“Breaks” is an umbrella term used to categorise a wide variety of related genres from Hip Hop to Drum & Bass. These diverse genres all share their roots in the “breakbeat”, a sampled drum loop often lifted from a record which is then sped up, re-arranged or processed to form a new “break”.

The most notable and instantly recognisable breakbeat of all time being that taken from The Winston’s “Amen, Brother” a B-Side from a 1969 vinyl release, known as the “Amen Break”.

In the 1970’s & 80’s Hip Hop DJ’s started using these sampled breaks along with turntable techniques such as scratching to build up new compositions live while performing.

During the early 1990’s the underground Acid House scene saw the resurgence of the breakbeat as producers began to incorporate them into their Rave tracks. This sound progressed into the breakbeat or Old Skool Hardcore genre typified by acts such as SL2 and early Prodigy tracks. This scene rapidly diversified to include Jungle (which relied heavily on the amen break), the forerunner to modern Drum & Bass. In the late 90’s Drum & Bass, steered towards a two-step style often featuring dark basslines with tempo’s ranging from 170-180 BPM. Modern Drum & Bass enjoys a massive following , with acts such as Pendulum redefining it’s new diversified sound as a genre reborn.

New Skool Breaks was another slower genre to emerge in the mid to late 90’s ranges in tempo from 120-140 BPM, often featuring a departure from the old sampled breaks for new home made sounds and was championed by acts such as Adam Freeland, Rennie Pilgrem and the US trip-hop group Crystal Method. This genre includes a large variety of styles and sounds ranging from chilled out pad-scapes to acidic and old skool sounds. Modern breaks artists in this sub genre include Aquasky and Hybrid.

Other slower sub genres are the sub-bass heavy UK or 2 Step Garage and it’s siblings Dubstep and the more vocal-laced Grime. These are typically around 120-130BPM with shuffled tight percussion sounds and “dirty” rhythmic basslines.

Take a look through our Breaks & D&B sample pack section.