction. Months later, in April 2008, West and his fiancée Alexis Phifer ended their engagement and long-term relationship, which had begun in 2002. At the same time, West was struggling to adapt to a newfound pop stardom he had once wanted, often becoming the subject of media scrutiny. His feelings of loss, loneliness, and longing for companionship and a sense of normality inspired 808s & Heartbreak. West later said, "this album was therapeutic – it's lonely at the top."