1. **State the problem:** Multiply the expression $$\frac{1}{2}(-8y - 4)$$. 2. **Formula and rules:** When multiplying a fraction by a sum, distribute the fraction to each term inside the parentheses: $$\frac{a}{b}(x + y) = \frac{a}{b}x + \frac{a}{b}y$$ 3. **Distribute:** $$\frac{1}{2}(-8y) + \frac{1}{2}(-4)$$ 4. **Multiply each term:** $$\frac{1}{2} \times -8y = -4y$$ $$\frac{1}{2} \times -4 = -2$$ 5. **Combine the results:** $$-4y - 2$$ 6. **Final answer:** The expression simplifies to $$\boxed{-4y - 2}$$.