Breakbeat

Breakbeat is a genre of electronic dance music that has its roots in funk, soul and hip-hop. It first emerged in the mid-1980s, and has since gone on to become a mainstay of the electronic dance music scene. The roots of breakbeat can be traced back to the early days of hip-hop in the late 1970s. DJs would take the break section of a funk or soul track and loop it, creating a new groove that was perfect for breakdancing. The break section of a track is the part where the rhythm drops out and only the percussion remains – this is the part that the DJs were cutting up and looping. As hip-hop evolved throughout the 1980s, so too did the use of breakbeats. DJs started to layer multiple breakbeats on top of each other to create intricate and complex rhythms. This technique became known as ‘the cut-up’. Breakbeat started to emerge as a genre in its own right in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Producers began to create music that was specifically designed to be played in clubs and at raves. This music was characterized by its use of breakbeats, heavy basslines and a fast tempo. One of the earliest breakbeat tracks to gain widespread recognition was ‘We Are IE’ by the group Lenny D Ice. Released in 1990, the track features a heavily sampled breakbeat from the James Brown song ‘Funky Drummer’. ‘We Are IE’ was a hit on the rave scene, and helped to establish breakbeat as a genre in its own right. The early 1990s saw the rise of the breakbeat hardcore subgenre. This style was characterized by fast tempos, complex breakbeats and a fierce energy. Breakbeat hardcore is often seen as a precursor to jungle and drum and bass, two other genres that feature breakbeats heavily. In the mid-1990s, breakbeat started to evolve once again. Producers began to incorporate elements of house and techno into their tracks, creating a new style that became known as ‘big beat’. Big beat was characterized by its use of abrasive synths, heavy basslines and distorted breakbeats. One of the pioneers of big beat was the British producer Fatboy Slim. His album ‘You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby’ was a huge commercial success, and featured hit tracks such as ‘The Rockafeller Skank’ and ‘Praise You’. These tracks fused elements of breakbeat, house and techno, and helped to bring breakbeat to a wider audience. In the 2000s, breakbeat started to decline in popularity. Many producers moved on to other genres such as dubstep and electro house, and the scene became more fragmented. However, breakbeat continued to attract a loyal fanbase, and there are still plenty of producers and DJs who are keeping the genre alive.

The Chemical Brothers: This English duo has been pushing the boundaries of electronic music since the 90s. Their energy-packed breakbeat hits like "Block Rockin' Beats" and "Hey Boy Hey Girl" have become legendary anthems that still fill dance floors today. Fatboy Slim: Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim, is a British DJ and music producer who helped popularize the big beat sound in the late 90s. His innovative use of breaks, samples, and samples helped him create some of the most iconic dance hits of the era, such as "The Rockafeller Skank" and "Praise You." The Prodigy: This British electronic music group became a breakbeat sensation in the 90s, thanks to their unique fusion of techno, punk, and rave sounds. They captured the zeitgeist with hits like "Breathe," "Firestarter," and "Smack My Bitch Up." Stanton Warriors: This duo from Bristol, UK, has been at the forefront of breakbeat music for over two decades. Their electrifying sound and remixes have made them a household name in dance music, with tracks like "Da Antidote" and their remix of Basement Jaxx's "Jump 'N Shout." Freestylers: Formed in 1996, the Freestylers gained a reputation for their innovative fusion of breaks, hip-hop, and rock. Their hit single "Push Up" became an international chart-topper, and they continue to tour and release music to this day. Plump DJs: This British duo has been releasing breakbeat bangers for over 20 years. Their quirky fusion of breaks and bass has earned them a loyal following, with hits such as "Electric Disco" and "The Push." DJ Icey: Born and raised in Florida, DJ Icey is a pioneer of the breakbeat sound in the US. His energetic mixes of breaks, bass, and electro have made him a mainstay of the dance scene, with tracks such as "Love" and "Automatic Static." Elite Force: This British DJ, producer, and remixer has been in the breakbeat game for over 20 years. His experimental sound and collaborations with artists like Meat Katie have earned him a loyal following, with hits such as "You (Hybrid Remix)" and "No Turning Back." Krafty Kuts: This British DJ and producer has been releasing breakbeat anthems since the early 2000s. His funky, bass-heavy sound and collaborations with MCs and vocalists have helped him carve out a unique niche in the dance scene, with hits like "Bass Phenomenon" and "Talk to Me." Aquasky: This trio of producers from the UK has been releasing breakbeat hits since the mid-90s. Their eclectic style, featuring elements of drum and bass, dubstep, and house, has earned them critical praise and a loyal fanbase, with tracks such as "Bodyshock" and "I Like the Way You Move."

1. "Funky Drummer" by James Brown 2. "Amen, Brother" by The Winstons 3. "Think (About It)" by Lyn Collins 4. "Apache" by The Incredible Bongo Band 5. "The Mexican" by Babe Ruth 6. "Scorpio" by Dennis Coffey 7. "Ashley's Roachclip" by The Soul Searchers 8. "It's Just Begun" by Jimmy Castor Bunch 9. "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine" by James Brown 10. "The Big Beat" by Billy Squier 11. "Sing a Simple Song" by Sly & the Family Stone 12. "Impeach the President" by The Honey Drippers 13. "Give It Up or Turnit a Loose" by James Brown 14. "Love Is the Message" by MFSB 15. "Bra" by Cymande 16. "Bring the Noise" by Public Enemy 17. "Rock Creek Park" by The Blackbyrds 18. "Get Up Offa That Thing" by James Brown 19. "Funky Nassau" by The Beginning of the End 20. "The Champ" by The Mohawks 21. "Soul Power" by James Brown 22. "Cissy Strut" by The Meters 23. "Think Twice" by Donald Byrd 24. "Lick the Scratch" by The Crusaders 25. "Groove Me" by King Floyd

One of the earliest books on breakbeat was "The Breakbeat Bible" by Mike Adamo, which was published back in 2003. The book was designed to be a guide for DJs and producers who were interested in creating their own breakbeats. It covered the history of breakbeat, the different sub-genres, and how to create different types of beats using samples. One reviewer of the book said: "It's an amazing reference guide that not only covers the history of breakbeat but also explains how to create authentic breakbeats as well as how to manipulate samples to achieve unique and creative sounds." Another book that has been written on the subject is "Last Night a DJ Saved My Life" by Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton. Although the book covers a wide range of dance music genres, it includes a section on breakbeat that explores the rise of the genre in the 1990s. The authors offer insight into the various elements that make up breakbeat, including the distinctive "Amen" break, which is often sampled in the genre. They also discuss the role that breakbeat played in the UK's rave scene and how it evolved over time. In addition to books, many notable figures in the music industry have shared their thoughts on breakbeat. For example, DJ Icey, one of the pioneers of the breakbeat sound in the US, said: "Breakbeat is like jungle's little brother. It's the sound of parking lots, it's the sound of the street." This quote reflects the rough and raw nature of breakbeat, which often features heavy basslines and harsh, gritty sounds. On the other hand, Adam Freeland, another prominent figure in the breakbeat scene, had a different take on the genre. He said: "Breakbeat is the punk rock of electronic music. It's the only real alternative left." This quote reflects the rebellious nature of breakbeat, which has always been associated with counterculture movements and underground scenes. Other notable figures in the music industry who have commented on breakbeat include The Chemical Brothers, who have often incorporated breakbeat into their own music. In an interview with MusicRadar, Tom Rowlands said: "I still feel like we're using breakbeats in a way that's not particularly conventional. People always say we use the Amen break, but we don't use it in a way that anyone else really does."

The social context of breakbeat was characterized by a sense of rebellion and urban culture. Breakbeat emerged in the aftermath of the punk and electronic music scenes of the late 1970s and early 1980s, which rejected mainstream culture and celebrated individualism and DIY aesthetics. The social climate was one of political and economic unrest, especially in urban centers like London and Manchester, where breakbeat found its earliest audiences. The cultural context of breakbeat was driven by the DJ culture, which was influenced by the emergence of hip hop and the rise of electronic music. DJs were considered the driving force behind the genre, with their ability to manipulate sound and create new beats on the fly. Key figures in the early breakbeat scene included DJs like Coldcut, who formed the influential label Ninja Tune, and the duo Double Dee and Steinski, who pioneered the use of sampling and cut-up techniques in their music. The technological context of breakbeat was shaped by the emergence of digital sampling technology in the 1980s. This allowed producers and DJs to create new rhythms and sounds by manipulating existing sound recordings, including vinyl records. Breakbeat was at the forefront of this technology, with DJs and producers using samplers, turntables, and other tools to create complex and innovative soundscapes. Notable record labels that helped popularize breakbeat included Skint Records, Finger Lickin' Records, and Mo' Wax. Skint Records was founded in 1995 by Damian Harris and became one of the most influential breakbeat labels of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Finger Lickin' Records was founded by Justin Rushmore and Jem Panufnik in 1997 and was home to a roster of breakbeat artists, including Plump DJs and Soul of Man. Mo' Wax was founded by James Lavelle in 1992 and was known for its eclectic mix of electronic and hip hop music, including key breakbeat artists like DJ Shadow and UNKLE. Breakbeat also received significant coverage from journalists and other figures in the music industry. Music journalist Simon Reynolds wrote extensively about breakbeat and other electronic dance music genres in his book "Energy Flash: A Journey Through Rave Music and Dance Culture." Other notable figures included DJ and producer Fatboy Slim, who became one of the most commercially successful breakbeat artists in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and electronic music pioneer Aphex Twin, who incorporated breakbeat elements into his music.