Breakbeat

Breakbeat is a concept and style encompassing various music sub-genres and originated in the UK. A "break" — a sequence of syncopated 4/4 drum beats typically sampled from Rock, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Funk — defines it. Since the 1970s, the genre has grown in range. It spawns new sub-genres such as Jungle, Drum & Bass, and Hardcore music.

The term "Breakbeat" refers to the fact that the drum loops come sampled from a "break" in a song. A famous example is the Amen break (a drum solo from The Winstons' "Amen, Brother") or the Think Break (from Lyn Collins' "Think (About It)"). These songs have the foundational elements that eventually help create the breakbeat genres.

DJ Kool Herc is recognized for developing Breakbeat and laying the groundwork for hip-hop music. In the 1970s, he made a noteworthy musical contribution to the Bronx, New York City. Clive Campbell (his actual name) began isolating the breaks above from previous soul albums, often switched from one to the next, laying the foundations for modern Hip-Hop.

Derivatives of Breakbeat

Since the rise of Breakbeat, numerous derivative genres have followed. For instance, Big Beat is a synth-heavy electronic music genre born in the 1980s. It features renowned artists such as Fatboy Slim, The Prodigy, and The Chemical Brothers. Also, Drum & Bass, a new wave of electronic music, appeared in the 1990s. It's a quicker subset of the rave/jungle culture prevalent in the UK at the time. It incorporates elements of Hip-Hop, Techno, and House.

Many DJs succeeded because they could make recordings using breaks sampled from previously released records. Most of the sub-genres above share a similar tempo. For that reason, DJs have been able to build sets full of diverse inspirations and sounds. These sets include tracks that use the same "break" backbone.

Breakbeat music is a versatile musical genre with a fascinating history. It allows listeners to hear various sub-genres fused to create one distinct genre. It also inspires musicians and helps them learn about the pioneers who shaped the music industry.

Sampling in no way diminishes the artist who uses samples. Instead, it demonstrates mutual respect and affinity among the artists involved. Madonna's "Hung Up," for example, samples the beginning of ABBA's "Gimme Gimme Gimme" to produce a dance-pop single that is far from the original disco song. She approached the composers Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus for permission. This allowed both parties to appreciate the beauty of their music without infringing on or disparaging the other, which was the ultimate purpose.