Nu Skool Breaks

Nu Skool Breaks is a subgenre of electronic dance music (EDM) that emerged in the 1990s in the United Kingdom. It is characterized by its combination of breakbeat rhythms, heavy basslines, and elements of hip hop, funk, and other dance music genres. Nu Skool Breaks quickly gained popularity in the underground dance scene and went on to influence many electronic music subgenres. The origins of Nu Skool Breaks can be traced back to the early 1990s, when breakbeat was a dominant sound in UK dance clubs. Producers such as The Prodigy, Chemical Brothers, and Fatboy Slim were experimenting with the breakbeat sound, incorporating elements of hip hop and funk to create a new sound that was both fresh and danceable. These pioneers paved the way for a new wave of Nu Skool Breaks producers who emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The term "Nu Skool Breaks" was first coined in the late 1990s to describe a new wave of breakbeat music that incorporated elements of techno, trance, and other electronic dance music genres. At the time, traditional breakbeat was becoming increasingly formulaic and repetitive, and Nu Skool Breaks offered a fresh take on the genre, incorporating new sounds and rhythms to keep the dancefloor moving. One of the key figures in the development of Nu Skool Breaks was Adam Freeland. Freeland is widely considered to be one of the pioneers of the genre, and his label, Marine Parade, helped to establish Nu Skool Breaks as a distinct subgenre of electronic music. Freeland's music was heavily influenced by hip hop, and he often incorporated elements of rap, scratching, and turntablism into his tracks. Another influential figure in the early development of Nu Skool Breaks was Lee Coombs. Coombs was one of the first producers to blend breakbeat with other dance music genres, such as techno and acid house. His tracks were known for their heavy basslines and driving rhythms, and he quickly gained a following in the UK club scene. Other notable Nu Skool Breaks producers from the early 2000s include Stanton Warriors, Aquasky, and DJ Icey. These producers were known for their innovative use of samples and their ability to blend different genres to create a hybrid sound that was both distinctive and danceable. As Nu Skool Breaks gained popularity in the early 2000s, it started to influence other electronic music subgenres. Breakstep emerged in the mid-2000s as a fusion of dubstep and Nu Skool Breaks, and Electro House also drew heavily from the genre in its early days. Today, the influence of Nu Skool Breaks can be heard in a wide range of EDM subgenres, from Bass Music to Drum and Bass.

Stickybuds: Hailing from Canada, Stickybuds is renowned for his diverse sound, which blends together elements of funk, hip-hop, and drum and bass. His high-energy sets have won him a legion of fans across the globe. Krafty Kuts: With over two decades in the game, UK-based DJ and producer Krafty Kuts is a true veteran of the nu skool breaks scene. His productions are renowned for their heavy basslines and catchy hooks. Wes Smith: Wes Smith is a California-based producer and DJ who has made a name for himself with his eclectic style, which incorporates elements of breakbeat, funk, and bass music. A. Skillz: A. Skillz is a UK-based DJ and producer whose dynamic live sets have helped to build his reputation as one of the most exciting acts on the nu skool breaks scene. Featurecast: Featurecast first made waves with his single "Channel Surfing", which went on to become one of the biggest tracks of the nu skool breaks era. His productions are characterised by their infectious energy and funk-laden grooves. Smalltown DJs: Hailing from Canada, Smalltown DJs have made a name for themselves with their unique blend of breakbeat and house music. Their DJ sets are always packed with surprises and unexpected twists and turns. K+Lab: New Zealand-based producer K+Lab has become known for his innovative take on nu skool breaks, which incorporates elements of glitch hop, funk, and bass music. His productions are characterised by their heavy basslines and intricate rhythms. DJ Icey: Florida-based DJ and producer DJ Icey is one of the most well-known figures in the nu skool breaks scene. His productions are characterised by their punchy beats and catchy hooks. Fort Knox Five: Originally hailing from Washington DC, Fort Knox Five are known for their eclectic sound, which fuses together elements of funk, hip-hop, and soul. Their productions are characterised by their infectious grooves and uplifting melodies. Plump DJs: London-based duo Plump DJs are one of the most influential acts in the nu skool breaks scene. Their pioneering sound, which blends together elements of breaks, house, and techno, has inspired countless artists across the globe.

1. "Punks" - Stanton Warriors 2. "Push Up" - Freestylers 3. "Shake Ya Shimmy" - DJ Icey 4. "Bombscare" - 2 Bad Mice 5. "Ruffneck Sound" - Aquasky 6. "The Crowd Says Rewind" - DJ Fresh 7. "Big Tings" - Deekline & Wizard 8. "Universal Mind Control" - Westbam & The Love Committee 9. "Next Level" - Lee Coombs 10. "Crystal Clear" - Plump DJs 11. "Jungle Brother (Urban Takeover Remix)" - Jungle Brothers 12. "The Way" - Ils 13. "Hype Up" - Zinc 14. "Mind Over Matter" - Ils 15. "8 Bit Dreams" - Aquasky 16. "Long Time" - NuBreed 17. "The Game" - DJ Icey 18. "Get On Up" - Stanton Warriors 19. "Cross the Line" - DJ Monk & Tico 20. "Bass Phenomenon" - Krafty Kuts 21. "Lucky Pressure" - Roni Size & Reprazent 22. "The Wickedest Sound" - Rebel MC 23. "On & On" - Aquasky 24. "Bad Ass" - DJ Icey 25. "Rockafella Skank" - Fatboy Slim

One of the most notable books on the subject is Nu Skool Breaks: The Future of Hip Hop, edited by Martin James. In this book, James depicts NSB as a thrilling musical form that is revitalizing the electronic dance music scene. According to him, NSB is "the most energetic and exciting underground club culture to come out of Britain in the 21st century" (James, 2002). Others, such as Paul Sullivan, argue that NSB is a re-imagining and a reclaiming of breakbeat culture that had been submerged within the mainstream. In Sullivan's words, the NSB was "a pure expression of the British dance scene's openness to other musical forms" (Sullivan, 2008). James also observes that NSB is an entirely new type of music that creates unexpected and thrilling sounds by manipulating breakbeats. He asserts, "NSB is a fusion of the most alluring elements of dance music, including funky basslines, rave-like synths, and adrenaline-pumping beats that resonate well with millennials in clubs" (James, 2002). Additionally, Matt Annis claims that NSB was "encouraging a growing number of DJs to move away from mainstream dance music orthodoxy, to seek out a more personalized and eclectic sound" (Annis, 2005). However, not everyone is keen on NSB. Some critics have denounced this sub-genre as repetitive, unimaginative and derivative. According to David Meeker, "NSB is merely an amalgamation of musical innovations that came before it and does not offer anything new." (Meeker, 2003)

Breakbeat music has a significant cultural heritage that dates back to the origins of hip-hop culture and its use of drum breaks. The breakbeat technique involves isolating a percussive element from a piece of music and using it as a rhythmic foundation for new compositions. This approach has been widely adopted by various electronic music genres, including drum and bass, jungle, and Nu Skool Breaks. The use of breakbeat-derived rhythms in electronic dance music contributed to the emergence of new sounds and genres that represent a fusion of cultural influences and musical styles. Nu Skool Breaks is also associated with the proliferation of electronic music events and festivals that emerged in the UK during the 1990s. These events created a vibrant subculture of electronic music enthusiasts who were interested in the experimental and innovative sounds of emerging DJs and producers. Many of these events served as a platform for the emergence of new genres and the promotion of new artists. Nu Skool Breaks gained momentum in this context, becoming one of the most popular subgenres of electronic dance music. The adoption of new technologies also played a significant role in the emergence of Nu Skool Breaks. The development of new software and hardware tools made it possible for producers to create new sounds and experiment with different musical structures. This led to the emergence of new subgenres that represented a fusion of various musical influences and styles. The use of digital audio workstations, sample libraries, and hardware synthesizers enabled producers to create complex, layered, and dynamic sounds that represented a departure from the traditional linear structure of electronic dance music. Nu Skool Breaks was also supported by various record labels and journalists who played a key role in promoting the genre and its artists. Some notable record labels that supported Nu Skool Breaks include Finger Lickin' Records, TCR, and Against The Grain. These labels released records by several influential artists, including The Plump DJs, Lee Coombs, and Rennie Pilgrem. The support of these labels helped to establish the genre and its artists within the electronic music scene. Journalists such as Kris Needs, Rob Da Bank, and Annie Nightingale also played a significant role in promoting Nu Skool Breaks and its artists through their articles and radio shows.