Breakbeat

Breakbeat is an electronic music genre defined by its highly syncopated binary rhythms and intense polyrhythms, creating a dynamic and often "broken" rhythmic feel that contrasts with steadier electronic styles like house. Its origins trace back to the United States, where hip-hop DJ Kool Herc pioneered the sound by looping the percussive "breaks" from funk and soul records. Early influences include the rhythmic accompaniments found in tracks by artists like James Brown, Herbie Hancock, and Lyn Collins. The genre has since branched into numerous subgenres, significantly impacting dance music culture worldwide.

Parent genreElectro
Sub-genresEdm 365Trip Hop 172Grime 141Breaks 124Bassline 121Future Bass 97Big Beat 65Uk Funky 332-Step 31Speed Garage 22Future Garage 20Footwork 13Hardcore Breaks 13Progressive Breaks 8Nu Skool Breaks 7Freestyle 5Footwork Jungle 4Acid Breaks 2Booty Bass 2Bubbling 2Drill And Bass 1Broken Beat
More about Breakbeat

Breakbeat is a family of electronic music genres built around the use of syncopated rhythmic loops — the 'breaks' — sampled from funk, soul and jazz records of the 1960s and 1970s. This technique, popularised by New York hip-hop DJs in the 1970s, evolved in 1990s Britain to spawn several major sub-genres: big beat, drum and bass, nu-skool breaks and jungle. The British rave culture provided the fertile ground for this creative explosion.

Breakbeat is defined by its irregular, syncopated rhythms, contrasting with the straight four-to-the-floor pulse of house or techno. Tempos vary considerably across sub-genres — from around 120 BPM for big beat to over 160 BPM for drum and bass — but the emphasis is always on rhythmic complexity, deep bass and a kinetic energy that compels movement. Sampling lies at the heart of breakbeat production.

The current scene is full of talent perpetuating and renewing breakbeat. Andy C is a living drum and bass legend whose technical mixing is a worldwide reference. Chase & Status have brought drum and bass to mainstream audiences with polished productions. The Prodigy took breakbeat from clubs to stadiums. Overmono represent a more experimental and lo-fi approach to the genre. Bakey and Of the Trees embody the new guard.

Electronic music festivals are the sanctuaries of breakbeat, jungle and drum and bass. Our breakbeat festivals section lists events where sound systems make thousands of fans vibrate. Sasha and Mall Grab bridge eras and sub-genres, while new artists continue to explore the endless possibilities offered by the rhythmic break — an indispensable pillar of global electronic culture.