Breakbeat

Definition

Breakbeat refers to a rhythmic style in music characterized by the use of sampled drum breaks, often looped and manipulated to create a distinctive groove. It emerged from the innovative DJing techniques in hip hop, where DJs would isolate and extend percussion segments from funk and soul records, leading to a new genre that heavily influenced electronic dance music and other contemporary styles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Breakbeat originated in the late 1970s and early 1980s, primarily within hip hop culture, as DJs began to manipulate drum breaks for dancing.
2. One of the most famous breakbeats is the 'Amen Break,' a six-second drum solo from The Winstons' song 'Amen Brother,' which has been sampled extensively across multiple genres.
3. Breakbeat laid the groundwork for various electronic genres like big beat, nu skool breaks, and certain styles of jungle and drum and bass.
4. The rhythmic structure of breakbeat often involves syncopation and off-beat accents, creating a dynamic feel that encourages movement on the dance floor.
5. As electronic music evolved, breakbeat continued to influence genres like house and techno, where its distinctive grooves became integrated into mainstream club culture.

Review Questions

• How did breakbeat develop from hip hop culture, and what role did sampling play in this evolution?
  • Breakbeat developed from hip hop culture as DJs sought new ways to energize dance floors by isolating and looping drum breaks from funk and soul records. Sampling was crucial in this process, allowing DJs to creatively manipulate existing tracks to form new rhythms. This innovation led to a unique style that not only enhanced hip hop but also laid the foundation for various electronic genres, demonstrating the transformative power of sampling in music.
• Discuss the impact of turntablism on the emergence of breakbeat as a distinct musical style.
  • Turntablism significantly impacted the emergence of breakbeat by elevating DJing into an art form where musicians could manipulate sounds in innovative ways. DJs used techniques like scratching, beat juggling, and mixing different breakbeats to create new compositions. This artistry not only showcased the potential of breakbeat but also inspired producers to explore its rhythmic complexities in studio recordings, further establishing its place in music history.
• Evaluate the significance of breakbeat in shaping contemporary electronic dance music genres and its lasting legacy in popular music.
  • Breakbeat's significance lies in its foundational influence on contemporary electronic dance music genres such as drum and bass, big beat, and nu skool breaks. By introducing complex rhythms and sampling techniques, it expanded the creative possibilities for producers and musicians alike. The legacy of breakbeat is evident in its continuous presence in modern music production, where elements of its rhythm can be found across various genres, making it a cornerstone of both electronic music and broader popular music trends.

Related terms

Sampling: The technique of digitally encoding music or sound and reusing it in a different context, which is foundational in hip hop and electronic music production.

Turntablism: The art of manipulating sounds and creating music using turntables and DJ mixers, playing a key role in the development of breakbeat and hip hop culture.

Drum and Bass: A genre of electronic music that evolved from breakbeat, characterized by fast breakbeats and heavy basslines, emphasizing rhythm and tempo.