Breakbeat

Breakbeat is a broad genre of electronic dance music characterized by the use of syncopated, non-straightened rhythms. These rhythms, or 'breaks,' are often sampled from old funk, soul, and rock records.

Breakbeat's origins can be traced back to the late 1980s and early 1990s rave scene in the United Kingdom. DJs began isolating and looping drum breaks from funk, soul, and early hip-hop records, speeding them up, and layering electronic sounds on top. This experimentation led to the development of distinct subgenres such as hardcore, jungle, and drum and bass. Over time, breakbeat evolved further, incorporating elements from other genres like techno and house, resulting in diverse styles like progressive breaks, nu skool breaks, and big beat.