Breakbeat is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in the 1970s and 1980s. It is characterized by its use of drum breaks, which are short drum solos or rhythms taken from other songs and looped to create a new beat. Breakbeats can be found in various styles of music, including hip hop, jungle, drum and bass, big beat, breakbeat hardcore, and UK garage.
The term “breakbeat” comes from the use of these drum breaks, which are typically the most recognizable and memorable part of a song. They are often used to create a sense of tension or anticipation, and can be manipulated in a variety of ways to create different effects. Breakbeats are also known for their heavy use of sampling, where small sections of other songs are taken and incorporated into a new track. This has led to some controversy over copyright infringement, but it has also allowed for a great deal of creativity and experimentation within the genre.
Origins of Breakbeat
Breakbeat music originated in the late 1970s in the Bronx, New York City, during block parties organized by DJs like Kool Herc and Afrika Bambaataa. These DJs would take two copies of the same funk or soul record and play them on a pair of turntables, cutting back and forth between the two to extend the “breaks” – the instrumental sections of the songs where the rhythm section takes the lead.
One of the most famous breaks used in early hip-hop and breakbeat music was the “Amen break,” a drum solo from “Amen, Brother” by The Winstons. Another popular break was the “Think Break” from “Think (About It)” by Lyn Collins. These breaks were often sampled and looped to create new tracks with a distinctive sound.
Breakbeat music is characterized by its use of funky drum breaks, heavy basslines, and chopped-up samples from other genres of music. DJs and producers would often manipulate the breaks using a variety of techniques, including pitch-shifting, time-stretching, and filtering, to create new rhythms and textures.
Kool Herc is often credited with inventing the breakbeat, but the style was also influenced by other DJs and musicians, including James Brown and his band, who were known for their tight, funky rhythms and dynamic performances. Over time, breakbeat music evolved to include elements of techno, jungle, and other electronic genres, but its roots in funk and soul remain a defining characteristic of the style.
Key Elements of Breakbeat
Breakbeat is a genre of electronic music that is characterized by the use of drum breaks sampled from early recordings of funk, jazz, and R&B. It is a broad type of electronic music that has been used in various styles such as hip hop, jungle, drum and bass, big beat, breakbeat hardcore, and UK garage styles, including 2-step, breakstep, and dubstep.
The key element of breakbeat music is the use of breakbeats, which are drum breaks that have been cut and edited from other songs. These breaks are then used as the foundation for a new song. The tempo of breakbeat music is usually between 130 and 150 beats per minute.
Breakbeat music often features instrumental tracks, although vocals are sometimes used. The use of samples is also a common element in breakbeat music. DJs and producers often use samplers to chop up and rearrange drum breaks, creating new and unique sounds.
One of the most famous breakbeats is the Amen Break, a six-second drum solo from the song “Amen, Brother” by The Winstons. This break has been sampled and used in countless songs across various genres, from hip hop to drum and bass.
In addition to breakbeats, the use of turntables and drum machines is also a common element in breakbeat music. DJs and producers often use turntables to scratch and mix different tracks together, creating new and unique sounds. Drum machines are used to create drum patterns and beats that complement the breakbeats.
breakbeat music is a genre that has had a significant impact on popular music and culture. Its use of drum breaks and sampling has influenced many other genres, including hip hop, techno, and house. Today, breakbeat music continues to evolve and inspire new subgenres and styles.
