What does 808s and heartbreak mean?

808s and Heartbreak is a hip hop album by Kanye West, released in 2008. The title references the Roland TR-808 drum machine, which is prominently featured on the album, and the emotional heartbreak West was experiencing at the time. The album's dark and introspective themes deal with West's depression, his struggles with fame, and his relationship with the late singer Aaliyah.