The 808 is such a fundamental instrument to genres of music like house music, hip hop, electronic music, even pop. I recently listened to an episode of "Switched on Pop" which analyzes pop music, and the episode reviewed the influence and rise of house music sounds in pop music. A music historian discussed this and the rise of house music - of note: how disco was very expensive to produce (requiring professional string players and other such musicians, studio sessions, etc). Instruments like the 808 allowed producers to create "cheap" disco --> house music.
It's a good listen: http://www.switchedonpop.com/41-breaking-down-the-house/
Keep making music!