Short answers, pulled from the story.
Roland launched the TR-808 Rhythm Composer in 1980 with a list price of 1,895 dollars. The company discontinued production of the machine in 1983 after fewer than 12,000 units were sold.
Roland Corporation deliberately purchased faulty transistors to create the sizzling sound of the TR-808 Rhythm Composer. Chief engineer Tadao Kikumoto led a team that used analog synthesis to generate sounds rather than playing back recordings of percussion.
Marvin Gaye released the first US hit single to feature the Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer with Sexual Healing in 1982. The Japanese group Yellow Magic Orchestra used the machine at a 1980 performance of 1000 Knives and on their 1981 album BGM.
The Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer became essential to hip-hop because its powerful bass drum sound was used to create uniquely low frequencies. Hank Shocklee of the Bomb Squad production group declared that it is not hip-hop without that sound.
Roland discontinued production of the Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer in 1983 after semiconductor improvements made it impossible to restock the faulty transistors. The machine became common on the used market where it often sold for less than 100 dollars.
The Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer influenced genres including Miami bass, Detroit techno, and trap music through its use in tracks like Planet Rock. The British electronic group 808 State took its name from the machine and used it extensively to create a new type of body music.